Iraqi PM emphasizes ‘constructive dialogue’ in meeting with Kurdistan referendum delegation

BAGHDAD, Iraq (Kurdistan 24) – The Kurdistan Region's Referendum High Council's delegation on Monday arrived in Baghdad and met with Prime Minister of Iraq Haider al-Abadi to discuss independence and future relations between Erbil and Baghdad.

According to a statement issued by Abadi's media office, an in-depth dialogue took place between Abadi and the delegation in attempts to resolve issues between the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) and the federal government of Iraq.

“It was agreed upon that the productive and serious dialogue would continue to serve the shared interests of the Iraqi people and address historical grievances to preserve the unity of Iraq,” read the statement.

The statement gave no details on the outcome of the talks regarding the KRG’s independence referendum scheduled for Sep. 25.

Following the meeting, members of the delegation told Kurdistan 24 they had emphasized the vote would not be delayed, describing the meeting as ‘constructive.'

Kurdistan 24 Correspondent Awat Khairullah noted the meeting lasted two hours.

Kurdish officials are trying to reassure Baghdad that a vote for independence favors both sides, a response to Abadi previously labeling the referendum as an “unconstitutional” move.

The delegation consisted of representatives from various political parties in the Kurdistan Region, including Ezidis and Christians.

“Abadi was flexible during the meeting... We told him that our people were resolute in holding a referendum on independence,” a member of the negotiating delegation, Saadi Pira, told reporters.

“We communicated our concern about Iraq’s future and the possibility of a war between Erbil and Baghdad should relations continue as they are now,” he said. “Abadi’s responses were positive during the meeting, and he assured us we could reach a satisfying outcome through dialogue.”

Pira also mentioned that Abadi said during the meeting that the Kurdistan Region has political and economic independence from Iraq, and even has the Peshmerga, a force which does not raise the Iraqi flag.

Kurdish officials have repeatedly noted that the constitution of Iraq has been ignored by the federal government of Iraq and that Kurds are treated as the second-class citizens.

Negotiations between the delegation and Baghdad officials will continue in the forthcoming days in the hopes of reaching an agreement regarding the independence referendum and the prospective relationship between Erbil and Baghdad.

Editing by G.H. Renaud