Kurdistan calls foreign diplomats in Erbil to support referendum process

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region (Kurdistan24) – A Kurdistan Region delegation on Sunday met with diplomats and representatives of foreign countries in the Region to discuss the independence referendum.

The Kurdistan Regional Government’s (KRG) Department of Foreign Affairs hosted a joint meeting where the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) and Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) briefed representatives of foreign countries on the process of the referendum.

Following the meeting, Rozh Nuri Shawes, the representative of the KDP, PUK delegation held a press conference highlighting the points that were discussed in the meeting.

Shawes said the delegation had informed the foreign diplomats a referendum was the natural right of the people of Kurdistan.

“The referendum consists of one question related to independence: are you for an independent Kurdistan? YES or NO,” Shawes added.

Following the announcement of the referendum results, measures would be taken to apply the outcome, according to Shawes.

The representative mentioned the first step after holding the referendum would be initiating talks with Baghdad.

Additionally, Shawes explained any actions taken following the referendum would be in understanding with Baghdad.

He reassured Kurdistan would keep the strong political, economic, and security relations with Iraq following independence.

Shawes added the joint Kurdistan Region delegation requested the representatives and diplomats of the foreign countries to support the process of holding a referendum.

Regarding the inclusion of Kirkuk and other disputed areas included in Article 140 of the Iraqi Constitution in the independence referendum, Shawes said they belonged to the Kurdistan Region.

However, he clarified holding a referendum in Kirkuk and other areas outside of the Region was dependent on the will and decision of the people in those disputed areas.

Editing by Karzan Sulaivany