US welcomes Iraqi PM's initiative to govern disputed areas in Iraq

BAGHDAD, Oct 5 (MENA) - The United States welcomed Thursday Iraqi Prime Minister Haider Al Abadi's call to jointly govern the disputed areas with the Iraqi Kurdish region's government.

US Ambassador to Iraq Douglas Silliman expressed his support to the initiative at a press conference, saying that jointly governing the disputed areas with the Kurdish government through establishing joint security forces from both sides is a good idea.

Silliman explained that both sides' security forces have a responsibility to protect Iraq and its people, calling on the two sides to work together to unite the country instead of the ongoing dispute.

He also encouraged Erbil to take steps to bring its points of view closer to Iraq's, warning against taking decisions which could further inflame the situation.