video-One of Iraqi Kurdistan's ruling parties bracing for up

[Aslan]

There are claims that the banking crisis in PUK-controlled areas is related to uncertainties surrounding the party’s future. PUK leaders allegedly started withdrawing billions of dollars when party leader Talabani suffered his stroke. But the party denies such reports.

Barham Salih is a former prime minister of Kurdistan’s regional government and former deputy prime minister of Iraq’s central government. There are signs that the PUK leader is being groomed to take over Talabani’s role as Iraq’s president.

The first official photos of Iraqi president and PUK leader Talabani have emerged. Analysts say the photos reassure PUK supporters that their leader will somehow return to take the helm.

The Patriotic Union of Kurdistan will participate in September’s regional elections as an independent list. The party usually runs in partnership with Kurdistan’s other ruling party - the Kurdistan Democratic Party. Reports suggest that the Patriotic Union is worried about losing votes from the younger generation if it’s tied up with the Democratic Party.


http://www.presstv.ir/detail/2013/05/27 ... s-absence/