Iraq: Security Council voices concern over planned referendum in Kurdistan Region
| Publisher | UN News Service |
| Publication Date | 21 September 2017 |
| Cite as | UN News Service, Iraq: Security Council voices concern over planned referendum in Kurdistan Region, 21 September 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/59c8d2054.html [accessed 30 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
The United Nations Security Council today expressed concern over the "potentially destabilizing impact" of the Kurdistan Regional Government's plans to unilaterally hold a referendum next week.
In a statement issued to the press, members of the Council noted that the planned referendum is scheduled to be held while operations to counter Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL/Da'esh) - in which Kurdish forces have played a critical role - are ongoing.
The referendum "could detract from efforts to ensure the safe, voluntary return of over three million refugees and internally displaced persons," the 15-member body added.
Secretary-General António Guterres earlier this week voiced similar concerns about the timing of the vote in a statement issued by his Spokesman, which noted that all outstanding issues between the federal Government and the Kurdistan Regional Government should be resolved through structured dialogue and constructive compromise.
"The Secretary-General calls upon the leaders across Iraq to approach this matter with patience and restraint. The United Nations stands ready to support such efforts."
