President Barzani: We demanded independence, not secession from Iraq

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region (Kurdistan24) – The Kurdistan Region President said that independence is the natural right of the Kurds and can be achieved through dialogue with Baghdad.

Following a meeting between the Kurdistan Region delegation and the National Alliance, the biggest Shia bloc in the Iraqi parliament, President Masoud Barzani and Ammar al-Hakim, leader of National Alliance held a joint press conference.

President Barzani said that there are priorities ahead of the nation including the fight against terror, adding that Peshmerga and Iraqi army have a plan to liberate Mosul.

The economic crisis in the Kurdistan Region and Iraq has been discussed in the meeting, Barzani added in the press conference.

“We have agreed on close coordination between Erbil and Baghdad to overcome the crisis,” Barzani said.

“A KRG delegation will visit Baghdad to reach a comprehensive solution,” Barzani stated.

Ammar al-Hakim said that there is no solution to the disputes other than through dialogue; therefore, "We need an open, serious, honest and constructive conversation between both governments and among the political parties."

Answering a question whether the secession of Kurdistan Region from Iraq has been discussed in the meetings, President Barzani responded, “We demand independence, not secession from Iraq.”

Barzani added that “Independence is a natural right of people of Kurdistan but this cannot be achieved without understanding and dialogue with Baghdad.”

The Kurdistan Region delegation headed by President Masoud Barzani arrived in Baghdad on Thursday and met with the Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abaid, Iraqi President Fuad Masum and the representatives of political parties in the Iraqi parliament.

Editing by Ava Homa