Masrour Barzani receives Romania’s ambassador to Iraq

The Chancellor of the Kurdistan Region Security Council (KRSC) Masrour Barzani Barzani received the Romanian Ambassador to Iraq, Iacob Prada, for talks that focused on the developments in Iraq and neighbouring countries and the war against terrorists.

Mr Barzani spoke about Peshmerga successes in the conflict with Islamic State (IS) militants, and explained that the Kurdistan Region needs the coalition to increase its role in donating heavy weapons and armoured vehicles to the Peshmerga.

Kurdish officials say they face political limits on how far their forces can push outside Kurdish areas and note that they still lack the heavy weaponry they need to provide support in any major operation.

‘‘Nothing heavy has been delivered, neither from the United States or other allies,’’ Mr Barzani said, adding that some Kurds suspected a political decision not to arm them heavily because of fears of future secessionist aims.

Mr Prada said his country is observing events closely and remained committed to supporting Kurdistan in all aspects of their battles against IS extremists.