Washington does not recognize the independence referendum held by Iraqi Kurdistan on Monday, U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said in a statement.
“The vote and the results lack legitimacy and we continue to support a united, federal, democratic and prosperous Iraq,” Mr. Tillerson stated on Friday.
Mr. Tillerson said the U.S. remains concerned about the potential negative consequences of the referendum. He added that Washinton urges calm and asks all regional partners, including neighboring countries, “to reject unilateral actions and the use of force.”