Kurdish leader Masoud Barzani launched on Monday an initiative aimed at bridging the divide between head of Iraq's Sadrist movement, Shiite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr, and the Shiite Coordination Framework.
The initiative was discussed during a meeting between President of the Kurdistan Region Nechirvan Barzani, parliament Speaker Mohammed al-Halbousi and Sadr at his headquarters in Najaf city.
The initiative is likely to kick off a series of dialogues in the country, but head of the State of Law coalition, former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, appears to be the biggest hurdle in ensuring its success.
Sadr has been adamant in rejecting Maliki's appointment to any government position. He has said that he would be open to a Maliki loyalist being named to cabinet.
Sadr emerged as victor in the October parliamentary elections, allowing him control over the formation of the new government.
Masoud Barzani said on Monday that he was seeking to "resolve problems".
The meeting in Najaf is aimed at holding consultations over how to continue the political process and remove obstacles, he added.
Asharq Al-Awsat learned that the meeting helped overcome problems facing the political process.
Informed sources revealed that the initiative has been backed by Iran and is accepted by its loyalists in Iraq in an effort to appease Maliki and avoid any clash.
