Iraqi Kurdistan Regional Government President Masoud Barzani said in a statement on the referendum that going to be held on September 25, stressed that the referendum would take place on the determined date by expressing any alternative did not put to the front.

Speaking at the support to the independence referendum meeting held in Duhok’s Amedi district Barzani said: Stay strong and do not obey to anyone’s word! We're going to the referendum. We will do whatever requirement and are willing to pay whatever it costs.”

“Only the people of Kurdistan are the ones who will gain legitimate referendum, not others,” Barzani said and continued: “That’s why stay strong and do not obey anyone’s word! We are going to the referendum. We will do whatever requirement and are willing to pay whatever it costs. The Iraqi state was founded on the basis of a partnership of Kurdish, Arab and other constitutions. And you know the disasters we faced due to this partnership.””

“The Iraqi state still does not accept the partnership,” Barzani said and added: “If the Iraqi authorities do not accept partnership and cooperation with Baghdad, then we do not accept to serve them.”

Barzani, “Those who do not give the Peshmerga rights under the Iraqi constitution, passed a law about Hashdi-Shabi within 2-hours. They did not fulfill the 140th item. Now they are talking about the 140th article and constitution. On the top of it, they are disturbed that we demand our rights.”

“If we do not take the necessary steps, we are going to face with worse results when we are in expectation,” Barzani said. “It is the issue of will. We will succeed as much as we have a determined will. Nobody gives us our independence. Only we can get it. We have shed the blood. They say ‘the right time’, we say ‘when is the right time? There is no answer. Do not be interested in anybody's words and discourses that says the referendum will be postponed. Until now, the alternative date for the referendum has not been offered,” Barzani continued. “Our goal is independence. We have heard many empty promises until now. The referendum will not be postponed unless a better alternative is offered.” (ILKHA)