US Assistant Secretary of State Barbara Leaf met with a group of the media organizations, including Draw Media, at the US Consulate in Erbil today.
Summary of Assistant Secretary of State Barbara Leaf's remarks:
• I have talked with both Iraqi and Kurdistan sides, both sides talk positive things about each other.
• I call what has been done an agreement, not the handover of oil. We welcome the agreement between Erbil and Baghdad.
• We are concerned about the divisions within the Kurdish home, which is harmful to regional security. If this situation is not good for the people of the region, it will not be good for Iraq and the United States.
• We have expressed our opinion on the unity of the Kurdish house.
• Regarding the attack at Sulaimani airport, we are against any attack, especially if it targets Americans.

• In response to Draw Media about the elections; 
Draw: In case the elections are delayed longer than scheduled, will the US impose any sanctions on the Kurdistan Region?

Barbara Leaf: It is not the job of the US government to punish any government or political party, but we encourage that the elections should be held this year, also the people of the Kurdistan Region support the holding of elections this year.