He said there is an understanding among the US officials with regard to the Kurdish right to self-determination.

“They understand the rights of the Kurdistan nation to self-determination. They understand that we have had a difficult past. They respect the right of the Kurdistan nation to practice the right to self-determination,” Mustafa said.

“The only problem they have is the time — over which they have concern. The time is not compatible with their programs. They say ‘This may distract you; that you may not be able to continue in the fight against ISIS. That this may not be helpful in the programs we have outlined for Iraq.‘ Otherwise, apart from the time, they are not against the referendum process in any shape or form.”