Turkish opposition head hits out at Iraqi Kurdish vote

MHP leader Devlet Bahceli says next month's secession referendum could be a reason of war, if necessary

By Cansu Dikme

ANKARA (AA) - A Turkish opposition leader on Thursday said next month’s planned independence vote in the Kurdish region of northern Iraq could potentially lead to war.

Speaking at an Ankara news conference, Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) leader Devlet Bahceli said Turkey should oppose the referendum which would include Turkmen-populated areas.

“This referendum, for Turkey, could be regarded as a reason for war, if need be,” Bahceli said.

On Sept. 25, Iraq's Kurdish Regional Government will hold a referendum on whether to declare formal independence from the Iraqi state.

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

Kaynak:

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