Kurdistan can use allies’ support to win political games: Barzani’s envoy

WASHINGTON DC, United States (Kurdistan24) – The US pledged to maintain its support for Kurdish Peshmerga in eradicating the Islamic State (IS), the representative of the Kurdistan Region President said on Friday.

Fuad Hussein, the Chief of staff of the Kurdistan Region Presidency, on Wednesday represented President Masoud Barzani in the US-led coalition’s meeting on the defeat of IS.

The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) delegation participated in the conference, representing Peshmerga forces who have been fighting the extremist group since June 2014.

In an interview with Kurdistan24, Hussein said the reception for the KRG representative in the Washington meetings demonstrated “respect for Peshmerga and the family of the martyred soldiers.”

Former US Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter praised Peshmerga as one of the most effective ground troops in defeating the insurgent group.

Over 1,500 Peshmerga have fallen while battling IS, and nearly 10,000 more were wounded, according to the Peshmerga Ministry.

“In the meetings, the US pledged to support everyone in the fight against [IS],” Hussein added.

He highlighted Kurds were no longer alone but had many allies outside of the Kurdistan Region.

“The support of our allies and friends can be used to win political games too,” Hussein mentioned.

The KRG and the federal government of Iraq have cooperated in defeating IS in the north of the country.

However, the collaboration only exists in the military aspect and does not reflect the political or economic arena.

President Barzani previously called for a referendum on Kurdish self-determination, stating it was the right of the people of the Kurdistan Region to decide their future.

Editing by Karzan Sulaivany