US envoy: Washington’s position supports the unity of the Kurdistan Region and ending the proliferation of uncontrolled weapons in Iraq.
US envoy: Washington’s position supports the unity of the Kurdistan Region and ending the proliferation of uncontrolled weapons in Iraq.
2026-11-11
Shafaq News – London
US envoy Tom Barrack reiterated on Wednesday the United States’ support for the unity of the Kurdistan Region and the end of the proliferation of uncontrolled weapons, calling for the state to have a monopoly on weapons in Iraq. He also called for the protection of foreign investments and companies and for addressing security and political challenges with shared responsibility between Baghdad and Erbil.
Barak said during a special dialogue session on the sidelines of the Chatham House Royal Institute of International Affairs forum in London, as reported by Shafaq News Agency, that “Washington always encourages the unity of the Kurdish parties, and considers the strength and cohesion of the region to be an essential element for the stability of Iraq and the region.”
The US envoy stressed the need to end the presence of armed factions and unify the security forces under the umbrella of the state, pointing in this context to the importance of organizing security files and involving regular forces in line with successful security models in order to strengthen the rule of law.
Barak added that “the Kurdistan Region and the Kurdish leadership, whether Barzani or Talabani, have been and remain friends, allies and trusted partners of the United States,” adding that “the issue of guaranteeing the rights of the region and other components is an internal Iraqi matter to be decided through dialogue between Baghdad and Erbil, and Washington’s role is limited to providing advice and political support.”
Regarding the economic and security aspect, Barak condemned the attacks targeting investment companies operating in the Kurdistan Region, especially the recent attack on the Kormor gas field, stressing the need to take deterrent measures to counter these attacks in order to protect the investment environment.
The US envoy concluded by saying that “there is a real golden opportunity for Baghdad and Erbil to resolve all outstanding issues,” noting that “Baghdad is tired of the long disputes and outstanding issues, which calls on both sides to take advantage of these understandings to end the pending files and coordinate joint work.”
shafaq.com
