Barzani and US Envoy Discuss Syria Amid Trump's Green Light to Turkish Incursion

Kurdish prominent leader and former President of the Kurdistan Region, Masoud Barzani, received on Wednesday the US Consul General in Erbil Steven Fagin for talks on a recent decision by President Donald Trump to give green light to a possible Turkish operation in Syria.

Barzani stated that the Kurdish nation, as part of the coalition, has made great sacrifices in the fight against terrorism, the Kurds, therefore, are expecting the US and the international community to play a key role in protecting them in case they are facing any possible "disasters" in the future.

He expressed strong concerns over the security affairs of Kurds in Syria, who may be affected by the latest security and political developments.

The US has decided to withdraw its troops from northeastern Syria, while giving Turkey the green light for an imminent operation in the region. Meanwhile, Ankara has repeatedly threatened to target the Kurdish forces in the area.

Barzani, who is also the President of the ruling Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), additionally exchanged views with the US diplomat on the recent protests in Iraq.

He pointed out that the Kurdistan Region supports the efforts to address the protesters' demands, but also believes that the current Iraqi government should not be held accountable for the corruption committed by previous cabinets.