Kurd independence referendum will go ahead despite US opposition, says Bakir

KT News:

Falah Mustafa Bakir,KRG foreign minster

Falah Mustafa Bakir, KRG foreign minster

Foreign Minister Falah Mustafa Bakir said yesterday that the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) will go ahead with a referendum on independence even if the US government tries to stop them. “With all due respect”, he told PBS Newshour “it’s the people of Kurdistan who decide, and yes, we will go ahead.” On Tuesday, KRG President Barzani pledged that a referendum will be held within months.

“We don’t want to stay within an Iraq that has failed,” said Bakir. “Baghdad does not accept us. Baghdad does not want us as partners. Baghdad does not want to share the power and wealth, and it’s not enough for us.”

Bakir was in Washington with Fuad Hussein, Barzani’s chief of staff, for meetings with US Secretary of State John Kerry.

A spokesman for Kerry said the US expected Kurdish politicians to attend a parliamentary meeting in Baghdad scheduled for 8th July, after they joined a walk-out from the Iraq parliament on Tuesday. He said the US supports Iraq’s unity, rather than Kurdish independence.

Hussein told journalists that the Kurdistan region no longer has a border with the Baghdad-based Iraqi government. “There is a new state between us and Baghdad, ruled by a terrorist group,” he said. “In the end, we believe in self-determination.”

Hussein also said he had asked the US for economic support to compensate for the $6 billion in budget income that Baghdad has withheld from the KRG during the dispute over oil revenues.

7 Responses to Kurd independence referendum will go ahead despite US opposition, says Bakir
  1. Baqi
    July 3, 2014 | 12:10

    Dont wait any longer. No need for referndum. After the month of Ramadan is a good time. If need rises, We are ready for a peaceful demo in Hawler.

  2. KIM
    July 3, 2014 | 13:29

    ” South Kurdistan Embassy” needs to be established around the world soon.

    We will probably need about 200 Ambassadors / representatives.

    • rizwan pathan
      July 3, 2014 | 20:35

      Iraqi kurds deserve independence. they r suffering from decades Even without referendum ,independent must be declared.

  3. rizwan pathan
    July 3, 2014 | 20:43

    All peace, freedom loving nations support the Iraqi Kurdish-independence without any delay.

  4. rizwan pathan
    July 3, 2014 | 20:54

    This is a right time & opportunity 2 declare Kurdish independence. Don’t listen 2 any other country leaders who oppose the independence. leaders

  5. Baqi
    July 4, 2014 | 12:06

    No double-standard policies. Washington is either with us (independence) or against us!

  6. Mansoor
    July 9, 2014 | 04:03

    Iraqi Flags Gone, Kurds Move Toward Independence

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z743s9cA7rI

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