Israeli PM states support for independent Kurdish state

JERUSALEM (AA) - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday declared his country’s support for an independent Kurdish state ahead of a regional referendum in northern Iraq.

Israel "supports the legitimate efforts of the Kurdish people to achieve their own state," Netantahu said in a statement.

The controversial referendum on Kurdish regional independence slated for Sept. 25 will see residents of northern Iraq’s Kurdish region vote on whether or not to declare independence from the Iraqi state.

Baghdad, however, rejects the planned poll, saying it will adversely affect the ongoing fight against Daesh, which -- despite a string of recent defeats -- still maintains a significant presence in northern Iraq.

The Iraqi government also believes that holding the poll would violate the terms of the country's national charter.

Turkey, too, rejects the planned referendum, saying the region’s stability depends on the unity of Iraq and the maintenance of its territorial integrity.

Washington has likewise voiced concern that the poll could serve as a “distraction” from other pressing regional issues, especially the fight against terrorism and the stabilization of post-Daesh Iraq.

- Israel opposes 'terrorist' PKK

The Israeli prime minister also said that "Israel opposes the PKK and sees it as a terrorist group".

The PKK -- designated as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the U.S. and the EU -- has waged a terrorist campaign against Turkey for more than 30 years, during which more than 40,000 people have been killed.

The group is also involved in illicit drug manufacture and trafficking.

In July of 2015, the PKK resumed its armed campaign against Turkey. Since then, it has been responsible for the death of some 1,200 Turkish security personnel and civilians including children.