KRG proposes to freeze referendum results

By Haydar Hadi

BAGHDAD (AA) - The Kurdish Regional Government (KRG) on Wednesday proposed to freeze its illegal referendum and halt military operations.

"As Iraq and Kurdistan are faced with grave and dangerous circumstances, we are all obliged to act responsibly in order to prevent further violence and clashes between Iraqi and Peshmerga forces," the KRG said in a statement.

"Clashes have caused damage to both sides and could lead to a continuous bloodshed, inflicting pain and social unrest among different components of Iraqi society," it said, highlighting clashes between Iraqi and Peshmerga forces that erupted on Oct. 16.

"Certainly, continued fighting does not lead any side to victory, but it will drive the country towards disarray and chaos, affecting all aspects of life," it continued.

In order to "fulfill our responsibilities and obligations towards the people of Kurdistan and Iraq," the KRG proposed an immediate ceasefire and halt of all military operations, freezing the results of the referendum conducted in Iraqi Kurdistan and starting an open dialogue with the Iraqi government on the basis of the Constitution.

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