MESOP : IS ERDOGAN READY TO ACCEPT AND HONOR AN INDEPENDENT KURDISH STATE ?

SOUTH KURDISTAN (IRAQ) – Massoud Barzani’s goals in reiterating on independence referendum, expert explains

5 Feb 2016 – VOA / Kurdpress – A political expert in Council of Foreign Relations stated that Kurdistan Region President Massoud Barzani’s reiteration on holding an independence referendum in an attempt to tackle the region’s economic crisis by taking funds from Baghdad and also to tell the U.S. that the Erbil does not need Washington Permission to declare its independence from Baghdad.

Barzani asked in a statement for a non-binding referendum in the region on its independence.Stephan Cook told VOA that economic pressures have made Barzani to make the decision.Kurdistan Region faces serious economic crisis due to decrease in the price of crude oil and its tensions with Baghdad, he said, adding that the issue of referendum can be an attempt by Barzani to receive money from Baghdad.

He also added that the other goal of the decision is that Barzani wants to tell the U.S. that he does not need Washington’s permission. Cook further added that Erbil enjoys good ties with Ankara and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is ready to cooperate with an independent Kurdish state. www.mesop.de