(reuters) -- "We are not ready to discuss or have a dialogue about the results of the referendum because it is unconstitutional," Abadi said in a speech broadcast on state TV on Monday night.

Masoud Barzani's KRG says the referendum is not binding and was meant to be a legitimate mandate to negotiate with Baghdad and neighboring countries over the secession of the Kurdish-controlled region from Iraq.

The vote was expected to deliver a comfortable "yes", and final results should be announced in 72 hours.

(Photo: reuters)