Barzani: Kurds no longer welcomed in Iraq

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region (Kurdistan 24) – The Kurdistan Region President stated that the Kurds are not welcomed in Iraq anymore and Kurdistan independence is to prevent new catastrophes.

Addressing a crowd in a meeting of university and school teachers in Erbil, Masoud Barzani, the Kurdistan Region President, stated Baghdad has betrayed the partnership with Kurds too many times.

“Kurds cannot forcibly live in Iraq, they are no longer welcomed in Baghdad, therefore the continuation of the status quo in Iraq would bring more catastrophes,” Barzani said.

After 2003, Kurds agreed to remain part of Iraq on the basis of partnership, but it has been violated dozens of times, Barzani stated, admitting that it was a mistake that they went to Baghdad and became part of the new Iraq after 2003.

“Whether we like it or not, there is a sectarian government currently ruling Baghdad, and democracy and federalism do not exist in Iraq anymore,” Barzani said.

The decision to hold an independence referendum is a historic and brave decision and there is no turning back from it because it prevents more catastrophes, Barzani told the crowd.

In relation to Kirkuk Provincial Council voting on joining the Kurdistan Region in holding an independence referendum, Barzani assured the province’s components that their rights will be guaranteed by the new constitution of the country of Kurdistan.

“Kirkuk shall be the city of coexistence between the Kurds, Arabs, Kurds, and Christians," Barzani concluded, encouraging the Kurdish officials and political parties to keep brotherly relations with all components.

Editing by Ava Homa