Egypt FM expresses concern over repercussions of Iraqi Kurdistan referendum

Egypt’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Sameh Shoukry expressed Friday deep concern over the possible repercussions of holding the independence referendum in Iraqi Kurdistan region.

Shoukry underlined Egypt’s solidarity with Iraqi government and people in their endeavors for promoting unity, the statement quoted the top diplomat as saying in New York.

“Dialogue between the central government in Baghdad and Kurdistan region is significant to maintain unity of Iraq,” the minister told his Iraqi counterpart Ibrahim al Jaafari on the sidelines of the 72nd session of the United Nations General Assembly.

Shoukry praised Iraqi’s efforts in uprooting the Islamic State (IS), affirming Egypt’s interest in participating in building the Iraqi army and police as well as in reconstructing the cities that have been destructed by IS.

On Thursday, Arab Parliament Speaker Mishaal al-Salami urged the President of the Iraqi Kurdistan region Masoud Barzani to postpone the intended vote, stressing “the plebiscite should be replaced by dialogue.”

Earlier on June 7, Barzani announced his intention to hold a referendum on Sept. 25 over independence of the semi-autonomous Kurdish region from Iraq.

Source: Xinhua