Kurdistan Independence referendum this year

[Anthea]

An independence referendum in the region will not take place before the Kurdistan Parliament is reactivated, the legislature’s secretary said on Saturday (April 9).

Kurdistan Parliament Secretary Fakhradin Qadir said a draft resolution on the independence referendum was submitted to MPs, but that no decision has been reached as the assembly remains in recess amid political infighting on a number of issues, including the region’s presidency.

“No referendum will be carried out unless the Parliament is reactivated,” Qadir said. “The referendum is related to the people and the political parties. No party can decide individually.”

Qadir also rejected the suggestion that the Kurdistan Region’s Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC) would have the authority to hold a referendum without parliament’s approval.

“Political blocs should decide on the referendum inside Parliament and organize it legally, then IHEC can be tasked with making preparations for execution,” Qadir added.

In an interview with al-Monitor published on March 22, Massoud Barzani said a referendum on the Kurdistan Region’s independence would likely be held before October of this year – barring any outstanding circumstances. .

http://www.nrttv.com/en/Details.aspx?Jimare=6264