US ‘does not recognize’ Iraqi Kurdistan referendum: Tillerson

The United States does not officially recognize the referendum held by the Iraqi Kurdish region, says Secretary of State Rex Tillerson.

The controversial secession referendum was held on Monday in Iraq’s semi-autonomous Kurdistan region in defiance of widespread calls for its cancellation.

According to Kurdish officials, over 90 percent of the voters said ‘Yes’ to separation from Iraq.

“The United States does not recognize the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG)’s unilateral referendum held on Monday. The vote and the results lack legitimacy and we continue to support a united, federal, democratic and prosperous Iraq,” Tillerson said in a statement on Friday.  

"The United States asks all parties, including Iraq's neighbors, to reject unilateral actions and the use of force," he said, adding, “We urge calm and an end to vocal recriminations and threats of reciprocal actions.”

Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi, demanded the annulment of the referendum, saying, “We will never hold talks based on the results of the referendum.”

 Grand Ayatollah Seyyed Ali al-Sistani also voiced opposition to the referendum, warning of the negative repercussions of such “unilateral steps.”

SS