The president of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), Massoud Barzani, announced Sunday that he is resigning effective Nov. 1 in the latest fallout from last month’s controversial independence referendum. In a televised address, Barzani said he would distribute his powers between Iraqi Kurdistan's parliament, prime minister and judiciary system. Armed supporters stormed meetings of parliament over the weekend and attacked lawmakers from opposition parties.
Barzani’s term was set to end Wednesday and he had previously said he would step down after serving since 2005. He has been under fire since Iraqi forces allied with Iran-backed Shiite militias seized back the oil-rich city of Kirkuk and other disputed areas of northern Iraq earlier this month. Barzani in turn has condemned the United States for failing to back the Kurds. His departure may help lead to a settlement between the KRG and Baghdad.