Kurds to push ahead with (independence) referendum despite Iraqi govt protest

[denem]

Source: Al Albawba News

The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) will press ahead with a referendum on declaring independence from Iraq, the autonomous region’s top diplomat said on Saturday, as fears continue to grow of the break-up of the country.

Speaking exclusively to Asharq Al-Awsat, the head of the KRG’s Department of Foreign Relations, Falah Mustafa, said that the recent call for a referendum by the KRG’s leader had been discussed with U.S. officials on a recent visit to Washington.

He said: “The U.S. administration understands how the province suffers in its relations with Baghdad. The US also understands the decision by the president [of the KRG] Massoud Barzani, on the issue of holding a public referendum on the province’s right to self-determination.”

Read more: http://www.albawaba.com/news/kurdish-referendum-588386

[brooklynite]

1. This isn't going to go over well with the Turks...

[denem]

2. On the contrary "Turkey Ready to Accept Kurdish State in Iraq"

http://rudaw.net/english/middleeast/turkey/29062014

On Sunday, Huseyin Celik, a top Erdogan official, said that Turkey’s ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) would be ready to accept Kurdish independence in northern Iraq. The AKP has also submitted a parliamentary bill that would grant clemency to Kurdish militants as well as granting immunity to Turks who took part in the Kurdish-Turkish peace process.

http://www.businessinsider.com.au/turkey-may-support-independent-kurdistan-2014-7

[rickyhall]

4. Turkey need's their oil.

[Brother Buzz]

7. The idea that Turkey could be a champion of Kurdish independence in Iraq is a titanic shift.

Thanks for those links. It totally flew under my radar.

[bemildred]

6. It seems to be al Sisi in Egypt that objects to it.

Last edited Mon Jul 7, 2014, 01:04 AM - Edit history (1)

http://www.ndtv.com/article/world/egypt-president-al-sisi-says-independence-for-iraq-s-kurds-would-be-catastrophic-553994

[denem]

8. Israel's prime minister backs Kurdish independence

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jun/29/israel-prime-minister-kurdish-independence


Much more significant to US policy than Al-Sisi in my opinion. The biggest players are the Saudis and Iran. The Saudis are not going to back Malaki's 'Government' on anything, including Kurdistan. Both the Saudis and Israel are more concerned with confronting Iran's influence on the Peninsula, Lebanon and Syria.

[another_liberal]

3. Baghdad can "protest" all they want . . .

Until Iraqi armed forces at least retake Mosul, protesting is about all they can do.

[Uncle Joe]

9. Kicked and recommended.

Thanks for the thread, denem.