Iraqi PM: Kurdish referendum results should be annulled

By Ali Abo Rezeg

ANKARA (AA) – Iraqi Prime Minister Haidar al-Abadi on Thursday said that the results of last month's Kurdish independence referendum in northern Iraq should be totally annulled, and not just suspended.

The premier's written statement came a day after the Kurdish Regional Government (KRG) proposed an immediate ceasefire, halt of all military operations and freezing the results of the referendum.

On Sept. 25, Iraqis in KRG-held areas -- and in several areas disputed between Baghdad and Erbil -- voted on whether to declare independence from Iraq.

According to results announced by the KRG, almost 93 percent of registered voters cast ballots in favor of independence.

The illegitimate referendum was heavily criticized by most regional and international actors, with many warning it would distract from Iraq’s ongoing fight against terrorism and further destabilize the already volatile region.