PM Barzani: Abadi's threatening language reminds us of Iraq's former regime

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region (Kurdistan 24) - Language used by the Prime Minister of Iraq, Haider al-Abadi, reminds Kurds of the threats they received under the former regime of Saddam, a senior Kurdish official said on Monday.

Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Region Nechirvan Barzani on Monday cast his vote in the Kurdistan Region's referendum on independence which was then followed by a press conference in Erbil.

"This referendum is a peaceful and democratic process with which the people of the Kurdistan Region can express their voice and desire," Barzani said. "It is not a threat to any neighboring countries.

Barzani referenced Abadi's speeches made the previous day, stating, "Hearing Mr. Haider al-Abadi's threats on Sunday reminded me of the threats from the old Saddam regime. We did not expect this type of language."

Abadi in a press conference labeled the vote "unconstitutional," stating Baghdad would not recognize the result of the referendum.

He mentioned that Baghdad would not allow the creation of an "ethnic government" in an Arab country like Iraq, and called on the world's states not to buy crude oil from the Kurdistan Region. 

The Iraqi Premier also asked the Kurdistan Region to hand over airports and border crossings in the Kurdistan Region to the administration in Baghdad.

Barzani took the opportunity to highlight relations between Erbil and Ankara, affirming the referendum is not a threat to Turkey or any neighboring country.

He added that, in the past two decades, the Kurdistan Region has proven to be a factor of security and stability in the region. "We hope the neighboring countries understand why we have chosen to go down this path."

"Should the 'Yes' vote win with a clear majority, it does not mean that we will declare independence the very next day. Nor will it be used for drawing new borders," Barzani continued. "We will engage in serious negotiations with Baghdad."

Over five million people in the Kurdistan Region and the disputed territories are eligible to vote in the referendum where they will decide whether to remain part of Iraq or secede as a newly-established country.

The Kurdish leadership has repeatedly stated that a proper partnership with Iraq has failed and that "a sectarian government" is ruling the country.

Editing by G.H. Renaud