Turkey calls on Kurds to abandon referendum

By Satuk Bugra Kutlugun

ANKARA (AA) - Prime Minister Binali Yildirim Friday called on Kurdish Regional Government's (KRG) President Masoud Barzani to abandon a planned independence referendum in northern Iraq.

Taking journalists' questions in Ankara before Friday prayer, Yildirim said "I want to make a call here. It is not over yet for Barzani to give up on this ambition of his."

"This referendum, which is opposed by the whole world and is illegal to international law, will not bring happiness to our Kurdish brothers in the region," Yildirim said.

The non-binding referendum will see residents of Kurdish-controlled areas of northern Iraq vote on full independence from Baghdad.

The U.S. and UN have also spoken out against the poll, saying it would distract from operations against Daesh and lead to greater regional instability.

Baghdad has threatened to intervene militarily if the vote results in violence. KRG President Masoud Barzani has said a Yes vote would not initiate a declaration of independence but would led to negotiations with the Iraqi government.