Mirani says Baghdad government should consult with Kurdistan on referendum

The Secretary of Kurdistan Democratic Party's Politico Bureau says the federal government in Baghdad should consider conferring with the region as to why the Kurds want to seek a referendum and separate from Iraq.

Fadhil Mirani, speaking to a delegation from the Federal Representatives in Suleymania, said: "Is it not in their interest to ask us why we want to separate? And what can we do to rectify any issues?". This comes after the Kurdistan region has long-standing issues with Iraq over the past century, with tensions rising after recent disputes over the oil budget and civil salary suspension that has now lead to the Regional Government to hold a referendum to split from Iraq.

Mirani also questioned the commitment of the Iraqi government after it has failed to find solutions to all disputes despite ample opportunities after the KRG has visited Baghdad on numerous occasions for talks on resolving problems. He said that if the Kurds can agree with Iraq and neighbouring countries there would not be a need for the country to split. The President of the Kurdistan region, Massoud Barzani, said in an interview with the US-based magazine 'The American Nation' that the borders drawn by the Sykes-Picot agreement has "ended, does not exist and should be redrawn" according to the current reality, adding that a referendum for independence will be held later this year.