Peshmerga Minister Reaffirms US-KRG Military Ties, Calls for Continued Coalition Support
The KRG and the U.S. reaffirmed their cooperation, as the Kurdistan Region’s Peshmerga Minister met with Iraq’s President and U.S. officials in Baghdad to push for delayed salary payments, citing the “difficult financial situation” and urging the swift implementation of the Erbil-Baghdad agreement.
By Kamaran Aziz
ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – Kurdistan Region’s Minister of Peshmerga, Shorish Ismail, traveled to Baghdad for high-level meetings with senior Iraqi and US officials to press for the payment of salaries for the Peshmerga and public employees, highlighting their "difficult financial situation."
The minister’s visit came upon an official invitation from General Michael Kurilla, the Commander of the US Central Command.
During his trip, the Minister of Peshmerga met with Iraqi President Latif Jamal Rashid at the Republican Palace. In the meeting, the two discussed the latest security developments in Iraq and the region, the relationship between the Iraqi Army and the Ministry of Peshmerga, and specifically focused on the issue of salaries for Kurdistan's employees and the Peshmerga forces.
Regarding the financial issue, the Minister of Peshmerga stated, "The employees of the Kurdistan Region, particularly the Peshmerga forces of Kurdistan, are in a difficult financial situation. However, with a high patriotic will and determination, they resiliently continue to protect the peace and security of the Kurdistan Region and the area."
He expressed hope that the understanding between the Kurdistan Regional Government and the Iraqi government would be "implemented as soon as possible and that the salaries for employees and the Peshmerga would be sent swiftly."
As part of his official visit, the minister participated in the change-of-command ceremony for the US and Coalition forces in Iraq and Syria. He praised the role of the outgoing commander, General Leahy, who, "during his tour of duty as commander of US and Coalition forces in Iraq and Syria, sincerely provided continuous support to the Ministry of Peshmerga."
Following the ceremony, the Minister of Peshmerga and officers from the ministry reaffirmed their cooperation with Brigadier General Kevin G. Lambert, who is replacing General Leahy. The minister also formally requested continued US assistance and support to ensure the success of the reform process within the Ministry of Peshmerga.
Later, the minister visited the Kurdistan Regional Government's representation office in Baghdad and the Joint Operations Command. During these visits, discussions were held about the understanding between the Regional and federal governments, the ongoing issue of salaries, the activities of ISIS terrorists, and the overall security situation in the area.
