Kirkuk offensive aimed at protecting Iraq’s national unity: Abadi

"It is my constitutional duty to work for the benefit of the citizens, and to protect our national unity that came under threat of fragmentation as a result of the referendum that was organised by the Kurdish region," Abadi said.

"The referendum came at a time where the country is fighting against terrorism that has come in the form of ISIS. We tried to urge (the Kurds) not to violate the constitution and to focus on fighting ISIS, but they did not listen … They chose their personal interests over Iraq's interests."

The prime minister further assured Kirkuk's residents that their safety was Iraq's priority, while calling on the Kurdish forces to align themselves with the federal army.

"We are only performing our duty in keeping the city safe for Iraq's various factions. We urge all citizens to cooperate with our heroic armed forces … in implementing security in the area.

"We call on the Peshmerga forces to perform their duties under the central command of the Iraqi armed forces," he said.



/257