Barzani to Iraqi officials: Era of threats, intimidation over

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region (Kurdistan 24) – The Kurdistan Region President on Wednesday responded to remarks made by Iraqi officials and politicians opposing Kurdistan’s independence referendum.

In an official statement, the Kurdistan Region President Masoud Barzani said Kurds want to live in peace and will no longer be bullied for asking their rights.

“The era of threats and intimidation is over, and we do not like nor encourage the use of such rhetoric,” President Barzani said.

He stated the people of Kurdistan want to live in peace and brotherhood and will not accept negative or oppressive language from any one.

“We have recently noticed a lot of reactions and remarks by Iraqi politicians and officials opposing independence and the rights of the people of Kurdistan,” President Barzani said.

There are dozens of examples where the Iraqi government did not abide by the Constitution approved by the Iraqi people, President Barzani stated.

He stated that the Constitution clearly says that abidance by the laws is a guarantor of Iraq’s unity.“

“Referendum is a natural right of Kurdistan’s people and all nations around the world and we must exercise our natural right. Why all this insistence on depriving our people of exercising the right others are entitled to?” Barzani said.

“I affirm our commitment to achieving what our martyrs have sacrificed for and we are committed before the public to fulfill the fair rights of our people,” Barzani stated.

Barzani reiterated that there is no turning back in the independence referendum, saying that “the people of Kurdistan will exercise their rights through peaceful means, away from violence as we do not want to repeat the bitter and failed history.”

Editing by Ava Homa