KRG rejects Iraq’s decision against Kurdistan, encourages dialogue

In a statement, the Council of Ministers expressed total rejection to the illegal and unconstitutional decisions, stating that the decisions are collective punishment against the people of Kurdistan and the cabinet will take legal measures against them.

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region (Kurdistan 24) – The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) rejects the decisions made by the Iraqi parliament and government against the Kurdistan Region over holding the independence referendum.

The KRG cabinet held a meeting on Thursday to discuss and respond to the decisions made by both the Iraqi government and parliament against the Kurdistan Region.

In a statement, the Council of Ministers expressed total rejection to the illegal and unconstitutional decisions, stating that the decisions are collective punishment against the people of Kurdistan and the cabinet will take legal measures against them.

The Council of Ministers also expressed the government’s willingness for the next stage to engage in a dialogue with Baghdad and resolve all the stranded issues.

Regarding the decision of closing the airspace on the Kurdistan Region, the statement said that the decision is not compatible with the international law and the Chicago Convention on International Civil Aviation which does not allow politicizing the operation of the airports.

Three German airlines and Turkish airline announced they will not cancel their flights to the Kurdistan Region despite an Iraqi ban on international flights to Kurdistan.

“The Kurdistan Region government assures the neighboring and regional countries that the referendum is not a threat to their national security," the statement said, adding that the people and government of Kurdistan in the past 25 years have been a factor of security and stability and will continue to be.

“The Council stressed the continuation of the Kurdistan Region’s commitment to the relations with the neighboring and world countries on the basis of mutual respect and common interests,” the statement concluded.

The US State Department on Tuesday criticized Abadi’s ultimatum, calling for constructive engagement and dialogue.

 

Editing by Ava Homa