President Barzani: Independence referendum to prevent war, new issues

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region (Kurdistan24) – The US ambassador to Iraq stated on Monday that Kurdistan Region’s referendum should move forward through dialogue and mutual understanding with Baghdad.

Kurdistan Region President Masoud Barzani received Douglas Silliman, the US ambassador to Iraq and the accompanied diplomatic delegation to discuss a number of issues. 

Mosul operation, Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and Kurdistan’s independence referendum were on the agenda, according to a statement from the Kurdistan Region Presidency (KRP).

President Barzani said that “All steps taken after the referendum will be through dialogue with the concerned parties, particularly Baghdad,” stating that the independence referendum is to prevent war and new issues.

According to the statement, the meeting also discussed Mosul liberation operation and concerns created due to violating the signed agreements that could result in creating bigger problems and endanger coexistence among the components of Nineveh governorate.

“The President emphasized on what he referred to as 'the day after' and the importance of planning for post-liberation, which he stated is of great significance,” the statement read.

Silliman commended the Peshmerga and Iraqi forces for their collective roles in liberating the city of Mosul and emphasized the importance of continued cooperation and coordination between both sides.

Editing by Ava Homa