Barzani Against Sectarian Domination Of New Iraq Government

Both spoke cautiously about their intentions amid intense behind-the-scenes political bargaining over the shareout of top posts after landmark January 30 elections.

"Our meetings are part of consensual steps and to make sure that no party -- whether it is Shiite, Sunni or Kurd -- monopolises power," said Barzani, the head of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), one of the two main Kurdish factions.

"We will not accept anything that goes outside of the consensus," he told reporters.

The interim premier told reporters his talks with Barzani had focused on "the consensus that all political groups must reach to prepare Iraq for a democratic future which will see the participation of all categories in Iraqi society."

Allawi would not say if he was supporting Kurdish demands for either the presidency or the premiership in the new administration. "Any Iraqi has the right to be a candidate for such a post," he said.

"If we want to build a united and democratic Iraq that gives everyone the same chance, a Kurd has the right to be a candidate for any function, just like an Arab."

PUK leader Jalal Talabani announced last week that he would be a candidate for either prime minister or president in the new government.

Shiite leaders had said they wanted the prime minister's post and proposed giving the presidency to the Sunni Arab community, much of which boycotted the election, while the Kurds made do with the speakership of the national assembly.

Allawi did not say if he would support Talabani, who headed the Kurdish list for the national assembly, while Barzani is to lead the Kurdish regional government.

Barzani said he had no agreement with Allawi about any post and that no Kurdish decision would be taken until the final election results were announced.

The outgoing prime minister announced after the election that he would embark on a "national dialogue" in a bid to persuade Sunni Arab parties to take part in talks on the new government and constitution.