President Barzani: We Have Never Been Part of Tensions and Will Not Be Part of Conflicts or Problems

ARK News.. President Masoud Barzani received Stephen Fagen, the U.S. Chargé d’Affaires to Iraq, in Pirmam on Wednesday, October 21, 2026.

The meeting was attended by Gwendolyn Wendy Green, the U.S. Consul General in Erbil.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed the situation in Iraq. Fagen thanked President Barzani for his role and continued support for Iraq’s political process.

For his part, President Barzani said relations with Baghdad should be reorganized on the basis of the constitution and the principles of partnership, balance, and consensus. He noted that if previous Iraqi governments had adhered to these principles, Iraq and all its components would have achieved significantly greater gains.

President Barzani also reaffirmed his support for the current Iraqi prime minister within the framework of the constitution and the protection of the legitimate rights of the people of Kurdistan, as enshrined in the constitution.

He stressed his support for the various components of Kurdistan, particularly the Christian community, on the basis of respect, constitutional rights, and partnership. He said communities should be able to determine their own future.

He also highlighted the importance of amending the election law to ensure that Christians can exercise their free will and that no one makes decisions on their behalf.

The meeting also addressed regional developments. President Barzani said Kurdistan’s policy had been clear from the outset: “We have never been part of tensions and will not be part of conflicts or problems.” He added that all parties should resolve their differences through dialogue, negotiations, and diplomatic means.

The U.S. delegation reaffirmed its commitment to the security and stability of Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, stressing that the end of the international coalition’s mission does not mean an end to the United States’ commitment to either.

The delegation noted that the coalition had been present at the request of the Iraqi government and had, in cooperation with the Peshmerga and Iraqi forces, helped defeat ISIS. It added that the United States remained committed to maintaining stability and continuing its partnership with Iraq and the Kurdistan Region across the security, economic, political, and military fields within the framework of bilateral relations.

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