Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq (cabinet.gov.krd) - In a telephone call with Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani, U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson stressed that Washington is in constant contact with the Iraqi government so as to prepare the ground for serious dialogue with the Kurdistan Regional Government.

Secretary Tillerson expressed his satisfaction with the de-escalation of conflict between the Peshmerga and Iraqi Forces and hailed the government of the Kurdistan Region for respecting the Iraqi Federal Court’s interpretation of Article (1) of the Iraqi Constitution. He emphasized the importance of preserving peace in order to create the conditions needed for dialogue based on the Iraqi Constitution between the Kurdistan Region and Baghdad.

Secretary Tillerson also offered condolences to the Kurdistan Region and to the families of the victims in the wake of the recent earthquake, which caused loss of life and material damage. 

Prime Minister Barzani reiterated his government’s position and support for dialogue with Baghdad as well as resolving all outstanding issues within the framework of the Iraqi Constitution. The Prime Minister hoped that the United States and other allies play a positive role in encouraging and supporting dialogue between Erbil and Baghdad.

Prime Minister Barzani thanked Secretary Tillerson for the telephone call, and his condolences and sympathy to the victims of the recent earthquake. He stressed that the air embargo imposed on the Kurdistan Region by the Iraqi federal government must be lifted, and emphasized that a great deal of humanitarian assistance to the 1.5 million IDPs and refugees in the Kurdistan Region come through Kurdistan airports.