US concerns regarding referendum are understandable but so are ours regarding Iraq: Barzani

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region (Kurdistan 24) – The President of the Kurdistan Region, Masoud Barzani, on Thursday discussed the latest military developments with US army officials, affirming the upcoming Kurdistan Region referendum would not affect the war against the Islamic State (IS).

The US delegation, headed by General Joseph Votel, the Commander of the United States Central Command, met with Barzani and discussed a range of topics, including the ongoing military operation against the jihadist group in northern Iraq, the Kurdistan Region Presidency media office reported.

In attendance were a number of military officials from the Kurdistan Region and the US. Votel commended Barzani and the Peshmerga forces for their significant role in the offensive to retake Mosul, which was liberated on July 10.

Barzani recognized the support of the US-led coalition to the Peshmerga and the Kurdistan Region in the campaign against IS.

The upcoming Kurdistan Region referendum on independence, scheduled for Sep. 25, was also one of the topics discussed during the meeting, according to the Presidency’s media office.

“General Votel reiterated the position of the United States and that the vote should be delayed. The General added that the referendum might have a negative impact on the operations against the terrorists of the Islamic State [IS],” the statement read.

“President Barzani reassured General Votel that the Kurdistan Region with its Peshmerga forces would continue to partake in the collective global effort against the terrorists of the Islamic State, adding that the referendum issue would not have any negative effects on the ongoing war.”

Both sides expressed support for the Kurdistan Region's Referendum High Council delegation currently in Baghdad negotiating the vote and other unresolved issues between the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) and the federal government of Iraq.

Kurdish officials have repeatedly insisted that they would not postpone the vote, despite neighboring countries and the US criticizing the timing, stating the people of the Kurdistan Region, like any other nations in the world, “deserve to have their voices heard and respected.”

Barzani also told the US delegation that the Presidency of the Kurdistan Region understands Washington's concerns related to the referendum and the collaborative fight against IS, but asked the US to extend the same consideration and to recognize the concerns, the decision, and will of the people of the Kurdistan Region.

Editing by G.H. Renaud