Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq (cabinet.gov.krd) - Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani received Ambassadors to Iraq, Mr. Bruno Aubert of France and Mr. Cyrill Nunn of Germany. 

Both ambassadors expressed concern regarding the current tension between Erbil and Baghdad. They stressed that their presence in the Kurdistan Region is intended to observe the situation and the possibilities to diffuse the tensions. Both Ambassadors reaffirmed their countries’ friendship with the people and government of the Kurdistan Region.

They voiced their support for holding serious dialogue on the basis of the Iraqi Constitution, emphasizing that confrontation and tension will serve no one's peaceful interests.

They also stressed the importance of unity among Kurdistan political parties.

Prime Minister Barzani thanked and appreciated both countries’ stance and friendship. He said that the Kurdistan Regional Government has always been ready to resolve all outstanding issues through dialogue, mutual-understanding, and peaceful means, yet Baghdad opted for the use of force, intending to impose itself on Kurdistan.

He emphasized the importance of the role of the international community in helping to ensure fruitful discussion and negotiation to resolve all outstanding issues.