Iraqi Kurdish leader Massoud Barzani says an immediate withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq would worsen the situation in the country.
Speaking at a news conference in Jordan Tuesday, Barzani said he supports a U.S. troop withdrawal, but only when Iraqi security forces and the government have the situation under control. He said the situation in Iraq is tragic, but would get worse if U.S. troops are pulled out suddenly.
On Monday, Barzani held talks with Jordan's King Abdullah, who reaffirmed his country's support for efforts to secure reconciliation between Iraq's rival groups.
Barzani is president of the semi-autonomous Kurdish region in northern Iraq.
Some information for this report was provided by AFP and AP.