Where
The National Press ClubThe First Amendment Lounge
529 14th St. NW
Washington, DC 20045
Contact
Alexander SnowTurkish Heritage Organization
212-321-0606
info@turkheritage.org
The KRG Independence Referendum and Regional Realities
THO's panel will bring together former ambassadors along with Turkmen member of Iraq's parliament to discuss KRG's controversial referendum and its regional outcomes
Kurdistan Regional Government’s (KRG) controversial decision to go ahead with a referendum on independence from Iraq on September 25 created significant concerns not only for Iraq but also for the neighboring countries. Despite having close diplomatic and economic ties with KRG, Turkey made it very clear that the referendum would only fuel the existing instability and volatility in the region. Echoing these concerns, the U.S. also displayed strong opposition, particularly to the timing of the referendum, and worked its diplomatic channels to dissuade the KRG.
The result of the referendum showed that the majority in the Kurdistan Region is in favor of independence. As the KRG leadership gets ready to negotiate an amicable split from Iraq, Turkey and Iran have already started taking various steps in cooperation with Iraq that are aimed at isolating the KRG. With parliamentary and presidential elections less than a month away, it is unclear whether the KRG will take these regional developments and realities into consideration.
Speakers
Lukman Faily - Former Iraqi Ambassador to the U.S.
James Jeffrey - Former U.S. Ambassador to Turkey and Iraq; Distinguished Fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy
Arshad Al-Salihi - Iraqi Turkmen Front Leader and Member of Iraq Parliament
Please note: The National Press Club requires the use of a security code for access. All guests must register to receive the QR Access Code and attend the event. Thank you for your understanding.
If you are unable to attend but have a question you would like the speakers to address, please send it via email to info@turkheritage.org