U.S. State Department Spokesperson Heather Nauert on Monday urged Iraqi Kurdish parties to support the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) and “work to realise strong KRG within a united and federal Iraq.”
He said “strong KRG is essential to Iraqi long-term stability and to enduring defeat of Islamic State.”
He urged all Kurdish parties to support the KRG to resolve pending issues over the remainder of its term and prepare for elections in 2018.
She also hailed the decision of President of the Iraqi Kurdistan Region Masoud Barzani not to seek another term.
“President Barzani is a historic figure and courageous leader of his people.
“This decision represents an act of statesmanship during a difficult period.
The United States also welcomes the recent decision from Iraqi Prime Minister Gaider al-Abadi to begin a new dialogue with the KRG.
“It is time for all parties to look to the future and focus on peaceful resolution of disputes,’’ she noted.