Kaine Statement On The Situation In Northern Iraq

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine, a member of the Senate Armed Services and Foreign Relations Committees, released the following statement on the ongoing conflict between the central government and the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) of Iraq:

“I am dismayed by the conflict between our close allies the Kurds and Arabs of Iraq.  The parties must come together immediately and in good faith to negotiate the future of their shared land in line with Iraq’s constitution.  Violence by either side is unacceptable, especially as it risks rolling back the painfully won gains against ISIS.  Baghdad should accept the KRG’s offer to immediately enter into a dialogue and cease unilateral actions.    

"I also hope to see a return to the democratic process and new elections in the Kurdistan region that address internal divisions and protect the aspirations and dreams of its people.  Iraq’s enemies want nothing more than division and discord.  As friends, the United States wants to see a peaceful resolution to the current crisis and we will continue to facilitate such an outcome.”

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