One month later, the KRG has offered to freeze the results of the referendum to allow negotiations with Baghdad to begin. The KRG early Wednesday morning put out a statement calling for the immediate ceasefire and halt of all military operations in disputed areas, and that it would freeze the results to have an open dialogue with the federal government of Iraq on the basis of the Constitution.
The statement follows fresh clashes between Iraqi troops, Hashd al-Shaabi militiamen and Peshmerga forces in the Nineveh Plains, Rabia and Makhmour area yesterday. As a result of the fighting, nearly 700 Christian families from Tel Skuf have been displaced due to heavy artillery bombardment. The new influx of Christian IDPs mostly seek shelter in Alqush, Sharafiya and Dohuk which are still under the protection of Peshmerga forces.
Things might be looking up however, as the border crossings with Iran which have been closed for a week now might reopen today. Other good news includes a thermal power plant which is nearing completion and will provide regular and reliable electricity to the Kurdistan Region and coalition partners commitment, such as Germany, to continue training Peshmerga.
