In a letter to the Kurdish parliament, Barzani said that he will step down as the president of Kurdistan region and he will reject the decision by the parliament that will extend his presidency.

“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” Barzani said.

The letter was read out to the MPs during parliamentary session where the future of the presidential system is discussed.

Barzani’s decision came after the loss of Kirkuk, Sinjar, Zumar and several provinces to the Iraqi army.