Iraqi Kurdish leader Massoud Barzani to step down

International Desk: Iraqi Kurdish president Massoud Barzani is to step down as the region wrestles with Baghdad over independence.

In a bitter TV address, he defended the independence referendum he called.

An overwhelming majority of voters approved secession, triggering fighting with Iraqi government troops who seized Kurdish-held oil rich areas.

As parliament debated his decision to stand down, some pro-Barzani supporters forced their way into the building to protest against his treatment.

The details of the situation remain unclear, but some witnesses reported seeing protesters with clubs, and some gunshots have also been heard.

Some Kurds are aggrieved that the 71-year-old leader's dream of Kurdish independence has been left in tatters, despite wide support within the region in the 25 September referendum.

On Sunday, Mr Barzani confirmed in a letter that he would not seek an extension to his presidential term, which ends in four days.

The majority of the region's MPs supported Mr Barzani's decision to step down.

Source: Agencies


risingbd/Oct 30, 2017/Mukul