PEREGRAF
Iranian Quds Force commander Ismail Qaani was present during Thursday’s (February 10) meeting between Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) leader Masoud Barzani and Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) leader Bafel Talabani to resolve the parties’ competition over the Iraqi presidency.
"The meeting is closed and only Barzani, Bafel Talabani, and Qaani are involved and Iran will help them reach an agreement," a senior PUK source told Peregraf.
There are several options being discussed how to bridge the disagreement between the KDP and the PUK, involving the presidency, ministerial posts in Baghdad allocated by the Kurdish parties, and the Kirkuk governorship, the last of which could involve a rotation system between the two parties.
According to sources speaking to Peregraf on condition of anonymity, the most likely outcome of the talks is that the presidency will remain with the PUK, but that incumbent Barham Salih will be replaced by a candidate that can secure Barzani’s backing. Additionally, the PUK will give its ministerial positions to the KDP.
The meeting comes after Speaker of the Council of Representatives Mohammed al-Halbousi reopened nominations for the presidency after parliament failed to reach quorum at a meeting on Monday to vote on the presidency.