‘Kurdistan independence necessary, will benefit Kurds everywhere’

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region (Kurdistan 24) – Kurdish scholars and human rights activists in the Kurdistan of Turkey agree the Kurdistan Region’s independence referendum will benefit Kurds everywhere.

Well-known scholar Misbah Hicri spoke to Kurdistan 24 from Sanliurfa (Rehiye in Kurdish), a city in the province of Sanliurfa in southern Turkey.

Hicri said an independent Kurdish state, recognized by the international community, is necessary.

The Kurdish scholar also explained Kurds across the Greater Kurdistan must support the Region’s upcoming independence referendum on Sep. 25, 2017.

“This [referendum] is something very good and positive,” he told Kurdistan 24. “This is a great success.”

“When the Kurdistan Region separates from Iraq, this is also something positive for Kurds in Turkey,” Hicri added.

The scholar stated a favorable vote on independence in the Kurdistan Region would pave the way for Kurds’ separation from Turkey.

Human rights activists in Rehiye argue that if a nation is independent and allowed to express its sovereignty, the people will be able to live freely.

Activist Firat Icicak spoke to Kurdistan 24 about the importance of self-determination.

He was confident Kurds in the Region would develop a democratic and free nation once independence is achieved.

Icicak highlighted how several nations benefited from the right to self-determination after it was recognized in the 1940s.

He pointed to the separation of the former Yugoslavia into many independent states including Slovenia, Croatia, Macedonia, and others.

Scholars and activists in Rehiye both agree Kurds have had to carry, and continue to carry, a burden of hardships for years.

However, they believe an independent Kurdistan will be a success for every Kurd.

Editing by G. H. Renaud

(Additional Reporting by Hassan Quseyn)