Salahadin, Kurdistan Region of Iraq, (KRP.org) - President Masoud Barzani today received U.S. Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez, a U.S. Representative for California, and an accompanying delegation in his office in Salahaddin.

The President and Congresswoman Sanchez, who serves on the committees for Armed Services and Homeland Security, discussed Iraq-U.S. relations and the ongoing negotiations regarding the withdrawal of U.S. forces by the end of 2011.

President Barzani outlined an overview of the political and security situation in Iraq since 2003, saying that thanks to the American people and government and their sacrifices, the people of Iraq enjoy freedom after years of dictatorship. He added that although there are still many challenges facing Iraq, the victory in overthrowing a brutal dictatorship outweighs all these challenges.

Congresswoman Sanchez expressed her admiration for the progress and developments that have taken place in the Kurdistan Region under President Barzani’s leadership.