Kurdistan prepared to freeze referendum results amid clashes and oil effects
Dubai — Iraq’s semi-autonomous Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) said it’s prepared to freeze the results of last month’s independence referendum, which triggered deadly clashes with government troops and hurt oil exports. The KRG also proposed an immediate ceasefire and talks with the central government in Baghdad "on the basis of the constitution". "As Iraq and Kurdistan are faced with grave and dangerous circumstances, we are all obliged to act responsibly in order to prevent further violence and clashes," the KRG said in a statement on its website. "Certainly, continued fighting does not lead any side to victory, but it will drive the country towards disarray and chaos, affecting all aspects of life." More than 90% of Iraqi Kurds voted for independence in the non-binding referendum, which was fiercely opposed by Baghdad as well as neighbouring countries, such as Turkey and Iran, fearing it could embolden their own Kurdish minorities. This month, the federal government sent tro...
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