Prime Minister Masrour Barzani receives US Assistant Secretary

Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq (GOV.KRD) – Prime Minister Masrour Barzani today received a US delegation led by Acting Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs, Joey Hood.

Both sides reviewed bilateral relations and developments in Iraq and Syria. Prime Minister Barzani welcomed U.S. commitment of continued support for the Peshmerga in the war on ISIS. They also discussed efforts to create joint coordination centres with Iraqi Security Forces in the disputed territories.

The Prime Minister renewed his calls on Baghdad to release payments under the budget law.

On Syria, both sides agreed on the importance of continued dialogue between Kurdish political factions.

Prime Minister Barzani and Assistant Secretary Hood also reviewed the recent arrests in the Kurdistan Region. In this regard, both expressed strong support for press freedom, freedom of expression, human rights and the work of civil society, all essential elements of a well-functioning democracy.

Prime Minister Barzani described the recent convictions as a legal matter that must be dealt through the judicial process. He expressed his support for diplomatic engagements and functions, adding that though the defendants had abused their relationships with the foreign missions, the KRG does not doubt the good-will and intentions of foreign missions. He recognised the important work that the missions do and expressed readiness to help further facilitate their work.