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President Barzani says Kurdish nation has a right to gain independence

In an interview with Russia 24 news channel on Saturday, Kurdistan Region President Massoud Barzani said it was a "civil right" for the Kurds to achieve their own independent state and it is taking decisive steps forward to obtaining statehood.

Mr Barzani added that while substantive progress is being made and only the Kurds can decide on their destiny, current political implications such as "ongoing disputes between the KRG and central government in Baghdad, economic and security issues will not guarantee achieving independence,"

He added that "Baghdad should contemplate an independent Kurdish state as a democratic process,” and emphasised that they are willing to peacefully resolve all outstanding issues and commit to dialogue in attempts to ease tensions with the central government in Baghdad.

Mr Barzani reiterated that Baghdad is facing its own domestic problems and thus could lack to endeavouring elucidating disputes with the Kurdistan Regional Government.

He said that he views the transition of Kurdistan from Iraq as a normal democratic process and made through the expression of the will of citizens, pointing out that the Kurds have always sought to build a federal and democratic state.

Mr Barzani had announced during his visit to Washington in May 2015 that Iraqi Kurds will hold a referendum on the issue of sovereignty after the success of the ongoing battle against the Islamic State.

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President Barzani's Message on the 79th Anniversary of the founding of the Kurdistan Democratic Party


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President Barzani welcomed Chargé d'Affaires of the US Embassy