Erbil, Kurdistan-Iraq, May
31, – A United States Congressional Delegation visited the
Kurdistan Region, the first since the fall of the regime of Saddam
Hussein in April 2003. The delegation included both Republicans and
Democrats from both houses of the United States Congress.
Congressman Roy Blunt said that the Kurdistan Region's success is
what freedom brings. The delegation also expressed their
satisfaction and pleasure with the visit.
During their visit, the US congressional delegation met the
Kurdistan Region’s President and Prime Minister. They also met
speakers and members of the Kurdistan National Assembly, the
regional parliament.
Massoud Barzani, President of the Kurdistan Region, thanked the
delegation for their initiative and for coming to witness firsthand
the progress made in the Region. He thanked them for the liberation
of Iraq and acknowledged the sacrifices made by the American people.
He also informed the delegation of efforts to improve democratic
institutions and the positive role the Kurdistan Region is playing
in the current political process and the development of Iraq. |
Photo: Peyamner - Safin Hamed |
Nechirvan Barzani, KRG Prime Minister, highlighted the Kurdistan
Region as a success story to be shared with all Americans. He
described economic development efforts, including KRG support for
the private sector and welcoming foreign investment, for the benefit
of all. The Prime Minister expressed his appreciation of the US, UK
and other coalition members for their continued support since 1991,
without which the Kurdistan Region’s current success would not have
been possible.
The delegation was led by Congressman Roy Blunt with Senator George
Allen, and included Congressmen Steny Hoyer, James Clyburn, Rodney
Frelinghuysen and Sam Graves. They were accompanied by US
congressional staff from Washington and US Embassy staff from
Baghdad.
After visiting Erbil, the capital of the Kurdistan Region, the
delegation headed towards Baghdad to meet with Iraqi officials.
"The delegation consists of six members, three Democrats and three
Republicans," Media Reports
According to Peyamner News Agency the following are the names of the
six-member delegation of US Congress and Senate:
1- Roy Blunt ( R-MO), House Majority Whip
2- Steny Hoyer ( D-MD) , House Minority Whip
3- Rodney Frelinghuysen ( R- NJ), Member, House Appropriations
Committee
4- Sam Graves ( R-MO) Member, House Agriculture Committee
5- James Clyburn ( D-SC) Chairman, House Democratic Caucus and
Member, Appropriations Committee
6- George Allen ( R-VA) Member, Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
Source: KRG | Peyamner Top |
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