Despite warnings, Kurdish Regional President Barzani insists on the independence refendum. Masoud Barzani appeared to reject an appeal by the United States to postpone a planned referendum. The vote, dismissed by Baghdad as illegal and destabilising, is set for 25 September. On Friday, the White House called on Kurdish leaders to abandon the referendum "and enter into serious and sustained dialogue with Baghdad." Iraqi Prime Minister Haider Al-Abadi stated that he is prepared to intervene militarily if the referendum results in violence
