Iraq, Turkey and US voice concerns over Kurdish independence referendum

Iraq's Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) has announced plans to hold a referendum on September 25, to decide whether or not the autonomous region should secede from Iraq. The Baghdad central government, countries across the Middle East, Turkey and even the US have criticized the referendum plan.

The move is not surprising, and is likely to create more tension with the central Baghdad government. The two sides struggle to see eye to eye on issues including the control of oil reserves. KRG leaders emphasized that even if the decision to secede is made – a long negotiation and transition period would take place.

The announcement was also not welcomed by some of the KRG’s key allies, such as Turkey and the United States. Ankara called it “a grave mistake and irresponsible,” stating that “the maintenance of Iraq’s territorial integrity and political unit is one of the fundamental principles of Turkey’s Iraq policy.” Turkey has been dealing with a Kurdish insurgency within its territory for decades, and fears an independent Kurdistan state in the region could create a security threat along its borders.

For the US, which has seen KRG’s Peshmerga forces become a key ally in the fight against ISIL, a statement was made saying this referendum could create a distraction in defeating the terrorist organization. The US also said they support a unified, federal, and democratic Iraq.

(CGTN)