Barzani meets with Senator Levin to discuss Kurdistan security developments

The Chancellor of the Kurdistan Region Security Council (KRSC), Masrour Barzani received US Senator of Michigan Carl Levin and his accompanying delegation, to discuss the ongoing security efforts and the political process in Iraq.

The meeting touched on security developments in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region and the formation of a new inclusive Iraqi Federal Government.

Masrour Barzani called for an international effort to combat the Islamic State (ISIS),   to arm and train the Kurdistan Regional Guards (Peshmerga).

'The inability of the international community to strike this barbaric group has created a vacuum, and inaction is not a choice the free world can afford,' he said.

Masrour Barzani praised the decision by US President Mr Barack Obama for his courageous leadership in providing military air support to protect Kurdistan but emphasised the growing need to expand the geographical area of operations.

He added that the thousands of foreign fighters   enter to the region and join ISIS will eventually present security concerns to countries of their origin, including many European countries.

Both officials also discussed current bilateral ties between the Kurdistan Region and the United States of America. They agreed to continue dialogue about measures the United States of America can take to provide more support to the Peshmerga. They also discussed bilateral ties between the Kurdistan Region and the United States of America, including the designation of Kurdish political parties as Tier III terrorists organisations. Senator Levin emphasised his strong support to resolving the matter and pledged to coordinate efforts with other senators.