Barzani: If we receive independence guarantee as 'alternative,' we celebrate on Sep. 25

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region (Kurdistan 24) – The President of the Kurdistan Region on Tuesday said Kurdish officials made all possible attempts to become partners in Iraq without reaching a solution.

In a speech where he addressed thousands in Erbil’s Soran city, Kurdistan Region President Masoud Barzani said the Kurds are still waiting for a written alternative guaranteeing independence before they postpone the referendum.

Hundreds gather in #Soran city where @masoud_barzani says no alternative given to replace #KurdistanReferendum.

Video: @heminhawrami pic.twitter.com/lKTEzc7xyO

— Kurdistan24 English (@K24English) September 19, 2017

“If we receive an alternative in the coming days by the international community that guarantees Kurdistan’s independence, we will postpone the referendum and celebrate on Sep. 25,” President Barzani stated.

“And, if we do not receive it, we will proceed with holding the referendum,” the President added.

Regarding an alternative plan discussed by the international community, President Barzani emphasized Erbil and Baghdad were the ones who had to resolve their issues and agree on a guarantee for Kurdistan’s independence.

“If the United States, European Union, and the United Nations guarantee the implementation of such an agreement then it will replace the referendum,” the President noted.

President Barzani added that the referendum was an opportunity for the people of the Kurdistan Region to determine their future, adding it would be followed by negotiations with Iraq to resolve differences.

President Barzani also reiterated that the partnership with Baghdad and Kurdistan had failed and said the people of the Region want independence.

Referring to the borders of Kurdistan and Kurdish areas outside of the Kurdistan Regional Government’s (KRG) administration, President Barzani said the referendum would not define the borders as further negotiations would follow the vote.

“We will engage in serious dialogue with Baghdad after the referendum,” the President concluded.

Editing by Karzan Sulaivany