"Kurdistan Region's Prime Minister, Masrour Barzani, met with United States Ambassador to Iraq, Alina L. Romanowski, and her delegation on Monday, as reported by the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG). The key focus of their discussion centered around the constitutional rights and financial entitlements of the Kurdistan Region as stipulated in the federal budget law.
PM Barzani highlighted the presence of factions within Iraq attempting to exploit the Kurdistan Region for illicit financial gain. The KRG has presented its interpretation of the budget law, grounded in constitutional principles. Prime Minister Barzani emphasized that civil servants in the Kurdistan Region should receive federally-funded salaries, on par with their counterparts in other Iraqi provinces.
The meeting also delved into recent developments in Kirkuk. Both parties stressed the importance of restoring normalcy, including the return of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) headquarters, and maintaining security in Kirkuk.
The backdrop to this discussion was a protest on September 2nd, where Kurds rallied against the closure of the Kirkuk-Erbil road by supporters of the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF). This closure followed the PMF's opposition to the handover of the KDP headquarters on August 28th, as directed by Prime Minister Shia al-Sudani. Tragically, during the protest, the PMF opened fire on demonstrators, resulting in four deaths and fifteen injuries.
Historically, the United States has played a substantial role in mediating between these parties, offering assistance and support to ensure the protection of the Kurdistan Region's rights. The US has been a steadfast ally, providing both military and political backing in the fight against ISIS.
Economically, the two nations share strong ties, evident through various American businesses and investments operating in the Region. Furthermore, the US is investing in a state-of-the-art consulate in Erbil, with an estimated completion date of July 8, 2024, worth approximately $800 million.
At present, around 5,000 US military personnel are stationed in the Kurdistan Region as part of the International Coalition to Defeat ISIS."
