Tillerson to PM Barzani: US encourages Iraq to start dialogue with Kurdistan

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region (Kurdistan 24) – The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Prime Minister on Saturday received a phone call from the US Secretary of State, discussing Erbil-Baghdad relations.  

According to a statement released on the KRG website, Nechirvan Barzani, the KRG PM and Rex Tillerson, the US Secretary of State spoke over the phone on Saturday where they both emphasized on dialogues between Erbil and Baghdad to resolve the issues.

Tillerson stated that Washington is in contact with Baghdad and is encouraging the Iraqi government to create a suitable ground to start a serious dialogue with the Kurdistan Region to reach an agreement.

Tillerson expressed his satisfaction with the easing of clashes at the frontlines of the Peshmerga and Iraqi forces, praising both sides’ state of restraint in maintaining calm.

Tillerson also praised the KRG for respecting the interpretation of the Iraqi Federal Court in regards to the Constitution.

In the phone call, Tillerson offered condolences and sympathy for the victims of the earthquake that hit the Kurdistan Region on Sunday, expressing his country’s readiness to provide aids.

In response, the KRG PM Barzani reiterated the Kurdistan Region’s readiness to resolve all problems with the Iraqi government through dialogue and on the basis of the Constitution, hoping that the US and Coalition will play their role to mediate between Erbil and Baghdad.

According to the statement, Barzani stressed the need to lift sanctions on the Kurdistan Region’s airports especially with the increased need for humanitarian assistance as most of the aid provided to the displaced and the refugees were delivered to the Region through the airports.

Editing by Sam A.