BARZANI SAYS KURDISH OFFICIALS TOLD BAGHDAD REGION, IRAQ CANNOT STAY TOGETHER



SULAIMANI — Masoud Barzani has said senior Kurdish officials have told officials in Baghdad the region and Iraq cannot live together and hope to live as two neighboring countries.

Barzani said during the 34th commemoration in Erbil of the genocide of the Barzanis on Monday (July 31) that the cut of the budget share from Baghdad is no less than the bombardment by chemical weapons.

Barzani added Kurds have tried all options with Baghdad to tackle issues but this has not worked, stating the only treatment for the wounds from Anfal and the chemical weapons bombardment is independence.

“No solution with Baghdad will have a result except independence through peaceful and brotherly ways,” Barzani said.

Barzani noted the told Iraqi officials in their recent visit to Baghdad that the partnership with the government of Iraq has failed.

He added they want to reach an agreement with Baghdad through understanding and that they do not want war with Baghdad.

The expected referendum planned to be held this year was announced on June 7 during a meeting between the region’s political parties, not including the Change Movement (Gorran) and the Kurdistan Islamic Group (KIG).

Kurds say the expected "yes" outcome would strengthen their hand in talks on self-determination with Baghdad, and would not automatically mean declaring independence.

(NRT)

https://www.nrttv.com/En/Details.aspx?Jimare=15868