UK reaffirms support for Kurds and Peshmerga forces

The government of the United Kingdom will continue providing military and humanitarian support for the Kurds and their Peshmerga forces after the British Consul General, Angus McKee, met Hemin Hawrami in Erbil for a round of talks that focused on the political spectrum in the Kurdistan region.

Mr Hawrami, the Head of KDP’s Foreign Relations Office, briefed Mr McKee on the latest developments and touched on several issues including the economic crisis and the KRG's ongoing disputes with the central Iraqi government.

He said the Kurds are committed to resolving all disputes through diplomatic dialogue and said their position is to amicably adhere to constitutional laws when reaching agreements.

Mr Hawrami reflected on the issues of oil revenue - the Iraqi government has suspended Kurdistan's share for over two years - and added that its making "matters worse" in their relationship with Baghdad that will ultimately lead to a referendum for an independent Kurdish state.

For his part, Mr McKee said Britain appreciates the Kurds approach to resolving differences peacefully and that the UK will continue supplying aid to the region where currently Peshmerga forces are combatting terrorism. The British Consul General said his country will contribute to providing armaments in order to assist with defeating extremism.