US committed to defence pact with Kurdistan Region, says Carter

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region-- The United States is committed to its obligations under its defense agreement with the Kurdish Peshmerga forces battling Islamic militants, the visiting US Defense Secretary Ash carter has told officials in Erbil.

 

Carter who was in Iraq on a farewell tour, arrived in the Kurdish capital on Sunday where he was greeted at the airport by the Kurdish President Masoud Barzani.

 

In a later ceremony, Carter awarded medals of honor to four Peshmerga soldiers, in recognition of the bravery of Kurdish forces in the fight against ISIS, Rudaw was told. 

 

"The US defence secretary said his country will be committed to honor their agreement with the Peshmerga forces concerning their military and financial support," read a statement from the Kurdish presidency's office Sunday.

 

The United States signed a deal with the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) in July this year to provide the Peshmerga forces battling ISIS militants with military and financial assistance worth an estimated $415 million.

 

Kurdish officials are hopeful the US will remain engaged in Iraq as the new administration is to take office in the White House on January 21.

 

The statement also said that Carter appreciated the "coordination" between Baghdad and Erbil in the battle for Mosul.

 

US President-elect Donald Trump said last week he will nominate retired Gen. James Mattis to be his defense secretary.

Mattis, 66, is a Marine Corps general who retired in 2013 after serving as the commander of the U.S. Central Command.