President Barzani welcomes U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Joshua Harris

Salahaddin, September 23 — President Masoud Barzani today received Joshua Harris, Chargé d’Affaires of the United States Embassy in Iraq, accompanied by U.S. Consul General in Erbil, Wendy Green.

Mr. Harris conveyed the United States’ message of friendship to the Kurdistan Region, affirming Washington’s support for a strong Kurdistan as a pillar of Iraq’s stability. He underscored U.S. support for the Kurdistan Region’s constitutional rights and for ongoing negotiations between the Federal Government of Iraq and the Kurdistan Regional Government, stressing that the non-payment of salaries to public employees in the Region cannot continue and must be resolved. He also highlighted the Kurdistan Region’s successful track record—particularly in energy and electricity—as a model for other parts of Iraq. On national politics, he reiterated the U.S. commitment to protecting Iraq’s sovereignty and preventing external interference.

President Barzani thanked the United States for its support to the people of Iraq and the Kurdistan Region. He stated that the failure of Iraqi authorities to adhere to the constitution and political agreements has been a source of ongoing problems. On the electoral process, President Barzani emphasized that returning to the one-constituency law would best ensure fair representation by aligning parliamentary seats with population.

The meeting also addressed internal developments in the Kurdistan Region.