Erdogan: We have always defended the unity of Iraq and the decision to hold the referendum is a threat
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan strongly criticized on Tuesday the decision of the authorities of the Kurdistan region of Iraq to hold a referendum on independence, calling it a "wrong decision constitutes a threat" to the territorial integrity of Iraq.

"Taking a step towards independence in northern Iraq is a mistake and a threat to the territorial integrity of Iraq," Erdogan said in a speech to his party in Ankara.

"We have always defended the territorial integrity of Iraq and will continue to do so," Erdogan said. "The referendum is not in anyone's interest."

Turkey maintains good relations with the autonomous regional government in northern Iraq. Massoud Barzani, the regional leader, is constantly visiting Ankara. Although Turkish investments are flowing into Erbil, the capital of the region, Turkey is concerned about any steps towards full territorial independence.

The Kurdistan region announced that a referendum will be held in the Kurdish areas of Iraq on September 25 next to establish an independent state, and although the vote in the referendum is not binding, but Baghdad expressed its alarm at this step.

The majority of the Kurds live in four countries: Turkey, Iraq, Iran and Syria. They long hoped for a state, but this dream was shattered at the end of the First World War.

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