Iraq Political News: Kerry discusses with Maliki developments in Iraq, region

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry spoke over the weekend with Iraq’s Prime Minister Nouri Al-Maliki during which they discussed the developments in Iraq and the region, it was announced Monday.

State Department Acting Deputy Spokesperson Patrick Ventrell told reporters that Kerry called Al-Maliki “over the weekend to discuss events in Iraq as well in the region.” He added that Kerry “welcomed the recent discussions between Baghdad and Arbil and the commitment to follow through on important matters critical to Iraqi stability.”

Ventrell noted that Kerry “also expressed concern about the potential for renewed sectarian conflict in Iraq and recognized the danger that the ongoing conflict in Syria poses for the region.” According to Ventrell, Kerry “urged prime Minister Maliki to show restraint and flexibility in discussions with protesters, and stressed the need for all parties to refrain from violence and address legitimate grievances peacefully, in a manner consistent with the Iraqi constitution.” The secretary affirmed the US commitment under the Strategic Framework Agreement to help all sides work toward sustainable comprises that will be essential to Iraq’s long-term stability, Ventrell affirmed.

The secretary expressed condolences for the lives lost in Iraq in recent weeks and pledged continued support to Iraq’s counterterrorism efforts, he remarked.

Source: Kuwait News Agency