Statement Regarding June 30 U.S. Troop Withdrawal From Major Iraqi Cities

A statement from Qubad Talabani, the representative of the Kurdistan Regional
Government to the United States

WASHINGTON, June 29 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The following statement was
released by Qubad Talabani, the representative of the Kurdistan Regional
Government to the United States:

The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) is deeply grateful to the United
States and the U.S. military for their role in liberating Iraq, and partnering
with us as we build our federal democracy. Thanks to the sacrifices and valor
of U.S. and coalition troops, Iraq has achieved many successes, including the
drafting and ratification of a permanent constitution as well as executing
several relatively smooth transitions of power following national and
provincial elections.

Moreover, on July 25, those living in Iraqi Kurdistan will elect members of a
new parliament, another step in our journey toward a full democracy in the
Kurdistan Region of Iraq.

This progress, along with the relative stability throughout much of Iraq,
though promising, should not lull international observers into a false sense
of security. Recently, deadly bombings within Iraq have increased--just days
before the June 30 withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq's urban areas. The KRG
remains acutely concerned that the departure of U.S. forces has the potential
to create an environment easily exploited by extremists and terrorists who
desire to foment violence.

Furthermore, critical issues--essential to the stability of our
country--remain unresolved, and the current fragile situation could easily
degenerate into violence. These include:
1. Universal adherence to the constitution of Iraq.
2. Passage of oil and gas revenue-sharing legislation.

3. Resolution of Iraq's "disputed territories" through
implementing Article 140 of Iraq's Permanent Constitution.

We implore the Obama Administration to uphold its commitment to a phased,
responsible withdrawal from Iraq. The existing Status of Forces Agreement
signed between the U.S. and the Iraqi governments sets a firm date for U.S.
troops to leave Iraq; however, It is our hope that the U.S. withdrawal will be
no sooner than the resolution of these key political issues within Iraq --
establishing a foundation upon which Iraq will be able to successfully secure
a peaceful future for the entire region.

This was distributed by Qorvis Communications, LLC on behalf of the Kurdistan
Regional Government. More information is available at the United States
Department of Justice.

SOURCE Kurdistan Regional Government

Tom Squitieri, +1-202-637-2496, for the Kurdistan Regional Government