The Kurdish administration that played a key role in the January 30 Iraqi national elections are not pushing for a coalition.

On February 25, leader of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) Masoud Barzani said they had not yet decided whom to support as prime ministerial candidate. Barzani told Reuters television in response to a question regarding whether they will support Ibrahim Jaafari, the United Iraqi Alliance candidate, or the interim Prime Minister Iyad Allawi: "A decision has not been made yet." Kurds want to gain prominent positions in the new government stressed Barzani claiming the elections proved that Kerkuk's (Kirkuk) identity was Kurdish.

"We want Kirkuk to be an example of ethnic, religious and national unity. But this will happen when Kirkuk's identity is accepted to be a part of Kurdistan." KDP official Necirvan Barzani had put forward the conditions for an autonomous administration in the Kurdish region, with Peshmarga's providing security. Kurds that participated in the January 30 elections with a joint list ranked second in the elections by gaining 25 percent and won 75 seats at the 275 seat National Assembly.

Sistani offers support to Jaafari.

Jaafari gained the support of the Grand Ayatollah al Sistani, the most efficient Shiite leader in Iraq. Sistani said he respected the decision of the Alliance and supported their decisions. Meanwhile, Jaafari who is the leader of the Dawaa Party and the Vice President of the provisional government was nominated as the candidate following the withdrawal of the Ahmed Chalabi from the candidacy.

Zaman.com