President Barzani: Any attempt to thwart independence referendum leads to catastrophe

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region (Kurdistan24) – Kurdistan Region President said on Wednesday that there is "no turning back" in holding the independence referendum, stating that postponing the process would lead to catastrophe.

Masoud Barzani, Kurdistan Region President in an interview with France24 said that the planned independence referendum would take place on time and he would not back down.

Barzani added that he had pushed back a request from the US’s Donald Trump administration to postpone the vote on independence, warning that any attempt to thwart the referendum would lead to “catastrophe” and the risk of a “bloody war.”

Barzani said that Kurdistan Region would do its best to reach an agreement with the Iraqi PM Haider al-Abadi, emphasizing that “The negotiations would not be open-ended."

President warned that Kurds would not watch indifferently if Baghdad tries to close Kurdistan airspace or send in troops.

Regarding the political unrest in the Kurdistan Region, Barzani mentioned that parliamentary and presidential elections would be held soon after the independence referendum and he would not seek another term as president.

Editing by Ava Homa