Tensions rise as Kurds hold independence vote

Arbil : Iraq’s Kurds defied widespread opposition to vote yesterday in a historic independence referendum, sparking fresh tensions with Baghdad, threats from Turkey and fears of unrest.

The vote in the autonomous Kurdish region of northern Iraq and some disputed areas is non-binding and will not lead automatically to independence, but is seen by the Kurds as a major step towards a long-cherished dream of statehood.

Voters flocked to the polls, eager to show off their ink-stained fingers after casting their ballots, and an overwhelming “Yes” outcome is expected.

Polling stations closed at 7:00 pm (GMT) after voting was extended for an hour. Results were expected within 24 hours, with an overwhelming “yes” vote not in doubt.

The vote took place peacefully and in a festive atmosphere, but signs of potential trouble mounted as the day progressed.

In New York, UN chief Antonio Guterres expressed concern about the “potentially destabilising effects” of the referendum.

Expressing respect for “the sovereignty, territorial integrity and unity of Iraq”, he called for differences to be resolved through “structured dialogue and constructive compromise”.

Lawmakers in Baghdad, which has declared the vote unconstitutional, demanded the government send troops to disputed areas where the referendum was taking place.

In Istanbul, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan warned that Turkey -- which fears the effects of the vote on its own sizeable Kurdish population -- would shut its border with Iraqi Kurdistan and threatened to block key exports.

And in Kirkuk, a disputed city where the vote controversially went ahead, security forces deployed on the streets after a curfew was imposed in parts of the city.

Curfew in Kirkuk

Kirkuk, home to Arabs, Kurds and Turkmen, has been a particular point of concern and late on Monday police said a curfew was being imposed in the centre of the city and in Arab and Turkmen areas “to ensure security, monitor the situation and protect the citizens of Kirkuk”.

Abadi on Sunday pledged to take all the “necessary measures” to protect the country’s unity, as his government urged all countries to deal only with it on oil transactions.

The Iraqi Kurds export an average 600,000 barrels per day through a pipeline running through Turkey to Ceyhan on the Mediterranean.

Erdogan on Monday threatened to halt these lifeline oil exports, angrily denouncing an “illegitimate” referendum.

Erdogan also said Turkey’s Habur border crossing with Iraqi Kurdistan would be closed.

He again urged Iraqi Kurdish authorities to take a step back and appeared to threaten a possible cross-border operation.

Tehran has also increased pressure, announcing on Sunday it had blocked all flights to and from the region at Baghdad’s request.

However, the referendum sparked celebrations in the Syrian Kurdish city of Qamishli, in solidarity with their brethren across the border.