President Masoud Barzani Receives US Chargé d'Affaires In Pirmam

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) - President Masoud Barzani received US Chargé d'Affaires Steve Fagin at his Pirmam residence on Wednesday in a meeting also attended by US Consul General in Erbil Gwendolyn Windgrove Green, during which Iraq's political situation was discussed, the US side reaffirmed its commitment to the security and stability of the Kurdistan Region and Iraq, and Barzani stressed that KDP policy has always been built on constitutional foundations, partnership, balance, and constructive engagement with Baghdad.

Barzani On Iraq's Political Path

Fagin thanked President Barzani for his consistent and close support of Iraq's political process. Barzani responded by noting that his approach to relations with Iraq has always been based on constitutional principles and the values of partnership, balance, and reconciliation, adding that had previous Iraqi governments adhered to these same principles, Iraq and all its communities would have achieved far greater gains. He confirmed the KDP's support for the current Iraqi prime minister within the framework of the constitution and the protection of the legitimate rights of the Kurdish people as enshrined in the Iraqi constitution.

Christian Community Rights

Barzani specifically raised the rights of Kurdistan's Christian community, emphasizing support for Christian brothers and sisters on the basis of constitutional rights, respect, and partnership. He stressed that the communities of Kurdistan must decide their own fate themselves, and that no one should make decisions on their behalf. He highlighted the importance of amending the electoral law so that Christian brothers and sisters have their own genuine will and no one decides in their place.

Regional Situation And KDP's Stance

On the broader regional situation, Barzani said the KDP's policy has been clear from the outset: "We have not been part of the complications and we will not be part of the conflicts and problems. At the same time, we believe it is best for all parties to resolve their disputes through dialogue, diplomacy, and political means."

The US Reaffirmation

The American delegation reaffirmed Washington's commitment to the security and stability of Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, and conveyed clearly that the end of the coalition's mission does not mean the end of America's commitment to the Kurdistan Region and Iraq. They noted that in the past the coalition was present at Iraq's request and defeated ISIS in cooperation with the Peshmerga and Iraqi forces, and stressed that the United States remains committed to the Kurdistan Region and Iraq in security, economic, political, and military terms within the framework of bilateral relations.