The National Security Council (MGK), which was convened at the Presidency Complex at 17.00 under the chairmanship of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, lasted 3 hours.

The meeting focused on internal and external developments, particularly the referendum Iraqi Kurdistan Regional Government (IKRG) planned to hold on 25 September.

“It has once again been specified that the referendum, the IKRG announced to hold on 25 September 2017, is of illegitimate nature and unacceptable,” the statement underscored. The IKRG has also been called on to cancel the referendum decision when there is still time,” noting that Turkey, in this case, is prepared to contribute to the resolution of the issues between the Iraqi Central Government and the IKRG through talks and on a constitutional basis.

Pointing out that if this referendum, which is not accepted by Turkiye, is insisted upon, it will inevitably lead to serious consequences that will harm the entire region along with Northern Iraq, the statement underscored: “Turkiye reserves its rights originating from bilateral and international agreements if this referendum is held despite all of our warnings.” (ILKHA)