KRG independence referendum not a 'casus belli' for Turkey: PM Yıldırım

Prime Minister Binali Yıldırım said on Aug. 24 that the independence referendum of the Iraqi Kurdish Regional Government (KRG), due to be held on Sept. 25, would not constitute a "casus belli" for Turkey.

"Between whom does a war break out? Between a state and another state. We do not recognize them as a state," Yıldırım said.

"In any case, this decision should be canceled," he added.

The premier's remarks came after the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) leader Devlet Bahçeli stated the referendum should be a "cause of war" for Turkey if necessary.