ERBIL, Kurdistan Region – The Council of the European Union, in its conclusions on Iraq, has warned against “unilateral actions” in the country and urged dialogue among all parties.

The Council voiced its “steadfast support for Iraq’s unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity” and its commitment to the preservation of Iraqi’s diverse society, following a meeting on Monday on Iraq.

Though it did not explicitly refer to the Kurdistan Region’s referendum on independence planned for September 25, the Council stressed that “unilateral steps must be avoided” and all issues must be resolved through consensus “based on the full application of the provisions of the Iraqi Constitution.”

It called on Erbil and Baghdad to build on the military cooperation they established over the war against ISIS in Mosul and extend that constructive relationship into all issues “across the political and economic spectrum, including the disputed internal boundaries.”

The Council also urged Kurdish parties to restore “the functioning of its democratic institutions, including by holding regional elections.”

Individual EU member states have expressed sympathy with Kurdish aspirations while reiterating their support for Iraqi unity and concerns about the timing of the referendum.

In an interview on the Greek radio station Alpha on June 10, Greece’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Nikos Kotzias, stressed that the European Union seeks Iraqi unity, “but as you know, the unity of a country must result from the wishes of its citizens and not third parties.”

He said that the referendum was something that was provided for by Iraq’s initial constitutional agreement, “but the right was never exercised in practice.”

Mentioning the self-autonomous Kurdish region of northern Syria, Rojava, which Turkey opposes, Kotzias said “in all these countries, the Kurds should have the rights that the Republic of Cyprus intends to grant to the Turkish Cypriot community.”

Britain’s Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson stated last week that the UK understands “the aspirations of the Kurdish people and continue to support them politically, culturally and economically within Iraq.”

“But a referendum at this time will distract from the more urgent priorities of defeating Daesh, stabilizing liberated areas and addressing the long-term political issues that led to Daesh’s rise.”

Germany has warned that Kurdish independence could cause instability. “Redrawing the lines of the state is not the right way and could exacerbate an already difficult and unstable situation, in Erbil as well as Baghdad,” Germany Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel said earlier this month.

He called for dialogue.

The Kurdish leadership has downplayed such reactions. “I believe what has been done so far by the countries is a normal thing. It is not a big reaction,” said Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani, said last week, adding that the international reactions so far are not a cause for concern.

The head of the Kurdish government’s Department of Foreign Relations Falah Mustafa said that his message when he meets foreign leaders and representatives hesitant to publicly support the referendum is to at least not stand in the way.

“If governments, countries are not able to support that publicly, then we do request that they will not stand against it publicly,” Mustafa said earlier in June.

He maintains that privately, many foreign dignitaries express “sympathy and support” for the people of Kurdistan.

A multi-party committee that hopes to include members of all political parties in the Kurdistan Region will be tasked with visiting neighbouring and foreign countries to discuss the planned referendum and independence.

Mustafa said his government seeks to reassure allies that an independent Kurdistan will be a partner for peace and stability.
http://www.rudaw.net/english/kurdistan/190620174

jpphilips:




BIAFRA, HOW MARKET?

adisasegun:
n

jpphilips:
NURTW members with zilch knowledge of international politics, disturbing the peace of this country

Paperwhite:
EU can't dictate what happens in Nigeria as we're not their member.However,the UN constitution which Nigeria is a signatory to allow for succession.So EU assertion holds no water.

Paperwhite:
EU can't dictate what happens in Nigeria as we're not their member.However,the UN constitution which Nigeria is a signatory to allow for succession.So EU assertion holds no water.

You forgot that two EU members are UNSC members as well, the only people that will decide the final fate of Biafra.
Iraq whose fate was decided is equally not a member, If you lose the support of EU, UNSC and UN by extension, bros what do you have? Nnamdi Okwu Kanu?
This is so painful

Individual EU member states have expressed sympathy with Kurdish aspirations while reiterating their support for Iraqi unity and concerns about the timing of the referendum. 

In an interview on the Greek radio station Alpha on June 10, Greece’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Nikos Kotzias, stressed that the European Union seeks Iraqi unity, “but as you know, the unity of a country must result from the wishes of its citizens and not third parties.”

The head of the Kurdish government’s Department of Foreign Relations Falah Mustafa said that his message when he meets foreign leaders and representatives hesitant to publicly support the referendum is to at least not stand in the way. 

Though it did not explicitly refer to the Kurdistan Region’s referendum on independence planned for September 25, the Council stressed that “unilateral steps must be avoided” and all issues must be resolved through consensus “based on the full application of the provisions of the Iraqi Constitution.”

PedroJP:
No where was Biafra mentioned there. Guess you didn't read where they mentioned reason they do not support it now because of the joint fight against Isis( that the joint effort will not be jeopardized) but can be conducted later in agreement with all parties. Kindly urge them to do something about Brexit before others



Afonja unity begger, stop looking for saviour to keep the country together for you not be left alone with Hausa/Fulani

Biafra was not mentioned but EU's position is unwavering, now you know where Biafra is headed, dustbin of history

PedroJP:
No where was Biafra mentioned there. Guess you didn't read where they mentioned reason they do not support it now because of the joint fight against Isis( that the joint effort will not be jeopardized) but can be conducted later in agreement with all parties. Kindly urge them to do something about Brexit before others



Afonja unity begger, stop looking for saviour to keep the country together for you not be left alone with Hausa/Fulani

Blue3k:
I don't think you are understanding what you read op. The EU countries are against unilateral moves to impose referendum or break up. If the kurdish are to trusted they don't seemed concerned. The referendum will carry on since it's part of their constitution.

FFKfuckedBIANCA:
The Hq of the EU is in Brussels, Belgium. Ironically, there is a huge political, social and cultural division between the Walloons and the flemish, leading to the call for the partitioning of Belgium.

The EU cannot dictate to us. The EU should sort itself out. We do not need any EU approved referendum. Just split the country apart already.

PedroJP:
No where was Biafra mentioned there. Guess you didn't read where they mentioned reason they do not support it now because of the joint fight against Isis( that the joint effort will not be jeopardized) but can be conducted later in agreement with all parties. Kindly urge them to do something about Brexit before others



Afonja unity begger, stop looking for saviour to keep the country together for you not be left alone with Hausa/Fulani

jpphilips:


EU just decided the fate of the Kurdish separatist group in Iraq, is Iraq an EU member? why am I this dumb?

jpphilips:


"Unilateral" means solely at the Kurd's behest, [s]Iraq has refused to hold the referendum because it is not in its constitution[/s] just like Nigeria, EU just threw its weight behind a United Iraq, who do you think will get the EU support? United nigeria or Biafra?

He said that the referendum was something that was provided for by Iraq’s initial constitutional agreement, “but the right was never exercised in practice.”

kingzizzy:
The EU is a great supporter of self determination. As we all remember, the EU was there when Czechoslovakia split in Czech Republic and Republic of Slovakia, both of which are EU members.

Greenland and the UK both left the EU by way of referendum.


There are many examples to show that the EU supports the right of self determination.

adisasegun:
BIAFRA ko OFADA Rice nii, Jobless people

Blue3k:


Again they won't stop the kurdish either way. Yes referendum is in their constitution. The article you posted says so. The EU said they are concerned with timing of referendum due to secruity concerns. Again not sure what your reading. If you just want to troll biafra agitators they aren't taking bait.

The initial constitution of Iraq has since been nullified years ago!! How can you work with an old constitution? do you still use the Nigerian Richard's constitution? Of what use is your referendum if the world doesn't recognise it?
The first Iraqi constitution that support referendum was the 1925 constitution, presently, they are using the 2005 constitution!!

hammer6:
IS KURDISTAN NOW NIGERIA? ABI IRAQ IS NOW BIAFRA?

IF U PEOPLE REALLY WANT ONE NIGERIA, CREATE A FAIR AND JUST SOCIETY RATHER THAN RUNNING FROM PILLAR TO POST.

jpphilips:


The initial constitution of Iraq has since been nullified years ago!! How can you work with an old constitution? do you still use the Nigerian Richard's constitution? Of what use is your referendum if the world doesn't recognise it?
The first Iraqi constitution that support referendum was the 1925 constitution, presently, they are using the 2005 constitution!!