Egypt rejects Kurdistan referendum on independence: Amb

CAIRO – 24 September 2017: The Egyptian Ambassador to Iraq, Alaa Moussa, has said on Sunday in a meeting with Iraqi Vice-President Nouri al-Maliki that Egypt rejects the independence referendum set to be held by Iraq's Kurdistan region tomorrow.

During the meeting, the two parties discussed the future of Iraqi-Egyptian relations and means of enhancing them.

Maliki renewed his rejection of the referendum in Kurdistan and the internationalization of the issue. He stated that what is happening now in Iraq is a conspiracy following the footsteps of southern Sudan's events.

Maliki also warned of future steps that would threaten other Arab countries, calling on all to unite in joint efforts in order to restore security and stability in Iraq and in the whole region.

Earlier, the Egyptian Foreign Ministry expressed in a statement on Thursday its concern over the Iraqi Kurdistan independence referendum that is going to take place on September 25.

Long-term consequences of holding the Kurdish referendum, impacting the security of Iraq and the Middle East, should be considered, the statement reads.

Egypt is keen on Iraq’s unity and stability. Much discussion should take place between Kurdistan and the federal government of Iraq, concerning controversial issues, in order to seek mediation that would maintain the unity of Iraq, the statement reads.

A referendum for Kurdish independence is to be held in Kurdish areas. Iraq, the U.S., Iran, Turkey and Saudi Arabia have previously warned against holding the referendum on September 25.

On Tuesday, President of the Kurdistan region, Masoud Barzani, gave Baghdad two to three days to reach a bilateral agreement, the result of which may postpone the referendum, according to Rudaw.