US ambassador to Iraq encourages Kurdish unity in Erbil meeting: statement
ERBIL, Kurdistan Region — US Ambassador to Iraq Matthew Tueller met with a number of Kurdistan Region leaders on Thursday, encouraging them to promote unity among Kurdish political parties, according to a statement from the embassy.
Tueller met with Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani, Prime Minister Masrour Barzani and his deputy Qubad Talabani, and leader of the ruling Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) Masoud Barzani in Erbil.
“The Ambassador encouraged [Iraqi Kurdistan Region] IKR leaders to promote unity among Kurdish political parties to ensure greater security and stability,” read the statement from the embassy.
Tensions are high between Kurdish political parties over the ruling parties’ domestic policies, especially when it comes to transparency, freedom of speech and failure to pay the salaries of civil servants. This could harm the Kurdistan Region’s chances of securing its desired share of the federal Iraqi budget, which is still being discussed in Baghdad.
“The groups also discussed the importance of press freedom, economic development in the region and the potential for further investment from US companies, particularly in the field of renewable energy, which is a priority of the Biden administration,” said the statement.
President Biden took office on January 20.
During his meeting with President Barzani, Tueller said that the US will continue its support and coordination with its allies in the region, “praising the role of the Kurdistan Region for showing an example of successful experience in the last thirty years, despite shortcomings,” according to a statement from Barzani’s office.
The US and the Kurdistan Region have enjoyed good relations for decades. Ties were strengthened in 2014 when the Islamic State (ISIS) threatened the Region and attacked Peshmerga forces. The US still supports Peshmerga forces in the fight against ISIS and pays them millions of dollars every month, in addition to providing weapons.