Tillerson: US does not recognize Kurdish independence vote in Iraq

The United States does not recognize the independence referendum in Iraqi Kurdistan and urges an end to “threats of reciprocal actions,” US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said in a statement on Friday.

“The United States does not recognize the Kurdistan Regional Government’s unilateral referendum held on Monday. The vote and the results lack legitimacy and we continue to support a united, federal, democratic and prosperous Iraq,” Tillerson said.

“We urge calm and an end to vocal recriminations and threats of reciprocal actions,” he added.

Kurdish people celebrate the independence vote outside Arbil International Airport, Iraq, September 29, 2017

The Kurds consider Monday’s referendum to be an historic step in the generations-old quest for a state of their own, while Iraq considers the vote unconstitutional.

They say the referendum acknowledges their contribution in confronting ISIL after it overwhelmed the Iraqi army.

Iraqi Kurdish leader Masoud Barzani has said the vote is not binding, but meant to provide a mandate for negotiations with Baghdad and neighboring countries over peaceful secession from Iraq. Baghdad has rejected talks.

The Iraqi parliament urged the Baghdad government to send troops to take control of oilfields held by Kurdish forces.

Baghdad also told foreign governments to close their diplomatic missions in the Kurdish capital Arbil.

(REUTERS)