Iraqi Parliament Speaker: those do not like living in Iraq seek another state

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region (Kurdistan24) – The Iraqi parliament speaker warned against plans to divide the country, stating that those who do not want to live as part of Iraq should seek a new homeland.

Salim al-Jibouri, the Iraqi Parliament Speaker, at a Turkman's Conference in Baghdad on Wednesday said that they are not against applying Iraqi constitution but they would stand against any attempt at dividing the country.

Jan Kubis, head of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI), Ammar al-Hakim, head of the Iraqi Shia National Alliance and representative of Turkmen parties were also present at the conference.

Jiboury added, "We will consider country’s highest interests and its unity against any dissonant project harmful to the country and we will defend its unity with all our strength.”

The Parliament Speaker emphasized that, “No one will be allowed to use the ideas of fragmentation, division, and dismantling [of Iraq] under any circumstance.

Jibouri stated that "hiding behind the constitution to turn Iraq into small states living under the mercy of the wolves [countries] of the region is not allowed.”

“Iraq will not be torn apart," Jibouri said, stressing that he “will not give up an inch of the land of Iraq in favor of aggressive foreign projects.”

"Those who want to live outside of this state [Iraq] shall seek life in another country," Jibouri concluded.

The Kurdistan Region officials and political parties have recently announced that the process of holding an independence referendum in the Region has started, stressing that it would be through peaceful means and in negotiations with Baghdad.

Editing by Ava Homa