Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq (cabinet.gov.krd) - The United States Secretary of State expressed his concerns over recent tensions between Erbil and Baghdad,  in a phone call with the Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani on Friday.
 
Secretary Rex Tillerson voiced his support to the constitutional rights of the Kurdistan Region in Iraq, and hoped that both sides engage in dialogue and negotiations to address outstanding issues. 

While expressing his concerns over Iraqi Government's insistence on using the military to deal with disagreements, Prime Minister Barzani reiterated that the Kurdistan Region is ready for a genuine political dialogue with Baghdad to address issues peacefully.  He called on the international community, and the United States in particular, to encourage Iraqi Government to engage in dialogue and refrain from using military force. 

Prime Minister Barzani said, the Kurdistan Region rejects war and violence and believes that armed conflict is in no one's interest.  He said, the Kurdistan Region calls for a peaceful solution on the basis of Iraqi Constitution.