Referendum Council reaffirms referendum date, reveals parliament reactivation date

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region (Kurdistan 24) – The Kurdistan Region’s High Council for the Independence Referendum approved several decisions in a meeting on Sunday, including the reactivation of the Kurdistan Regional Government’s (KRG) Parliament.

The meeting was led by the Kurdistan Region President Masoud Barzani and included the Vice President Kosrat Rasool, Referendum Council members, the Independent High Elections and Referendum Commission (IHERC), and the Department of the Kurdistani Areas Outside of the KRG.

According to a statement released by the Referendum Council, the assembly discussed political developments, Iraqi and international reactions on the independence referendum, and the recent visit of the Arab League Chief to the Region.

The members insisted on holding the independence referendum on the scheduled date denying rumors of postponement.

Officials at the meeting also reiterated the need for unity, national consensus, and coordination among political parties during the referendum campaign.

Another point the assembly approved was regarding the reactivation of the Kurdistan Parliament which all the political parties in the Council agreed would hold its first session on Sep. 14.

The statement added that the Council expressed full support for the procedures and practical steps by the IHERC and called upon all related government entities to support the elections commission.

The Referendum Council also invited all international bodies who wish to observe the Kurdistan Region’s independence referendum on Sep. 25.

Editing by Karzan Sulaivany