Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq (cabinet.gov.krd) - Kurdistan Region Prime Minister, Nechirvan Barzani, yesterday received the United States Ambassador to Iraq, Stuart Jones, and his accompanying delegation.

Ambassador Jones expressed his government’s support to the Kurdistan Regional Government, KRG, and Peshmerga forces in the war against Islamic State terrorist organisation, ISIS, stressing the continuation of this assistance in all the fields particularly military assistance and training of the Peshmerga forces.

He also discussed the situation in the region in general and confronting ISIS in the areas that are under its control, in particular.

Regarding the differences between the KRG and the Iraqi Federal Government, Ambassador Jones hailed the KRG for its commitment to the agreement reached last December between KRG and the Federal Government. He stressed that it is necessary that Baghdad abides by the agreement and send Kurdistan Region liabilities fully as there is a heavy financial burden on KRG.

He reiterated his support for settling the differences between KRG and the Federal Government through dialog and negotiations.

Prime Minister Barzani hailed the support and assistance of the people and the government of United States to the people, government and Peshmerga forces of Kurdistan Region, especially in this difficult time.

He briefed the US Ambassador about the situation in the region, the war against terrorism, and the victories marked by Peshmerga forces against ISIS.

Prime Minister Barzani stressed that the Kurdistan Region desires to settle the issues with Baghdad through negotiations. However, he said, if Baghdad does not abide by the agreement, the KRG will take any measure that can ensure the life necessities of the people of the Kurdistan Region, particularly the civil servant salaries and the requirements of the Peshmerga forces.