Knowing Kurdistan: 2 days

CAIRO – 23 September 2017: Iraqi and United Nations officials met in New York and Baghdad in the run-up to the independence referendum, scheduled for September.

Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi met with the UN special representative to the secretary general for Iraq, Jan Kubis, in Baghdad on Friday. Foreign Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari meanwhile met with the UN secretary general Antonio Guterres.

While other domestic issues such as the ongoing offensive to oust Islamic State (IS) militants from Hawija, its last stronghold in the north of Iraq, were on the agenda, Iraqi Kurdish Region’s referendum was a major focus.

A statement from Abadi's office on Friday said Kubis explained the "international consensus was clear,” with the vast majority of states as well as the UN Security Council expressing its opposition to Kurdistan's referendum, and argued that the referendum has a "potentially destabilizing impact."

The PM statement said Kubis reinforced the UN stance that the "unilateral referendum" will destabilize the region, and the United Nations supports the "sovereignty of Iraq and its territorial unity and integrity."

To discuss the differences between Erbil and Baghdad over independence referendum, talks between Erbil and Baghdad as set to intensify in the coming weeks, and Kurdistan Region’s High Committee for Referendum will travel to Baghdad on Saturday.


A handout picture released by the UN mission for Iraq shows UN chief Antonio Guterres (L) being welcomed to Baghdad by Foreign Minister Ibrahim al-Jafari on March 30, 2017. (AFP)

Turkey’s hostile rhetoric continues, as President Recep Tayyip Erdogan presided over Turkey’s National Security Council on Friday to discuss possible retaliatory measures.

After meeting the council issued a statement saying the referendum is “threatening Turkey’s national security,” according to Hurriyet Daily News.

“The illegitimacy of the referendum announced by the KRG as on September 25 and its unacceptance was once again specified. It was strongly stressed that this step which directly threatens Turkey’s national security was a grave mistake that threatens Iraq’s political unity and territorial integrity as well as peace, security and stability of the region,” the statement read. “Turkey reserves its rights originating from bilateral and international conventions if this referendum is held despite all of our warnings,” it continued.

Turkey’s Prime Minister Binali Yildirim told reporters on Friday that it was not too late for Kurdistan President Masoud Barzani to halt the referendum.

“This referendum, which is opposed by the whole world and is illegal to international law, will not bring happiness to our Kurdish brothers in the region,” said Yildirim according to state-run Anadolu Agency.

“[Turkey] will not hesitate and is determined to use its rights coming from international, national and bilateral treaties regarding its own national security,” he added.

On Saturday,

Yildirim warned that

Ankara's actions would have "economic and security dimensions," and would take place “in close cooperation with Iraq, Iran and other neighbouring countries.”

Amid international and domestic pressure to halt the referendum, Sadiq Jabari, a member of the Kurdistan Region’s High Referendum Council, has rejected such rumours and also stressed that Kirkuk province will be included in the vote, in an interview with BasNews.

Tens of thousands gathered at Erbil’s Franso Hariri Stadium on Friday evening is a show of support for the Kurdistan Region’s upcoming independence referendum, on the last day of campaigning.

"The bravery of Peshmergas, the patience of Kurdistan public, is stronger than any power," Barzani said, "for the independence of Kurdistan we are ready for any price."


A Kurdish Peshmerga in Kirkuk province. AFP

President Barzani citied the Iraqi Kurdish struggle against IS and highlighted the 1,789 Peshmerga troops who have been killed and the 10,190 more who sustained wounds.

"We have two ways in front of us: either we choose subordination or life in freedom and independence. The price for subordination is losing willpower and dignity, though you [still] live. The price to independence and freedom is pride and dignity, but we may die."

"They threaten that they will punish us," he remarked, "My answer is that you have been punishing the people of Kurdistan for one hundred years. Aren't you satisfied? If you wish to return to punishments, let people of Kurdistan alone. Come and punish me."

"We cannot live with Baghdad any longer," President Barzani stated, continuing to say that the referendum is no longer "in my hands, but it lies in people's hands."

In other news:

E-voting for the Iraqi Kurdistan Region's independence referendum, opened on Friday for the Iraqi Kurdish diaspora.

Hemin Hawrami, senior assistant to President Masoud Barzani confirmed that the first vote has been cast from China.