Macron says Iraqi unity 'essential', offers to mediate with Kurds

PARIS - 5 October 2017: French President Emmanuel Macron has offered to mediate between the Iraqi government and Kurds seeking independence from Baghdad, saying the country’s territorial integrity is "essential", France 24 reported.

Macron made the offer after meeting Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi in Paris on Thursday in wide-ranging talks about French support for the fight against Daesh group and rebuilding Iraqi's economy.

The French president insisted on the importance of "national reconciliation and inclusive governance" that includes Kurds, "with whom France maintains close ties".

Macron said dialogue Baghdad and the Kurds "is the only path", and that his country is "ready to contribute actively to
mediation".