Barham Saleh, the Prime Minister of the PUK government in northern Iraq, held discussions in Damascus with Abdullah Al-Ahmar, the Assistant Secretary General of the Arab Socialist Baath Party, Syrian Vice President Abdel Halim Khaddam, and senior Syrian officials. The discussions focused on the transitional mechanisms required to form an independent national government in Iraq. Saleh, during a press conference, stated that Syria demonstrates a keen interest in Iraq’s stability. He expressed appreciation for Syria’s understanding of the situation and its support, emphasizing the respect shown by their Syrian counterparts towards the independent will of the Iraqi nation. Saleh expressed hope for Syria’s assistance in promoting stability and security in Iraq, affirming that the Syrians have conveyed their opposition to any interference in Iraqi internal affairs.
Responding to a question from Asharq Al-Awsat, Saleh emphasized the importance of maintaining the Kurdistan Regional Government as a fundamental pillar of Iraq’s future system. He described it as a federal democratic system founded on principles of tolerance and pluralism.
When asked about the Kurds’ relationship with the United States, Saleh stated that their commitment lies in the best interests of their people. Their international and regional relations are based on ensuring the stability of Kurdish and Iraqi national interests. Saleh expressed the hope that this relationship can be leveraged to benefit Iraq, the Kurds, and to enhance regional security and stability.
Regarding the Kurds’ stance towards an extended American military presence in Iraq, Saleh told Asharq Al-Awsat that they had initially hoped for intervention by Arab and Islamic countries instead of the United States. However, once a national government is established, focused on establishing security and stability in Iraq, the need for an American military presence would diminish. If the American presence persists against the will of the Iraqi people and the elected national government, it would be seen as provocative in every incident that occurs.