US welcomes France’s support to the Kurdistan Region: Spokesman

A United States Spokesman on Tuesday said he supported France’s aid to the Kurdistan Region in the fight against the Islamic State (IS).
kurdistan24.net

WASHINGTON, DC, United States (Kurdistan24) – A United States Spokesman on Tuesday said he supported France’s aid to the Kurdistan Region in the fight against the Islamic State (IS).

Responding to a question from Kurdistan24 correspondent Laurie Mylroie, US Department of State Spokesman John Kirby said French President Francois Hollande’s visit to Erbil and Baghdad was welcoming.

“We welcome France’s contributions as part of the coalition to counter [IS],” he stated.

“[The US] certainly welcomes the continued support that has been voiced by President Hollande for the fight against [IS] there in the region,” Kirby continued.

The Spokesman also addressed the need for humanitarian assistance for the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the Kurdistan Region.

“We continue to work closely with the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) in helping to facilitate the well-being of those displaced,” he said.

Kirby added the US worked with Iraqi provincial governments and the federal government in Baghdad “to better foster the conditions that will allow [IDPs] to return home safely eventually.”

Moreover, Kirby explained the US was “mindful” of the toll IDPs had on local economies.

He also reassured continued humanitarian assistance was part of the US’ “larger efforts” to handle the problem.

The Spokesman pointed to the financial aid Washington had previously provided Baghdad to address the humanitarian conflict in the country.

Kirby added the US was prepared to provide further assistance to help ease the burden of IDPs, particularly in the Kurdistan Region.

“[The US] is always willing to contribute more if more is needed,” he concluded. “That’s part of the discussions we’re actively having.”

 

 

Editing by Ava Homa

(Laurie Mylroie contributed to this report from Washington, DC)