Kurdistan Region President Barzani reject extension of his term as the President.

Dear Presidency of Kurdistan Parliament,

Warm greetings,

In accordance with the Regional Decree 128, we called for parliamentary and presidential elections to be held on November 1, 2017. But the High Independent Electoral and Referendum Commission suspended preparations for both elections due to political, security, and technical reasons as well as the lack of a candidate.

On October 24, 2017, the parliament of Kurdistan extended the term of the Regional government and its parliament for two terms.

I refuse to continue the position of president of the Region after November 1, 2017, and the presidential law of the Region should not be amended, nor should the term of the Regional Presidency be extended. You should therefore meet at your earliest convenience to ensure there is no legal vacuum in the execution of the duties and powers of the president of the Region and resolve this subject.

Moreover, I, as Masoud Barzani the Peshmerga, will continue with our nation and beloved Peshmerga in endeavors to achieve the just rights of our nation and protect the achievements of our nation.

Masoud Barzani

October 28, 2017