The President of the Kurdistan Region, Nechirvan Barzani, discussed with the new US Consul General in the Kurdistan Region, Steve Bittner, the situation in Iraq and the region. The Presidency of the Region stated in a statement today that Barzani received the new US Consul General, in the presence of the former Consul Mark Straw, whom Barzani thanked and wished him success. The new US Consul General affirmed the continued support of the United States and its partnership with Iraq and the Kurdistan Region. The two sides stressed the importance of holding parliamentary elections in the Kurdistan Region, hoping that it would be a successful process. The two sides also discussed the situation in Iraq and the latest developments in the region. Source: National Iraqi News Agency