US opposes independence referendum for Iraqi Kurds

[morningfog]

The United States Thursday came out against a call by Iraq’s Kurdish leader for an independence referendum, saying the only way the country could repel Islamic State radicals would be to stay united.

Massud Barzani, leader of the autonomous region, earlier told parliament to make preparations for a “referendum on the right of self-determination.”

But the White House, which has been working behind the scenes to try to convince Iraq’s Sunni, Shiite and Kurdish leaders to form a unified government in Baghdad, gave the idea a cool reception.

“The fact is that we continue to believe that Iraq is stronger if it is united,” said White House spokesperson Josh Earnest.

http://www.updatednews.ca/2014/07/03/us-opposes-independence-referendum-for-iraqi-kurds/