President, US Ambassador Discusses Recent Developments In Kirkuk

Baghdad, Iraq (NNA) - President of the Republic, Fuad Masum discussed with US Ambassador to Iraq Douglas Silliman the relations of cooperation and friendship between the two countries and the political and security developments in the country, especially the recent developments in the province of Kirkuk. Masum during his meeting with Silliman at the Salam Palace stressed "The need to stop the escalation of the conflict in Kirkuk and to make the utmost efforts to return immediately to dialogue to resolve differences on the basis of the Constitution and through dialogue leading to the spread of peace and political and security stability," He called on the media and the parties to the dispute to stay away from escalation and rhetoric, expressing his hope to understand all the political forces in the country the danger of worsening conditions that would adversely affect the future of all Iraqis. The President focused on the need for political leaders to work to find acceptable ground and strong understandings contribute to the development of immediate solutions to the problems in Kirkuk and all the problems of the country, especially between the federal government and the Kurdistan Regional Government, pointing to the importance of preserving national unity and the lives of citizens. For his part, Ambassador Silliman stressed the United States' keenness to stabilize Iraq and its readiness to provide any support to help Iraqis overcome this problem, stressing his country's continued support for Iraq in its war against terrorism./ End