Iraqi President: Kurdistan independence requires agreement with Iraq

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region (Kurdistan24) – The President of Iraq stated last week the Kurdistan Region’s quest for holding a referendum does not mean an immediate declaration of independence.

In an interview with Euronews Arabic last week, Iraqi President Fuad Masum touched upon several topics including the Mosul operation, the referendum in the Kurdistan Region, and the Turkish incursion into Iraq.

Asked about the demands in Kurdistan to hold a referendum, Masum said, “This referendum does not mean the immediate declaration of independence; gaining independence requires understanding with Iraq.”

Masum stated independence also “entails an agreement with Iraq as well as other neighboring countries.”

Concerning the Mosul battle, Masum said the preparation by the Iraqi military is underway to plan for the city’s liberation, stating that “having civilians inside Mosul is a big obstacle.”

“We are afraid of a humanitarian catastrophe that might occur due to the military operation against the Islamic State in Mosul as there are one million people currently stranded,” the President added.

Additionally, Masum revealed preparations to receive the displaced people from Mosul have not been completed yet.

“We must take into account the safety of the population and the prevention of human catastrophes,” he said. “That is why the battle of Mosul has been delayed.”

Regarding the sovereignty of Iraq with US, Iranian, and Turkish troops on the ground, Masum explained all foreign troops, except for Turkey, are in the country with the consent of the Iraqi authorities.

“We have asked all friendly countries to support Iraq through humanitarian assistance, military experts, and arms and ammunition,” he stated.

“The Turkish incursion into Iraq is a subject of condemnation,” the Iraqi President concluded.

Editing by Karzan Sulaivany