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Despite all the obstacles, Masoud Barzani, the President of the Kurdistan region in Iraq, is determined to hold a referendum on independence, an Armenian political analyst said on Friday.

Speaking to Panorama.am, political scientist Alexander Markarov said Iraqi Kurdistan’s leader strongly supports the independence vote when, according to world powers, it can pose serious threat to the regional security and the issue of self-determination in a number of regions.

“The United Stated was trying to have the independence referendum delayed, as it urged Israel to postpose the declaration of independence. However, it seems that Masoud Barzani is highly determined,” the analyst said.

According to Alexander Markarov, it is noteworthy that a majority of the population in Iraq's Kurdistan is committed to take part in the independence vote.

“Even if the independence referendum is held, Baghdad will not recognize its outcome. It is clear that the Iraqi authorities can maximally grant a broader autonomy to the Iraqi Kurds seeking independence. It is also clear that the Kurdish region will not become independent on the day following the referendum. This is more a matter of a symbolic independence,” Mr. Markarov added.

To remind, Masoud Barzani has recently announced that the referendum on independence scheduled for 25 September will not be postponed and he is ready to start a dialogue with Baghdad.