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Russia Supports Iraq’s Unity, Waits to Assess Kurdish Referendum Results | ASHARQ AL-AWSAT English Archive 2005 -2017
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The Iraqi Kurdistan Region independence referendum is scheduled for September 25. (AFP)


Moscow, London – Russian deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov announced on Friday that Moscow will assess the results of the Iraqi Kurdistan Region independence referendum once it happens.

Recognizing the results, whatever the outcome, is not on the table at the moment, he said according to the RT Russian news agency.

He stressed however that he country supports the unity and safety of Iraqi territory, calling for “committing to the constitution.”

The referendum, which Baghdad has deemed illegal, is scheduled for September 25. Turkey and Iran have also voiced their opposition to the vote.

Top military aide to the Iranian Supreme leader Major General Yahya Rahim Safavi meanwhile warned of chaos and a long war should the Kurdish region vote for its independence.

“A new conspiracy is being prepared after the defeat of the terrorists in Syria and Iraq,” he said on Thursday.

“The Muslims’ Zionist, British and American enemies are thinking about dividing Syria and Iraq,” he added.

This will lead to a new war and long-term chaos in northern Iraq. The Kurds in that region will be harmed the most from the independence vote, he stated.

“We hope the Kurdish people will destroy the plans of the foreign countries that want to divide Iraq,” Safavi said.