Kurdistan Presidency calls on Rex Tillerson to ‘reevaluate’ criticism of referendum’s legitimacy

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region (Kurdistan 24) – The Spokesperson of the Kurdistan Region Presidency (KRP) on Sunday expressed Kurdistan’s “disappointment” with the US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson’s statement criticizing the legitimacy of the historic independence referendum.

Tillerson said Washington does not recognize the Kurdistan Region’s Sep. 25 referendum on independence from Iraq.

“The vote and the results lack legitimacy, and we continue to support a united, federal, democratic, and prosperous Iraq,” he said in a statement on Friday.

Responding to the US Secretary of State, KRP Spokesperson Omed Sabad voiced Kurdistan’s “deep disappointment” with Tillerson’s comments.

The KRP report cited the Kurds’ “consistent and enthusiastic support” for the US, especially in the fight against the former Iraqi regime under Saddam Hussein and the Islamic State (IS).

“Of all the countries in the world, the United States should appreciate and honor Kurds’ decision for independence as manifested by 92 percent of voters in a free, transparent, and peaceful referendum,” Sabah said in the statement.

The report stressed the independence vote was legitimate and authorized by the Kurdistan Region Parliament “as is allowed under relevant provisions of the Iraqi Constitution.”

“The referendum enabled the people of Kurdistan to exercise the right of self-determination as contained in the UN Charter and at least two subsequent international conventions,” Sabah said.

Baghdad, neighboring countries, and the international community have expressed their opposition toward the vote.

According to Tillerson, the US wanted “an end to vocal recriminations and threats of reciprocal actions.”

The KRP statement thanked Washington for its “call for a nonviolent response to the referendum,” but pointed to the US’ failure to stop “Baghdad’s unconstitutional and illegal mistreatment of the Kurds” since 2005.

“We hope [the US] will re-evaluate its position and support wholeheartedly the legitimate aspirations of the people of Kurdistan,” the KRP statement concluded.

Despite calls to postpone the momentous event, the Kurdish leadership insisted on holding the referendum, stating it was a peaceful and democratic process, and the right of the people of Kurdistan.