Barzani discusses lack of partnership, future of Iraq with Sunni figure

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region (Kurdistan24) – President of the Kurdistan Region Masoud Barzani on Monday met with prominent Sunni figure and Vice-president of Iraq Osama al-Nujaifi in Erbil, to discuss various topics related to the current situation and the future of Iraq.

Last month, Nujaifi established a pro-Sunni party in Erbil named "United for Iraq."

During the meeting, which some of the party’s members also attended, both sides discussed the political and security situation in Iraq, the fight against the Islamic State (IS) in Mosul, and Iraq in a post-IS world, according to the Kurdistan Region Presidency's media office.

They also shed light on the political future of Iraq, the forthcoming elections, the disappearance of consensus between parties, partnership, and future threats that Iraq and the region, in general, could face.

Iraq is currently suffering from security, political, and economic turmoil.

While Sunni Arabs claim that they are marginalized from ruling Iraq, Kurds are seeking the long-awaited dream of independence by holding a referendum in 2017.

Iraqi forces, with the support of the US-led coalition, continue to advance and liberate remaining parts of Mosul city in the north of the country, occupied by IS since June 2014.

Editing by G.H. Renaud