Press Release 20100615-01
June 15, 2010

ERBIL, Iraq – Key government and military leaders from the government of Iraq, the Kurdish region and the U.S. gathered at the Kurdistan Regional Government Ministry of Interior to discuss solutions for securing the northern Iraqi border against Iranian attacks here June 10.

Prime Minister Nuri Al Malaki directed Gen. Babakir Zeibari, Iraqi Army Chief of Staff, Staff Gen. Abud Gunbar, Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, and Iraqi Air Force Commander staff Lt. Gen Anwar Ameen to meet with Karim Sinjari, KRG Minister of Interior and Sheikh Jaafer Mustafa, Minister of Peshmerga, and offer whatever help the KRG needs to ensure the safety of the Iraqi people in the region.

Although this meeting was entirely Iraqi-led, Babakir invited U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Michael D. Barbero, Deputy Commanding General of United States Forces – Iraq (Advising and Training) and U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Scott Hanson, Director of Iraq Training and Advisory Mission – Air Force, who offered operational advice.

Anwar offered to provide IqAF King Air flights to provide intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance support in areas near the border and suggested adding a mobile ground station as a joint effort between the Ministry of Peshmerga and border guards.

“Iraq has shown their ability to do this,” Hanson said. “Lt. Gen. Anwar’s plan is good and we are ready to support however we can.”

The KRG and MoD leaders agreed to make active use of their liaison teams to enhance the exchange of information to improve cohesion between the different headquarters.

“We are ready to receive all support,” said Karim. “We are one Iraq and we will solve this diplomatically.”

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