Language of dialogue and refuge in the constitution are only ways to resolve the ongoing issues between KRG and Baghdad, PUK Co-Presidents say

P.U.K 09:49 PM - 2021-05-05

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PUK Co-Presidents, Bafel Talabani and Lahur Sheikh Jangi at the Patriotic Union Political Bureau in Erbil welcomed a high delegation from the United States, which included U.S. State Department Counselor Derek Chollet, White House Coordinator for the Middle East and North Africa Brett McGurk, the Acting Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs Joey Hood, and the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for the Middle East Dana Stroul, according to statement from Lahur Sheikh Jangi's media office.

 

The following is the full text of the statement:

 

"Today, with Bafel Talabani, I welcomed a high delegation from the United States, which included U.S. State Department Counselor Derek Chollet, White House Coordinator for the Middle East and North Africa Brett McGurk, the Acting Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs Joey Hood, and the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for the Middle East Dana Stroul, in Patriotic Union of Kurdistan’s Politburo headquarters in Erbil. 

 

In the meeting, joined by Dr. Soran Jamal Tahir member of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan’s Politburo, Sardar Harki member of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan’s Leadership Council, and Polad Sheikh Jangi, Commander of the Counter Terrorism Group, we thoroughly discussed the latest political, economic, and security developments in Iraq, Kurdistan, and the region, and the ways to expand the biliteral relations. 

 

We reiterated the United States continuous support for Iraq and the Kurdistan Region and extended our gratitude for their role and support, especially in the fight against terror. We also reiterated the need for continuous joint work in confronting ISIS threats and ending their sleeper cells in the country. 

 

We put forward our views to the US delegation regarding the current problems and conflicts, and the ways to overcome the political and security challenges.

 

We emphasized the unchanging stance of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan on unity and reconciliation between the political parties in the Kurdistan Region, and on the elimination of political conflicts and tensions. We view this as an important factor to develop the strong political process of the Kurdish position in Baghdad. In this regard, we considered the formation of a broad national front as important for one voice and one stance on the issues of national interests.

 

Regarding the relations between the Kurdistan Region and Baghdad we reiterated that a language of dialogue, common understanding, and refuge in the constitution are the only ways to resolve the ongoing issues between the Kurdistan Regional Government and the Federal Government, especially the issue of the disputed territories, which are now in danger because of ISIS threats.

 

Regarding the upcoming Iraqi elections, we emphasized on a clean and fair election that is far from interference.

 

The US delegation also stressed on the continuation of their mission in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, as well as their country's commitment to supporting their peace and security. They added that they will continue their country’s commitment to fight terrorism, strengthen economy and work cohesively within the framework of the ongoing negotiations between the two sides in all fields."

 

 

 

PUKmedia