“The referendum for independence which they have scheduled for September 25 is not only aimed at capturing the lands of the Iraqi Turkmen, but it’s also part of their plan against the Turkic presence [therein]. Kirkuk is no different than Karabakh or Northern Cyprus. We should take an equal approach to these issues. Security of Iraqi Turkmen means security of the Turkic world,” he said.

Salihi noted that the upcoming 25 September referendum is illegal.

“The central government, political parties in Iraq, and neighboring states have stressed that this referendum is a wrong step. The UN representative in Iraq also condemned the referendum,” he said. “Turkey and Iran, as well as Arab states consider it wrong and warn that this move will lead to chaos in the region.”

He said that Turkey began military exercises near the Habur border crossing point of the Turkey-Iraq border on September 18.

“Moreover, the 27 September assembly of Turkey’s National Security Council has been rescheduled to September 22 due to Barzani’s referendum decision. Thus, Turkey gives support to the Iraqi government and also a message to the regional countries,” the Turkmen leader stressed.

The Turkmen leaders urged the Kurdish autonomous region of northern Iraq to realize that it is doing wrong.

“Turkey’s closure of Habur border crossing point, the suspension of oil supplies and the closure of the Iranian border will have a serious impact on the Kurdish autonomous region of northern Iraq,” he said. “Also, we have appealed to the Iraqi Constitutional Court on the referendum decision. A while ago, the Court announced that the referendum was not legitimate.”

“We want the government and parliament of fraternal Azerbaijan to adopt a statement condemning the referendum decision of the Kurdish autonomous region of northern Iraq and stressing that it’s unacceptable to associate the future of Kirkuk and other Turkmen regions with the referendum,” Salihi added.

Commenting on the views that the US seems like it is against the referendum, but, in fact, it support this decision, the Turkmen leaders underscored the need for the US and other major powers to act as guarantors of not only the Kurds, but also all the nations in Iraq.

“We met with the US Ambassador on September 17. We said to the ambassador that they should support us, the oppressed. We are waiting for it from the US,” he said.

According to the Turkmen leader, if Barzani does not turn off the wrong path, then Iraqi Turkmen have a variety of choices.

“Despite the fact that over the course of a century the Turkmen have often been left alone in these regions, on these lands, our will and resolve were not broken. Former regimes, Saddam Hussein could not conquer us, and those after that could not defeat us either. The Turkmen have always defended themselves with all their might, and will defend their lands,” he said.

Salihi went on to say: Today various armed groups operate in Iraq as defenders of the interests of various kinds of forces. Even if we were late in these issues earlier, now the Turkmen youth have weapons as well. We want to use our weapons for fight against the ISIS, terrorism. The Turkmen are able to protect themselves,” he said.

Salehi said he believes the rights they have gained because of Barzani's erroneous decision.

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