White House urges Iraqi Kurdistan to cancel referendum

'The United States has repeatedly emphasized to the leaders of the Kurdistan Regional Government that the referendum is distracting from efforts to defeat ISIS [Daesh] and stabilize the liberated area,' reads the statement appeared on the White House official website.

'Holding the referendum in disputed areas is particularly provocative and destabilizing.'

'We therefore call on the Kurdistan Regional Government to call off the referendum and enter into serious and sustained dialogue with Baghdad, which the United States has repeatedly indicated it is prepared to facilitate.'

President of the Kurdistan Region Masoud Barzani said on Fridday that he would not postpone the referendum regarding what he said was Baghdad's repeated failure in keeping its promises.

Therefore, Iraq's Kurdish parliament voted for the referendum hours after Barzani comments.

Three months ago, Iraqi Kurdistan and Kurdish parties in Iraq have decided to hold the referendum on September 25.

The decision triggered various reactions, mostly negative, both inside and outside Iraq, including by Iran and Turkey that said they oppose any change in the territorial integrity of the neighboring state.

Iraq shares borders with Iran and Turkey from its eastern and northern parts respectively.

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