'Referendum, independence needs peaceful agreement'
WASHINGTON, United States (Kurdistan24) - In an exclusive interview with Kurdistan24 on Friday, former US Ambassador to Iraq, Zalmay Khalilzad expressed his appreciation to Kurdish Peshmerga forces fighting against Islamic State (IS) on behalf of the entire world. Khalilzad briefly discussed federalism as a possible solution in Syria and advised Kurds in Kurdistan Region to maintain peaceful relations with Baghdad even if they declare independence.
Dr. Zalmay Khalilzad serves as President and Chief Executive Officer of Khalilzad Associates. Additionally, he serves as a Counselor at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). He also maintains close ties with high-level leaders throughout the Middle East and Central Asia.
Khalilzad was the United States Special Presidential Envoy to Afghanistan from 2001-2003. From 2003-05,
e also served as United States Ambassador/US Permanent Representative to the United Nations (2007-2009).
(Kurdistan24 team conducted the interview in Washington DC)