Iraqi Kurdistan voted for its independence yesterday. But how was the referendum? Which kind of consequences could be expected for the region after referendum? How is the idea of Great Kurdistan real? Did the Mustafa Barzani hold the kurds’ meeting in Azerbaijan? Representative of Regional Delegation of the Iraqi Kurdistan Khoshavi Babakr answered Eurasia Diary’s questions.
Eurasia Diary: Mr. Babakr how was the referendum held?
Khoshavi Babakr: It was well. Especially, in the “disputed regions” which is not under control of regional government of Kurdistan. Despite the terror threat and provocation, there was a vigorous activity in referendum vote. Voter turnout was 90% in Mosul and Kirkuk and almost all of them voted for independence. It means they stand with the Peshmerga Kurdish Forces which defended people from the terror. They don’t want to live under governance of Baghdad. But only 50% voted in Suleymaniyye. It was a negative effect of Iran’s provocation and local
party’s policy. The results of the referendum have not been announced yet, but I think 90% will vote for it.
Eurasia Diary: Trump was threatened by Kurds that if there is no referendum election it will be resulted very bad for Trump. Which kinds of results did they mean? Don’t the Americans support kurds?
Khoshavi Babakr: US supports kurds and Iraqi Kurdistan, but their interest not limited with only Kurdistan – their interests spread to all of middle east. But without Kurdistan US can’t be successful in the region. There are a lot of US companies in Iraqi Kurdistan, plus the fight with terrorists is not over. Iraqi Kurdistan is geopolitically important which influences US policy. This region also has political and economic ties with Turkey, too. Economic turnover is 8 billion dollars between Turkey and Iraqi Kurdistan. 40% of investments belongs to Turkish companies
in this part of Iraq.
Eurasia Diary: As you know Turkey, Syria, Iraq and Iran worry on the independence of Iraqi Kurdistan. Don’t you think that kurds in Iraq, Syria Iran and Turkey can hold this referendum as well?
Khoshavi Babakr: Of course not. Maliki uses it as an excuse to hamper reverendum.
Eurasia Diary: Most of experts consider that the independence of Iraqi Kurdistan will cause chaos in the region. Do you agree with this point?
Khoshavi Babakr: No, I don’t. It is almost 25 years that we are the main factor of peace in the region. Invests are directed to us and refugees with various religion and nations apply to us for aid. For that reason we need to get rid of unfair government.
Eurasia Diary: In those few days, secret documents of CIA were revealed. It is stated that Mustafa Barzani had a meeting with Kurd leaders in 1950. And the creation of independent Kurdish state was among the discussed topics. Did Barzani had a meeting in Baku, too?
Khoshavi Babakr: As far as I know that this meeting was held in Iran. But there is no clear information. Mustafa Barzani was carrying out policy for the benefits of Kurds during that time. But today we are voting for the independent Kurdistan. There is no connection with the kurds who live in Syria, Turkey and Iran.
