US envoy Jeffrey discusses Iraq, Syria with senior Kurdish officials in Erbil

James Jeffrey, US Special Representative for Syria Engagement and the Special Envoy for the Global Coalition to Defeat the Islamic State, met on Tuesday in Erbil with senior Kurdistan Region officials to discuss various pressing issues in Iraq and Syria.

The former US ambassador to Iraq was first received by Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) leader Masoud Barzan. The two spoke at length about recent developments in Iraq, particularly in regard to forming the next government following months of national protests that led to the resignation of Prime Minister Adil Abdul Mahdi.

They also covered in detail the continued threat posed by the Islamic State in Iraq and general stability in Syria, including the future role of Kurds in the neighboring country. Barzani brought up efforts by Turkey and Damascus to sideline Syrian Kurds and stressed that “no demographic change must take place in northeast Syria.” “President Barzani emphasized that, under any circumstances, Kurds should not be faced with an uncertain future again,” a press release said, noting that the Kurdish leader refused any demographic change in in the Kurdish areas of northeast Syria.

In another segment of the meeting, Barzani and Jeffrey praised their two governments' continued positive relations, including cooperation in efforts to fight terrorism.