Kurds back U.S.-Iraq security deal

ERBIL, Iraq, July 21 (UPI) -- The Kurdish president backed the security deal currently under review between U.S. and Iraqi officials, following a meeting with the top U.S. diplomat in Iraq.

Kurdish President Massoud Barzani met in Erbil with U.S. Ambassador to Iraq Ryan Crocker to stress the need to reach a long-term security arrangement to replace the U.N. mandate in Iraq, which expires this year, the Iranian Press TV said.

The issue is controversial among many Iraqi lawmakers, prompting U.S. officials to back away from advocating a formal status of forces agreement in favor of a more lenient arrangement.

"(S)uch a pact should serve the interests of both nations," a joint statement attributed to the officials read.

Barzani also stressed there would be no negotiations on dividing the Kurdistan Regional Government.

Iraqi lawmakers are divided over the status of Kirkuk province. Article 140 of the Iraqi Constitution calls for a reversal of the Saddam-era policy of "Arabization" of Kirkuk. One solution calls for an equitable power-sharing arrangement, while another calls for a division of Kirkuk along ethnic lines.

Kurdish lawmakers reject any provision that does not consider Kirkuk one constituency, however.

"If Article 140 dies, then the Constitution will die," Barzani said.