ERBIL: Iraq’s autonomous Kurdish region has called a referendum on independence to be held on Sept. 25, an official said on Wednesday, moving ahead with a plan for full statehood that is likely to be opposed by Baghdad.
Hemin Hawrami, assistant to Kurdish leader Massoud Barzani, tweeted: “big news. Kurdistan Referendum for independence is on 25/9/2017.”
The date was set after a meeting of the Kurdish political parties chaired by Barzani, who heads the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) that rules the autonomous region, Kurdish TV Rudaw reported.
A senior Kurdish official, Hoshiyar Zebari, told Reuters in April a referendum would be held this year to press the case for “the best deal” on self-determination once Islamic State is defeated in Iraq.
The Kurds are playing a major role in the US-backed campaign to defeat Daesh, the ultra-hard-line Sunni Muslim group that overran about a third of Iraq nearly three years ago and also controls parts of Syria.
The militants have been squeezed into a small area of Mosul, their de-facto capital in Iraq, as a push to retake the city reaches its climax.
Iraqi Kurds plan independence referendum on Sept. 25
Iraqi Kurds plan independence referendum on Sept. 25
UAE affirms respect for Saudi sovereignty, rejects threats to regional security
- Abu Dhabi emphasized its commitment to maintaining close coordination with Riyadh on all matters of mutual concern
DUBAI: The United Arab Emirates reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to Saudi Arabia’s security and sovereignty on Tuesday, rejecting any actions that could threaten the Kingdom or undermine regional stability.
In a statement issued in response to recent remarks by Saudi Arabia regarding developments in Yemen, the UAE stressed that it fully respects Saudi Arabia’s national security and considers the fraternal and historical ties between the two countries a cornerstone of regional stability.
Abu Dhabi emphasized its commitment to maintaining close coordination with Riyadh on all matters of mutual concern.
The UAE said its position since the start of events in Yemen’s eastern governorates of Hadramawt and Al-Mahra has been focused on containing tensions, supporting de-escalation, and working toward understandings that preserve security, stability, and the protection of civilians, in coordination with Saudi Arabia.
Abu Dhabi categorically rejected any attempt to implicate it in tensions between Yemeni factions, condemning allegations that it pressured or directed any party to carry out military operations that threaten Saudi Arabia’s security or target its borders.
The UAE also called for recent developments in eastern Yemen to be handled responsibly to prevent escalation, urging reliance on verified facts and coordination among all relevant parties to safeguard shared interests and maintain regional security and stability.
