Prime Minister Masrour Barzani Meets US Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs

Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq (GOV.KRD) - Prime Minister Masrour Barzani on Tuesday received the US Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs, David Schenker, and US Ambassador to Iraq, Matthew Tueller.

As they discussed the latest developments in Iraq and Syria, Prime Minister Barzani expressed his deep concerns about the Turkish-led military operation in northern Syria and its impact on the region.

During the meeting, Prime Minister Barzani urged all parties to de-escalate the conflict and engage in a peaceful dialogue to avoid further civilian loss of life. He stressed that any military escalation in the region could precipitate the resurgence of ISIS in the area.

Emphasising the 1.1 million displaced people currently hosted by the Kurdistan Regional Government, Prime Minister Barzani called on the international community to provide further humanitarian support to the Kurdistan Region as it prepares to receive a new wave of displaced people fleeing conflict and persecution.

Mr Schenker recognised the important progress made by the Kurdistan Regional Government as it balances a new humanitarian response programme with an ambitious reform agenda.

Prime Minister Barzani reiterated the ongoing efforts to maintain constructive dialogue with the federal government of Iraq and build a stable partnership that recognises that Kurdistan Region’s rights under the constitution.