A correspondent in Iraqi Kurdistan sends the latest from the independent Kurdish newspapers Awene and Hawlati (both of which the Talabani family is suing), as well as Sbeiy.com, which is close to the opposition “Change” list. Importantly, it seems U.S. diplomats are finally engaging Gorran, perhaps a recognition that Jalal Talabani’s political party is destined to collapse.

Protesting against parliament’s speaker’s decision to limit MPs comments/discussion on 2010 budget, Gorran group steps out of parliament session discussing 2010 budget.
Again, today Gorran, Kurdistan Islamic Group, and Kurdistan Islamic Union groups leave parliament’s session today after the speaker’s press assistant/advisor’s kicked out the press from the meeting and allowed them to record only for 10 minutes.
US Consul in Erbil, Regional Reconstruction Team representatives at the US Consulate in Erbil meet Dana Ahmed Majid, former Sulaymaniyah governor and Gorran activist. According to a statement to Gorran’s KNN television, the US delegation reportedly discussed the elections process, campaigns as well as recent security situtation in Sulaymaniyah.
In an unprecedented move by the PUK and KDP, militants in civilian dress enter parliament building during the session today. Gorran, KIU and KIG opposition groups in the parliament boycotted today’s session and condemned the move and see it as a way of putting pressure on opposition and imtimidate their MPs.