16 August, 2010Iraqi Kurdish leader, Feltman discuss efforts for forming a government
President of the Kurdistan region, Masoud Al-Barzani, held talks on Sunday with Jeffrey Feltman, the US Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs, on efforts for forming a government and withdrawal of the combat US forces.
A source at the presidency of the Kurdistan region told Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) that the two sides discussed political conditions on the Iraqi arena and current efforts for forming "a federal government." Al-Barzani shed light during the deliberations with the senior US guest on the current conditions in the country, explaining reasons that have hampered efforts for forming a new government.
Feltman praised some proposals that have been presented by the Kursish leadership for resolving the crisis The proposals reportedly include 19 points, foremost claim to the post Secretary General of the prime minister, endorsing the candidacy of President Jalal Talabani for a second term and funding, arming and equipping the Regional Guard (Peshmerga).
Feltman yesterday held talks with the prime minister of the interim government, Nouri Al-Maliki, who expressed hope that the cabinet crisis would be resolved soon.
The premier affirmed during the meeting with the visiting American official that "current dialogues among the countries' political forces are proceeding on the right track." He emphasized that the aspired "settlement must be Iraqi," however, Baghdad would welcome any role to back up the Iraqis' political efforts.
For his part, the US envoy re-affirmed Washington's readiness to support the Iraqis in their bids to form a new government.
Kuwait News Agency
