Turkey’s key security meeting ends, statement says Iraqi Kurdish referendum illegitimate, unacceptable

ANKARA

Turkey’s National Security Council Meeting (MGK) which convened under President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan ended late on Sept. 22, stressing that the Iraqi Kurdish independence referendum slated for Sept. 25 was illegitimate and unacceptable.

“The illegitimacy of the referendum announced by the KRG as on Sept. 25 and its unacceptance was once again specified. It was strongly stressed that this step which directly threatens Turkey’s national security was a grave mistake that threatens Iraq’s political unity and territorial integrity as well as peace, security and stability of the region,” the statement read issued after the meeting.

It also added that Turkey reserved its rights originating from bilateral and international conventions.

“Turkey reserves its rights originating from bilateral and international conventions if this referendum is held despite all of our warnings,” it stated.

It once again urged the Kurdish Regional Government to cancel the referendum which it said was “threatening Turkey’s national security.”

The statement noted the inevitability of the fact that there would be serious consequences which would “damage the whole region” if the KRG insisted on the mistake.