Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq - (DFR.krg.org) – Minister Falah Mustafa received the U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Iraq, Ms. Barbara Leaf, to discuss the latest political developments and the continued political stalemate.

Ms. Leaf has visited the region on several occasions and recently received Minister Mustafa during his recent visit to Washington, D.C. as part of a high-level KRG delegation.



Speaking about her discussions in Baghdad and Erbil, Ms Leaf said that it is important for disagreements to be resolved through dialogue and direct engagement. She said, “I believe all Iraqi political leaders recognise this situation cannot continue.” She reaffirmed the U.S. commitment in Iraq, including the Kurdistan Region, to work for the security, stability and prosperity of the country and the region.



During their meeting, Ms Leaf also touched on the instability in Kirkuk and surrounding areas, stressing the need for the security forces to coordinate their activities. She said the recent demonstrations in Iraq require a political resolution and conveyed concerns about extremists exploiting the tensions.



Minister Mustafa expressed his appreciation for her strong support in the KRG’s recent visit to Washington DC. He said that the KRG is committed to using dialogue to resolve differences with the Federal Government in Baghdad and called for US political and economic engagement in Iraq.

He said, “The President of the Kurdistan Region, Masoud Barzani, is continuing his consultations with the Kurdish MPs and Ministers from Baghdad and other political factions to break the current political impasse. We are not boycotting the process, we are merely holding consultations.”

Both sides also discussed the provincial elections that took place yesterday, as well as the situation in Syria and ties with neighbouring countries.

The meeting was attended by U.S. Consul General in Erbil, Mr Paul Sutphin, and Head of Economic/Political Section, Mr Stephen Gee.