KRG Seeks Continued U.S. Support as Peshmerga Talks Remain Ongoing
KRG Interior Minister Reber Ahmed says talks with U.S. officials over Peshmerga support continue, but no final decision has been reached on future military and financial aid.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) - The Kurdistan Regional Government hopes U.S. military and financial assistance to the Peshmerga will continue, Interior Minister Reber Ahmed said Saturday, while noting that ongoing discussions with the Pentagon and other American officials have not yet produced a final decision.
Speaking to reporters, Ahmed said the issue primarily falls under the authority of the KRG Ministry of Peshmerga Affairs, but that exchanges have taken place both in the Kurdistan Region and the United States.
"To the best of my knowledge, visits, discussions and exchanges have taken place both here and in the United States between delegations from the Ministry of Peshmerga Affairs and Pentagon and other U.S. officials," Ahmed said.
"No final decision has yet been reached," he added/
He nevertheless stressed the importance of continued American support.
"We hope that U.S. support, both military and financial, will continue because the Kurdistan Region needs it," Ahmed said. "I believe Iraq has an even greater need for this assistance."
U.S. assistance has for years formed an important part of international support for the Peshmerga, particularly in training, equipment, institutional reform and efforts connected to the fight against ISIS.
Missile and drone threats remain central concern
Ahmed also said the Kurdistan Region remains in continuous communication with Baghdad at multiple levels over security, military, economic and financial issues.
At the highest level, he said KRG Prime Minister Masrour Barzani maintains regular contact with the federal prime minister and discusses emerging issues as they arise.
Committee meetings and reciprocal visits between Erbil and Baghdad are also continuing.
"We have good relations with federal institutions on security and military matters," Ahmed said.
The main security concern, however, remains the threat posed by drone and missile attacks against the Kurdistan Region and the wider area.
Ahmed said the issue is discussed with both the federal government and Coalition forces.
The KRG is seeking not only an end to such attacks but also access to equipment capable of strengthening the Kurdistan Region's defensive capacity.
The objective, he said, is to prevent future attacks from threatening civilians or destabilizing the Region.
The remarks underscore the connection between the KRG's interest in continued U.S. assistance and its wider push to strengthen air and missile defenses amid repeated regional security threats.
ASYCUDA implementation still pending
Ahmed also addressed the delayed implementation of ASYCUDA, the computerized customs-management system developed by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development.
He said the issue remains unresolved but that KRG and federal representatives had agreed on a number of proposals during discussions at Iraq's Ministerial Council for the Economy.
Those proposals are expected to be referred to the federal Council of Ministers for a final decision.
"We hope they will be approved," Ahmed said.
Implementation of ASYCUDA has been part of broader Erbil-Baghdad discussions concerning customs administration and economic coordination.
Girda Rash arrests to go before courts
The interior minister separately commented on recent tensions around Girda Rash village and nearby areas.
Ahmed said several individuals periodically attempt to create unrest in the area and stressed that anyone carrying weapons unlawfully or confronting internal security or Peshmerga forces would be dealt with under the law, regardless of institutional affiliation.
"Anyone who has been arrested, whether affiliated with an official body, the Peshmerga, another institution or acting as a civilian, will be dealt with according to the law," he said.
Ahmed said those detained had been arrested during an attempt to move several individuals described as troublemakers from Erbil to another location.
Their cases will now be handled by the courts, he said.
Across the issues he addressed Saturday, Ahmed emphasized continuing coordination with Baghdad and international partners while presenting stronger defensive capabilities as a central priority.
For the Peshmerga in particular, the immediate question remains whether Washington will formally continue the military and financial assistance that the KRG says remains necessary amid persistent regional security threats.