LOC19:18
16:18 GMT
IRBIL, Sept 22 (KUNA) -- Continuous requests to call off or postpone the Kurdistan independence referendum should cease because the historic ballot will be held on time, said President of the Kurdistan region Masoud Barzani Friday.
Speaking at a rally in support of the referendum in Irbil, Barzani said that the Kurdish people are determined to choose their own destiny, affirming that there was no chance to postpone the historical event.
Barzani said that the referendum will showcase the desire of the region's people, adding that it would not lead to the immediate drawing of borders or the reinforcement of a certain reality.
After the vote, discussions with Baghdad will continue, stated Barzani who indicated that dialogue had preceded the referendum and will continue in the future.
He stressed that the referendum would not affect the fight against the so-called Islamic State (IS) and the world could rest assure that the Peshmerga would continue to stand against the terror group.
The UNSC, the US, the central Iraqi government, as well as many other regional and international players have voiced serious concerns over the September 25th referendum, saying that it might lead to regional instability and also would affect efforts against IS. (end)
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