Tillerson: US does not recognize Kurdistan's referendum

WASHINGTON, Sept 29 (KUNA) - The US does not recognize Kurdistan's Regional Government's unilateral referendum held on Monday, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said Friday.
"The vote and the results lack legitimacy and we continue to support a united, federal, democratic and prosperous Iraq," he said in a statement.
The US continues to remain concerned of "potential negative consequences." Stability and prosperity for the Kurdistan region "ultimately, cannot be advanced through unilateral measures such as this referendum," Tillerson said.
The US urged an end to threats of reciprocal action and urged Kurdish authorities to respect the "constitutionally-mandated role of the central government." It also asks Iraq's neighbors to reject unilateral actions and the use of force.
In regard to the fight against the so-called Islamic State (IS), the Secretary encouraged all sides to "engage constructively in a dialogue to improve the future of all Iraqis." (end) ak.msa