Kurdish Leader Barzani to Step Down as Independence Push Stalled
- Barzani announces decision in letter to Kurdish parliament
- Kurds have lost areas they controlled in Iraq since 2014
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Massoud Barzani, the Iraqi Kurdish leader who oversaw a push for independence that drew the anger of Baghdad and the country’s neighbors, is stepping down as president of the semi-autonomous region.
In a letter to the regional parliament released by his office, Barzani said he would leave the post when his term ends on Nov. 1. He asked the legislature to “resolve the matter of the duties and powers of the president” to ensure “there is no legal vacuum.” A senior adviser, Hemin Hawrami, told The Associated Press that Barzani would lead the High Political Council of top Kurdish leaders, and could remain in office until a successor is elected.