The US State Department: We are closely following the differences between Erbil and Baghdad over ene

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[size=52]The US State Department: We are closely following the differences between Erbil and Baghdad over energy[/size]

[size=48]The US State Department to Rudaw: We are closely following the differences between Erbil and Baghdad over energy[/size]
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The US State Department confirmed that Washington is closely following the differences between Erbil and Baghdad over energy, noting that "Assistant Secretary of State Barbara Leaf is visiting the region for this purpose."

US Assistant Secretary of State Barbara Leaf has been visiting Iraq since Sunday, and after her meetings with Iraqi officials, she arrived today Wednesday (September 7, 2022) in Erbil, and met with officials in the Kurdistan Region.[/size]
[size=45]The director of the Rudaw Media Network’s office in the United States, Rose Ali Zala, asked the Deputy Spokesman for the US State Department, whether Barbara Leaf’s visit to Iraq was related to the message sent by US senators to the ministry, asking it to play its role in resolving differences between Erbil. and Baghdad on oil and gas.[/size]
[size=45]US State Department Deputy Spokesman Vidant Patel said in response to the question, that Barbara Leaf's visit has nothing to do with that message, adding that Washington is closely following the differences between the Iraqi government and the Kurdistan Regional Government regarding energy, so "Assistant Secretary Barbara Leaf is in the region." .[/size]
[size=45]In response to another question by Rudaw, Vidant Patel said that the goal of Barbara Leaf's meetings with officials and political figures in the Kurdistan Region is to "strengthen the long-term relations between the American people and the Kurdistan Region."[/size]
[size=45]He added, "The Foreign Minister's assistant, in general, stresses the importance of resolving the current political impasse in Iraq, and the unity of the Kurdish parties in order to achieve a stable and more democratic future. And regarding your question about the energy file, we urge the parties to find a way that supports current and future investments, and promotes the interests of the Iraqi people, including the Kurdistan Region.[/size]
[size=45]This comes, while the US envoy met separately with President Masoud Barzani, President of the Kurdistan Region, Nechirvan Barzani, and the Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Regional Government, Masrour Barzani, separately, where they discussed the political blockage in Iraq, and efforts to form a government.[/size]
[size=45]In response to a question about whether Iraqi political leaders are able to form a government under the current conditions, Vidant Patel said: “We do not see this as a problem for America, but rather an Iraqi problem,” adding that “our position during some demonstrations has always been to call for Calm and peace. And in the end what we want to see is a strong, unified and resilient Iraq.”[/size]
[size=45]Vedant Patel pointed out that the United States sees Iraq as an "important partner" in some areas, noting that the two countries can offer a lot together, "whether in terms of food security, water security, or climate change" and other areas.[/size]
[size=45]The following is the text of Rudaw's interview with the Deputy Spokesperson of the US State Department:

Rudaw: On the visit of Assistant Secretary of State Barbara Leaf to Iraq, I know there is a statement, but what is the position of the United States on the political impasse? Do you think that the Iraqi leaders can form a government in light of the current political conditions?

Vidant Patel: As you talked about this issue a few weeks ago, we don't see it as a US problem, but rather an Iraqi problem. Our position during some demonstrations has always been our call for calm and peace. What we would like to see in the end is a strong, united and resilient Iraq. We see that Iraq is an important partner in a number of areas, and we can offer a lot together in the region, whether in terms of food security, water security, facing climate change, or other areas.[/size]
[size=45]Rudaw: In Erbil, Barbara Leaf talked about energy issues between Erbil and Baghdad. I realize that you are saying that the formation of the Iraqi government is not an American issue, but there is an American dimension in the matter, because American companies operating in the Kurdistan Region are under threat in light of the decisions of the Iraqi Federal Supreme Court. What is your position in this regard? Do you want American companies in the field of energy to continue working in Iraq?
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[size=45]Vedant Patel: Good. To take a step back, and repeat what I said to all of you, as we spoke, Assistant Secretary of State Barbara Leaf is holding meetings with political leaders in Iraqi Kurdistan, to strengthen the long-term relationship between the American people and the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. The Assistant Foreign Minister, stresses the importance of resolving the political impasse in Iraq in general, as well as, the importance of the unity of the Kurdish parties, to achieve a stable and more democratic future. Regarding your question on the energy issue, we urge all parties to find a way to support current and future investments, and to advance the interests of the Iraqi people, including the Kurdistan Region.[/size]
[size=45]Rudaw: Another question, does the visit have anything to do with the messages sent to you by members of the Senate and House of Representatives, in which they demand that you work to hold a dialogue between the Iraqi government and the Kurdistan Regional Government, at the highest levels?

Vedant Patel: I don't associate this with that. But again, this is an issue that we follow closely, which is why Assistant Secretary of State Barbara Leaf is currently in the region.[/size]
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