PUK blames Barzani remarks on Kirkuk, denies any comments on Article 140

MESOP : PUK = VOICE OF THE MULLAHS

The Patriotic Union of Kurdistan blamed Kurdistan Region President Massoud Barzani for remarks about the oil-rich province of Kirkuk and said no one should comment on the fate of the city and the ratification of Article 140.

In a visit to the northern city, Barzani said the article has been fulfilled by itself and reiterated no one will discuss the issue and the Kurdish forces of Peshmerga will not withdraw from the city. Peshmerga forces took control of the city after Iraq army withdrew forces and left the city in fighting with radical militants. In a meeting with Britain Foreign Minister William Hague, Barzani repeated the remarks and said Kirkuk is for the Kurds and there will be no discussion about the fate of the city.

PUK Leading Council Chief Adel Murad, however, blamed Barzani remarks and said the comments will not benefit people in Kirkuk and its situation.

He told Xendan website that many blocs reiterated Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki should quit power but the situation completely changed as Iran entered the issue and the US now is asking for a coalition government with the participation of all lines and the Kurds in particular. Murad has earlier stated that only forces from his party are attacked by the militants of the Islamic State of Iraq and Sham (ISIS) not Peshmerga forces affiliated with Barzani-led Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP).