UK defense minister urges Barzani to suspend KRG referendum

A non-binding independence referendum is planned to be held in northern Iraq on Sept. 25 by the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG). KRG President Masoud Barzani has ignored the urges of Turkey and the international community, preparing for a step which may cause a regional crisis.

U.K. Defense Minister Michael Fallon met with KRG President Barzani in Erbil, Iraq. The controversial referendum was addressed in the meeting.

"We are committed to the integrity of Iraq. We are working with the UN on alternatives to this referendum," Fallon said as he arrived in Erbil.

A statement made by Barzani’s presidential office said that British Defense Minister Michael Fallon called on Barzani to suspend the referendum, and enter into a dialogue with the Baghdad government, according to reports.

Barzani told Fallon that the “dialogue is a means of independence but the offer that has been made so far does not guarantee that Baghdad is ready for independence talks.”

He pointed out that the referendum will not be suspended without any international guarantee.

U.S. administration last week presented an alternative for Barzani to suspend the referendum, which the U.K. supported. Barzani’s answer to the offer was negative