KurdistanRegion of Iraq (KRP.org) - President Masoud Barzani welcomed US Deputy Secretaryof State William Burns today in Salahaddin to discuss the current politicalcrisis facing the country, developments in the region and strengtheningbilateral relations.
President Barzani expressedhis full support for the efforts by Iraqi President Jalal Talabani to arrange anational conference and stated that all sides should agree on practicalmechanisms and time frames, consistent with the Iraqi Constitution, which willlead to real power-sharing and the resolution of the outstanding issues.

Deputy Secretary of StateWilliam Burns concurred with the President on the importance of specifying practicalmechanisms and time frames for the implementation of the existingagreements. He also commended PresidentBarzani’s efforts which culminated in the formation of the current government andagreements which laid the foundations of genuine partnership. He said practical mechanisms should be identifiedfor implementation of these existing agreements.

The President and theUS Deputy Secretary of State also exchanged views on the regional developmentsand their impact on the situation in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region.