27 October 2017•Update: 27 October 2017
By Fatih Erel
GENEVA
The U.S. on Thursday called upon Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi to accept the Kurdish Regional Government's (KRG) overtures for talks on the basis of the Iraqi constitution.
"Subsequent to my meeting with Prime Minister Abadi, I had a very lengthy telephone call with Kurdistan President Barzani. The United States stands ready to assist Baghdad and Erbil to chart a positive course forward in support of a unified, federal, and democratic Iraq through peaceful, political means," US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson told reporters Thursday in Geneva, Switzerland.
"I called upon both sides to avoid all conflict between Iraq and Peshmerga forces, and I encouraged Prime Minister Abadi to accept Erbil’s (Kurdish Regional Government's) overtures for talks on the basis of the Iraqi constitution," Tillerson added.
Noting that under al-Abadi's leadership, the Daesh terrorist group has retreated, Tillerson said with the coalition’s support, the Iraqi Security Forces have liberated more than 90 percent of the territory Daesh once held in Iraq, allowing more than two million Iraqis to return home.
"The tensions that have played out in northern Iraq over the past month are concerning. The United States is a friend to all Iraqis, including our friends in Baghdad and our friends in Iraq’s Kurdish region. We are disappointed the parties have not yet been able to reach an entirely peaceful resolution of the recent tensions," Tillerson said.
Tension has steadily mounted between Baghdad and the Erbil-based KRG since Sept. 25, when Iraqis in KRG-controlled areas voted on whether or not to declare independence from the Iraqi state.
Last week, government forces moved into several parts of Iraq disputed between Baghdad and the KRG, including the oil-rich Kirkuk province.
On Wednesday, the KRG -- fearing more military escalations by Baghdad -- offered to “freeze” the results of last month’s unconstitutional poll; halt all military activity; and enter into talks with the central government.
About the bilateral relations between Iran and Iraq, Tillerson said "We have to be realistic and understand and recognize Iraq has a very long border with Iran. There are long – not just decades, centuries-long relations between Iran and Iraq, and we’re not going to eliminate all contact between those two countries."
"What we’re saying to Iraq is, You must develop the capacity to stand on your own and resist that influence,” Tillerson added.
About the crisis between Qatar and some Arab countries, Tillerson said "The United States remains troubled and concerned about the far-reaching consequences of the Gulf dispute. Our message is clear: The GCC is strongest when it is united. We will continue our efforts to open lines of communication to pursue that unity, and as President Trump has said, we remain ready to assist with any mediation efforts."
