Iraq's Kurdish Leader Says It's Time For Self-Determination

Iraqi Kurdish region President Masud Barzani says Iraq is falling apart and he reiterated a threat to hold a referendum on independence from the rest of the country.

The president of Iraq's autnomous Kurdish region, Masud Barzani, has expressed strong support for Kurdish self-determination.

Barzani told CNN, "During the last 10 years, we did everything in our ability, we made every effort, and we showed all flexibility in order to build a new, democratic Iraq."

But he added, "Unfortunately, the experience has not been successful the way that it should have."

Barzani said Iraq was falling apart and reiterated a threat to hold a referendum on independence from the rest of the country.

Barzani concluded, "It is the time now, the time is here for the Kurdistan people to determine their future, and the decision of the people is what we are going to uphold."
Based on reporting by CNN, AP, and dpa