Iraq's supreme court declares Kurdish independence vote 'unconstitutional'

The Supreme Federal Court reaffirmed on Monday an earlier ruling backed by the Iraqi central government for the vote's results to be annulled.

"[The court has] rendered a decision declaring unconstitutional the referendum held on 25 September, 2017 in Iraqi Kurdistan... and cancelling all the consequences and results that resulted," it said in a statement.

Last week, as the deadline announced by the Supreme Court for its decision on the constitutionality of the referendum approached, the Kurdistan government said it "respected" the decisions taken by Iraq's highest court.

It also said it respected a previous decision insisting on Iraqi unity, which could be a basis for dialogue.

Monday's legal move was the latest stage in a crisis sparked by the referendum, which resulted in a resounding "yes" vote for independence in the Kurdish area.

The referendum, though non-binding, was rejected by Baghdad and Iraq's neighbours and saw Iraqi forces seize the northern city of Kirkuk and other disputed areas from the Kurds.

Last month, the UN Security Council urged the Iraqi government and regional leaders in Kurdistan to set a timetable for talks to end the crisis.

Baghdad had demanded the Kurds annul its results before negotiations could start between the Iraqi central government and the self-ruled Kurdish region.

Agencies contributed to this report.