"The referendum must be annulled and dialogue initiated in the framework of the constitution. But Abadi -- who rejected the referendum as illegal -- told lawmakers on Wednesday there was no question of using its results as the basis for talks. A referendum on the independence of Kurdistan was held in the region on Monday, including territories disputed by the region and the federal government, such as Kirkuk.
The result of a non-binding independence referendum by Iraqi Kurdistan will to be announced within 72 hours. The vote is widely expected to be in favor of independence.