Reuters: Kurdish leader Barzani resigns after independence vote backfires
ERBIL/BAGHDAD Iraq (Reuters) - Iraqi Kurdish leader Masoud Barzani said he would give up his position as president on Nov. 1, after an independence referendum he championed backfired and triggered a regional crisis.
There was high drama at the Kurdish parliament, which was stormed by armed protesters as it met to approve the veteran leader’s resignation as Kurdish president. Some MPs were barricaded in their offices on Sunday evening.
In a televised address, his first since Iraqi forces launched a surprise offensive to recapture Kurdish-held territory on Oct. 16, Barzani confirmed that he would not extend his presidential term after Nov. 1 “under any conditions”.
“I am the same Masoud Barzani, I am a Peshmerga (Kurdish fighter) and will continue to help my people in their struggle for independence,” said Barzani, who has campaigned for Kurdish self-determination for nearly four decades.
Read more ....
WNU Editor: He sounds bitter .... "Nobody stood with the Kurds" says
bitter Barzani (Reuters). His supporters doubly so .... Protesters Storm Kurdistan Parliament After Barzani Announces Resignation (US News and World Report/Reuters)
Clashes around parliament as Iraqi Kurdish leader steps down -- Washington Post
Iraqi Kurdish leader Massoud Barzani to step down -- BBC News
Kurdish leader Masoud Barzani to step down as president of KRG after referendum backfires -- ABC Online
Iraqi Kurdistan President Masoud Barzani to step down -- DW
Iraqi Kurdish leader to step down over fallout from independence poll -- The Guardian
President of Iraq's Kurdish region resigns, leaving many questions in his wake -- L.A. Times
Kurdish President Barzani To Step Down Amid Fallout From Independence Vote -- NPR
More News On Iraqi Kurdish Leader Barzani Resigning After Independence Vote Backfires
Clashes around parliament as Iraqi Kurdish leader steps down -- Washington Post
Iraqi Kurdish leader Massoud Barzani to step down -- BBC News
Kurdish leader Masoud Barzani to step down as president of KRG after referendum backfires -- ABC Online
Iraqi Kurdistan President Masoud Barzani to step down -- DW
Iraqi Kurdish leader to step down over fallout from independence poll -- The Guardian
President of Iraq's Kurdish region resigns, leaving many questions in his wake -- L.A. Times
Kurdish President Barzani To Step Down Amid Fallout From Independence Vote -- NPR
