JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia urged Kurdish leaders on Wednesday to call off next week’s planned independence referendum in the interests of Iraq’s stability, security, unity and sovereignty.
The referendum “may result in negative repercussions” for the fight against terrorist organizations, and “it would be best to avoid new crises,” a Saudi government statement said.
The Kingdom “looks forward to the wisdom of President Masoud Barzani in not holding a referendum … in order to spare Iraq and the region more risks,” and “calls upon the parties concerned to engage in dialogue in order to achieve the interests of the Iraqi people.”
All parties should adhere to the agreements they had signed, and to the provisions of the Iraqi constitution, the statement said.
The Iraqi prime minister Haider Al-Abadi insists that the referendum is unconstitutional, and the Iraqi Supreme Court has ordered it to be suspended. “The referendum is rejected, whether today or in the future, in the Kurdistan region within the 2003 borders or in the disputed areas,” Al-Abadi said.
Al-Abadi also hinted at a possible military intervention in Kirkuk, which is home to diverse communities including Arabs and Turkmen who oppose the vote.
“If a Kirkuk citizen is exposed to danger, it’s our legitimate duty to impose security,” he said
Amid growing international pressure on the Kurds to call off the vote, Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan threatened to impose sanctions against the Kurdistan Region. Turkey, home to the largest Kurdish population in the region, has warned that any breakup of Iraq or Syria could lead to a global conflict, and is due to prepare a formal response on Friday.
The Turkish cabinet and security council would discuss Ankara’s options and “put forward their own stance on what kind of sanctions we can impose, or if we will,” Erdogan said in New York, where he is attending the UN General Assembly.
Nevertheless, Masoud Barzani, leader of the Kurdistan Regional Government, remains determined and defiant. Irbil’s union with Baghdad had come to an end, he said, and he called for Iraq and the Kurdistan Region to be “kind neighbors” instead. There was no other solution than to go through with the referendum, he said.
Barzani has said a “yes” vote would not trigger an immediate declaration of independence, but rather kick-start “serious discussions” with Baghdad.
Saudi Arabia urges Barzani to call off Kurdish independence referendum
Saudi Arabia urges Barzani to call off Kurdish independence referendum
Balad Beast brings global beats to historic streets
- ‘MDLBEAST put us on the international map,’ say Saudi electronic duo Dish Dash
JEDDAH: The music festival Balad Beast concluded its fourth edition this weekend, having transformed Jeddah’s UNESCO World Heritage district of Al-Balad into an open-air celebration of music, culture and creativity that attracted thousands of music lovers over two nights.
The festival, organized by Saudi music platform MDLBEAST, featured more than 70 local, regional and international artists across four stages, offering audiences a diverse journey through electronic, hip-hop and global sounds.
Speaking to Arab News, MDLBEAST chief creative officer Ahmad Al-Ammary, also known as DJ Baloo, described Balad Beast as a “cultural takeover” adding that finding the right spaces for dance floors was a challenge, “but Balad is constantly evolving and we work with that change.”
Addressing the challenges of working in a heritage area, he said: “Balad is sensitive and condensed, so logistics can be complex. In our first year, heavy rain flooded one of the planned squares and we had to relocate the Souq Stage to a much smaller space, but it worked and it has remained there ever since.
HIGHLIGHT
Reggae superstar Shaggy noted that the reality of playing live in Saudi Arabia often surprises those who arrive with preconceptions.
“Yes, the alleys are narrow and the district is old, but they’re full of ideas, patterns, colors and visuals. Everything flows here,” he continued. “As a festival, it’s hard to define Balad, because it gives so much of itself creatively. It’s incredibly generous with its ideas and details, and inspiration comes from everywhere.”
Balad Beast featured performances from international artists including US rapper Playboi Carti, making his first appearance in Saudi Arabia; US rapper Destroy Lonely; Swedish DJ and producer Alesso; and Bosnian-German DJ Solomun on the opening night. The following night saw French-Haitian singer-songwriter Naïka, reggae superstar Shaggy, Dutch DJ Franky Rizardo, British DJ Pawsa, and US rapper Tyga, and more take the stage, while Saudi and regional artists including Cosmicat, TUL8TE, Zeina, Vinyl Mode, Moayed, Dish Dash, Musab, Varoo and HiFi appeared across the festival, offering audiences a mix of global and local talent.
Saudi electronic duo Dish Dash reflected on the festival organizer’s impact for local artists.
As a festival, it’s hard to define Balad, because it gives so much of itself creatively. It’s incredibly generous with its ideas and details, and inspiration comes from everywhere.
Ahmad Al-Ammary, MDLBEAST chief creative officer
“MDLBEAST put us on the international map,” the brothers told Arab News. “It helped us get recognized by festivals, promoters and event organizers abroad. When we travel, people don’t expect this level of talent coming from Saudi Arabia, especially considering we didn’t have this scene before.”
Shaggy, who performed a hit-filled set during the festival, told Arab News: “I’ve been blessed with some incredible songs, and I see music as a gift and a tool for service. When I go on stage, I’m there to entertain people, to make them smile and feel good, but that service also supports many livelihoods from the people working at this festival to those who work with me. These songs have become part of people’s lives, and I don’t take that lightly.”
Shaggy also noted that the reality of playing live in Saudi Arabia often surprises those who arrive with preconceptions.
“I’ve performed in Saudi Arabia more than once, and while there are certain rules that are different, it’s not an issue for me. My focus is always on delivering the hits and giving the audience a great time,” he said.
“There’s a big misconception. People have more freedom than (outsiders) think. Everyone has been extremely nice.”
Asked what advice he would offer to aspiring artists, Shaggy said: “Understand that what you’re given is a gift and a form of service. Stay humble, do the work, and remember why you’re doing it.”
As Al-Ammary noted, there are many such aspiring artists now making a name for themselves in the Kingdom.
“Talent is emerging everywhere, at different levels,” he said. “The scene is still in a mysterious and surprising phase. There’s a rawness to it.”
