President George Bush and Iraqi Kurdistan President Masoud Barzani gave remarks after their meeting at the White House Wednesday.
Bush said that the major issue the two talked about was the status of forces agreement. He said Barzani had been "a very strong advocate of the Iraqi government passing the SOFA" and that he appreciated that.
"I informed the President we received amendments today from the government," Bush continued. "We're analyzing those amendments. We obviously want to be helpful and constructive without undermining basic principles."
The president said he remained "very hopeful and confident that the SOFA will get passed." He said Barzani should "get a lot of credit for your leadership on that issue."
Barzani said he expressed "the gratitude of the Iraqi people in general and the people of Kurdistan, in particular, for the brave decision that you've made to rid us of this dictatorship." He added, "We are very grateful for all the brave souls, women and men in uniform, who gave their dear lives in the process."
In regards to SOFA, Barzani stated that he believed "it is in the interest of the Iraqi government, it's in the interest of this country, and we have been and we will continue to support it and support its ratification."
Barzani became a member of the Iraqi Governing Council after the US invasion of Iraq and became its president in April 2004. In June 2005, he was elected president of the Iraqi Kurdistan region by the Iraqi Kurdistan's Parliament.
During his tenure, Barzani has established several institutions in the Iraqi Kurdistan region in an effort to help strengthen its emerging democracy. He has also helped the region strengthen alliances and improve decision-making processes.
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