Kirkuk Provincial Assembly’s decision today (4 April), which attempts to keep the issue of referendum on the status of Kirkuk on the agenda, is an extremely harmful step that jeopardizes communal peace. This decision, which was taken in the absence of Turcomans and Arabs, who are the main constituents of Kirkuk, has no legitimacy.

The process pertaining to the status of Kirkuk has been enunciated in the Iraqi constitution. A decision that disregards the relevant provisions of the constitution also violates the constitution. We regard today’s decision, which follows the decision to raise the KRG flag in the official buildings, as another example of unilateral faits accomplis and condemn it.

Kirkuk’s primary needs are the finalization of the fight against terrorist organizations, the return of the internally displaced; and through this, the accomplishment of communal peace and tranquility. Steps that are detrimental to this target are neither applicable nor acceptable.