US 'strongly opposes' Iraqi Kurdish referendum

By Canberk Yuksel

NEW YORK (AA) - The State Department late Wednesday issued a strongly-worded statement opposing plans by northern Iraq's Kurdish Regional Government to hold an independence referendum next week.

"The United States strongly opposes the Iraqi Kurdistan Regional Government’s referendum on independence, planned for September 25. All of Iraq’s neighbors, and virtually the entire international community, also oppose this referendum," the statement said.

"The United States urges Iraqi Kurdish leaders to accept the alternative, which is a serious and sustained dialogue with the central government, facilitated by the United States and United Nations, and other partners, on all matters of concern, including the future of the Baghdad-Erbil relationship."

The department said the referendum would preclude the possibility of negotiations with the Baghdad central government, and present a high cost for "all Iraqis, including Kurds".

It cited disruptions in the fight against Daesh, which the KRG's peshmerga forces support, as well as worsening trade relations with neighbors and the destabilizing nature of holding the referendum in internationally disputed areas.

In contrast, "genuine dialogue" promises to resolve Iraqi Kurds’ grievances and establish a new course in Baghdad-Erbil relations, the statement added.

Residents in provinces controlled by the KRG are scheduled to vote Sept. 25 on independence from Baghdad.

The oil-rich province of Kirkuk is among the contested areas where the vote is planned.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said Ankara would respond with sanctions if next week's referendum went ahead.