Sputnik - The controversy surrounding the September 25 referendum on the independence of Iraqi Kurdistan is gaining momentum. Iraqi Prime Minister Haydar El-Abadi warned that the potential creation of an independent Kurdish state could lead to tragic consequences, while Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu pointed to the threat of a civil war.




In an interview with�Sputnik Turkey, political analyst Celal Baslang?c commented on�the situation around�the referendum and its possible consequences. In his opinion, if the referendum takes place, the population of�Iraqi Kurdistan may face a serious economic crisis.
"Many political movements in�Iraqi Kurdistan are afraid of�pressure from�Turkey, Iran and the central Iraqi authorities. The fact is that the Regional Administration of�Iraqi Kurdistan largely depends on�maintaining relations with�Turkey and Iran. Erbil receives electricity from�Turkey, and Sulaymaniyah�� from�Iran," Baslang?c said.


"Moreover, all food is imported from�Turkey and Iran. Many believe that the economic situation, as�well as�relations with�the central Iraqi government and neighboring states, can become a significant obstacle to�the actual�proclamation of�an independent Kurdish state," he continued.

The expert also stressed that no third parties have a right to�interfere in�the referendum process.
"We need to�show respect for�the right of�the people to�determine their own future. In this process, neither the US nor Turkey should interfere. Ultimately, the decision will be made by�the Kurdish people. If the Kurds consider it necessary, they may consult and negotiate with�the central government, if they do not want it�� they are not obliged to�do so. Kurds are currently discussing the upcoming referendum process, its possible consequences for�various parties. But no foreign state has the right to�insist on�holding or not holding this�referendum," Baslang?c said.


The Kurds, who make up�about 20 percent of�the Iraqi population, have been seeking self-governance for�decades. In 2005, Iraq's Constitution recognized Kurdistan as�an autonomous region, run by�the Kurdistan Regional Government.

In June, Masoud Barzani, the president of�Iraqi Kurdistan, set September 25 as�the date for�an independence referendum. The move provoked harsh criticism from�Baghdad claiming that the referendum would violate the country's constitution.

In response to�Barzani's announcement, Iranian authorities have expressed support for�maintaining Iraq's territorial integrity. Turkey, also having a large Kurdish minority, has likewise expressed opposition to�Kurdish independence.