MNA– The Iraqi parliament has given a "mandate" to Prime Minister Haider Abadi to deploy troops in Iraqi Kurdistan's disputed province of Kirkuk.

The Iraqi parliament has also instructed the government to retake oil fields in the Kirkuk province and the areas disputed with Kurds. It also ruled out a dialogue with Erbil until the results of the referendum are canceled.

The oil province of Kirkuk, which is claimed by both Baghdad and Erbil, decided to take part in the referendum in August despite the region was controlled by the federal government. Baghdad has spoken out against the vote, questioning its legality.

Iraqi Kurdistan made the decision to hold the independence referendum in June. Following the announcement, the Iraqi government, as well as a number of foreign countries, including Turkey and Iran, have criticized the move.