Baghdad(September 14, 2017): Iraq’s parliament has rejected Kurdish plans to hold an independence referendum aimed at creating a Kurdish state in Iraq’s northern territory, a legislator announced.
The resolution, which labelled the ballot due to take place on September 25 a “threat to the civil peace and regional security”, authorises Haider al-Abadi, Iraq’s prime minister, to take any measures necessary to preserve Iraq’s existing borders.
A breakdown of the vote was not immediately available. “Kurdish lawmakers walked out of the session, but the decision to reject the referendum was passed by a majority,” Mohammed al-Karbouli, an Iraqi MP, said.
Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi and other top officials have repeatedly said the referendum would violate Iraq’s constitution.
Abadi reiterated his position, adding “imposing a fait accompli will not work. We will not allow the partition of Iraq”.
“I call upon the Kurdish leadership to come to Baghdad and conclude a dialogue,” Abadi said. The Iraqi Kurdish parliament is expected to meet on Thursday for the first time since October 2015 in response to the decision, according to officials.
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