Russia’s Young Guard expresses support for Kurdistan independence vote

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region (Kurdistan24) – An official from the youth wing of the ruling political party in Russia recently expressed their support for the Kurdistan Region’s upcoming independence referendum.

In an official statement, International Secretary of the Young Guard of the United Russia Daria Sharova congratulated Iraqi Kurds on their decision to hold a vote for independence.

“We wish you to successfully hold a referendum, democratic, free, and transparent elections,” she wrote, addressing the Kurds as “friends.”

The Young Guard representative revealed her party would oversee the vote scheduled to be held later this year.

“[The] Young Guard will be participating in a referendum observation mission to the Kurdistan Region on Sep. 25, 2017,” the statement read.

Sharova also outlined “the most important factors” should the vote to secede win.

“National unity, peace, tranquility, and political stability are the sacred historical values…of the nation after [achieving] independence,” she said.

The International Secretary added “peace-making" and "national cohesion” in the Kurdistan Region would engender “further development and improvement” in the nation.

In another part of her statement, Sharova highlighted the coexistence and religious tolerance of the Region.

In practice, she stated, Kurdistan already has a base in place regarding the protection of national independence, territorial integrity of the country, rights, and freedoms of the people and citizens.

Kurds' unity and innovative vision will help them strengthen and improve the foundation for their desired statehood, Sharova added.

Following a meeting with the Kurdish parties in the Region, President Masoud Barzani decided to hold an independence referendum in September.

Editing by G.H. Renaud