Kirkuk must join Kurdistan Region, no independent entity, says PUK leadership

The leadership of the Patriotic Union of (PUK) has said that Kirkuk has no choice but to become part of the Kurdistan Region. 

But Kirkuk Governor, Najmaldin Karim, who is also member of the PUK politburo, believes that being part of the Kurdistan Region is almost impossible at this stage. 

PUK officials have opposed the idea of Kirkuk becoming an independent region of its own and would rather see it break with Baghdad as has also been suggested by governor Karim.

Kirkuk has three choices: remain tied to Baghdad, become part of the Kurdistan Region or become an independent region. 

Karim insists that separating from Baghdad and becoming an independent region is the only solution to the problems facing his province. He recently told Rudaw in an interview that this step will eventually bring Kirkuk closer to the Kurdish region.