Kurdistan referendum will increase regional instability: US

WASHINGTON – 26 September 2017: The US Department of State expressed disappointment over Iraqi Kurdistan region independence referendum that was held on Monday saying that it will increase instability in the region.

In a statement on Tuesday, State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said that “The United States is deeply disappointed that the Kurdistan Regional Government decided to conduct today a unilateral referendum on independence, including areas outside the Iraqi Kurdistan Region”, US-based Radio Sawa reported.

The United States’ historic relationship with the people of the Iraqi Kurdistan Region will not change in light of today’s non-binding referendum, but we believe this step will increase instability and hardships for the Kurdistan region and its people, the statement read.

The referendum will greatly complicate the relationship of the Kurdish government with Iraq and its neighbors, the statement further said.

The fight against Daesh terrorist group is not over, and extremist groups are seeking to exploit instability and discord, the statement pointed out.

“We believe all sides should engage constructively in a dialogue to improve the future of all Iraqis. The US opposes violence and unilateral moves by any party to alter boundaries”, the statement noted.

The US supports a united, federal, democratic and prosperous Iraq and will continue to seek opportunities to assist Iraqis to fulfill their aspirations within the framework of the constitution, the statement added.