Arab League chief urges postponement of Kurdistan referendum

IRBIL, Sept 9 (KUNA) -- Arab League Secretary General Ahmad Abul-Gheit has implored the Kurdistan government to call off a planned referendum on the region's independence.
The call was made by Abul-Gheit during his talks with Kurdistan President Masoud Barzani in Irbil Saturday. He also urged Kurdistan to give a new chance for dialogue and peaceful coexistence within the Iraqi state, according to a statement by Kurdistan's Presidency Office. For his part, Kurdistan President Barzani told the visiting Arab League chief that it is not the decision of an individual to delay the referendum.
He stressed the decision to hold the independence referendum belongs to the people and political parties of Kurdistan.
He pointed out that the partnership Irbil and Baghdad has failed after agreements were violated and the constitution was not enforced.
Given the past failed experiences, "trust has eroded" between them, Barzani explained, and, therefore, the Kurdistan Region decided to hold referendum and the vote will take place "on time." He said the Kurdistan would pursue the language of peace and dialogue in order to obtain its rights. The Kurdish region plans holding an independence vote on September 25, amid Baghdad's rejection and opposition from neighboring countries, mainly Iran and Turkey. (Pickup previous) sbr.ibi