PM Barzani Calls for a Long-term Political Settlement in Syria

Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani has called for a long-term political settlement in Syria in hopes of defusing the escalations in the region.

PM Barzani made the call during a meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference in Germany, where they exchanged views on the latest political and security developments in Syria and the region.

"In our meeting Sergey Lavrov and I recognised the need to de-escalate tensions, especially in Syria. I reiterated my request that Russia helps to mediate a long-term political settlement in Syria that respects the rights of all, including the Kurds," Barzani wrote on Twitter.

According to a statement by Barzani's office, the Russian minister reiterated his country's support to the Kurds in Syria.

The pair also shed light on the bilateral ties between Erbil an Moscow as well as the situation in Iraq, on which Lavrov noted that they expect security in the country to be protected so as to prevent the resurgence of the Islamic State (IS) in the region.