Inter'l community ‘doesn't object to Kurdistan referendum’ – Barzani
September 08 2017
11:57 AM The international community does not object to holding Kurdistan Region’s independence referendum, but it believes that time is not suitable for conducting it, Kurdistan’s President Masoud Barzani revealed Friday

Press reports (quoted Barzani as saying that following the failure in forming a partnership with Baghdad, we took the decision of holding a referendum on independence

He noted if the partnership with Baghdad has proved a success, the decision to conduct the referendum would not have been taken

Under the constitution, Peshmerga forces shall be a part of the Iraqi defense system, but this did not materialize Barzani further stated.

He added that the purpose of the referendum is to build up a new and good relationship with Baghdad
Barzani also said that after the referendum, we will enter into serious negotiations with Baghdad to discuss all issues concerning Kurdistan people

International guarantees are needed when agreements are signed between the central government and an independent Kurdistan he pointed out.

If the international community did not come up with a better alternative to the referendum, we will proceed with conducting the referendum he further stated.

Moreover, Barzani expressed his rejection to Iran’s interference in Kurdistan Region’s affairs
Iran has recurrently objected to holding the region’s referendum

Kurdistan Regional Government announced on June 7 that it would vote on September 25 on secession from Iraq https://www.thebaghdadpost.com/en/story/16670/Inter-l-community-doesn-t-object-to-Kurdistan-referendum-Barzani