Kurdistan-region President meets US Ambassador to Iraq

President of Kurdistan-region Massoud Barzani met with United States Ambassador to Iraq Steven Beecroft to discuss tensions between the central government and the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), which started after the deployment of forces by the Baghdad government in the Kirkuk area. Ambassador Beecroft stated the US is urging both sides to rely on dialogue to defuse the current crisis and to take measures to de-escalate the situation. He added that any changes to the status quo in Kirkuk and other areas should be made through mutual understanding and coordination between the two sides. President Barzani purported the unilateral deployment of forces in the disputed areas by the Baghdad government is in breach of the constitution and the existing agreements. He reiterated that the KRG is committed to pursuing dialogue to calm the situation. The President and the US Ambassador conversed the recent raid on the Ministry of Finance in Baghdad, including the arrest of security guards of the Minister of Finance, which has created yet another crisis in Iraq. They also discussed Iraqi President Jalal Talabani's health condition and hoped he will make a speedy recovery, while acknowledging his key role in Iraq.