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Run-up to referendum turns even more tumultuous

Two days before the Kurdistan independence referendum, Iraq’s Oil Ministry cautions against interfering with oil operations, Ankara and Baghdad reiterate warnings, and Kurdish parties show signs of fracture.
The pro-referendum delegation heading to Baghdad on Sept. 23, 2017, for talks. (Source: @VianDakhil, the Twitter account of Iraqi MP Vian Dakhil, a member of the delegation)

ERBIL - Iraq's Oil Ministry issued a blanket warning Saturday against interfering in the oil sector, as tension mounts over Monday's Kurdistan referendum. Ankara and Baghdad reiterated their own threats, as well, though without specifying exactly what each would do either to prevent the vote or as a consequence of it taking place.

Despite international pressure, and factions of major Kurdish parties urging delay, the most senior officials in the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) are adamant that a historic, though non-binding, vote on independence will go forward.

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