Iranian FM, UN Envoy for Iraq Discuss Kurdish Independence Vote
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif and UN Special Envoy for Iraq Yan Kubish conferred on the latest political developments in Iraq on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
During the meeting on Monday night, the two sides discussed the latest situation in Iraq, particularly the issue of the semi-autonomus Kurdistan Region’s independence referendum.
The Iranian minister expressed the Islamic Republic’s opposition to the referendum and underlined the importance of respecting Iraq’s national sovereignty, observing its Constitution and preserving its territorial integrity.
He also said that the disputes between Baghdad and Erbil could be only settled via dialogue.
Authorities in Iraq’s Kurdish region have announced that the northern territory will hold the independence referendum on September 25.
Zarif traveled to New York to take part in the 72nd Session of the United Nations General Assembly.
Meantime, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani heads Iranian delegation and is expected to make a speech at the UN General Assembly on Wednesday.
The 72nd regular session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA 72) convened at UN Headquarters on September 12. The General Debate will open on Tuesday, September 19, with the main theme ‘Focusing on People: Striving for Peace and a Decent Life for All on a Sustainable Planet’.
A number of events will take place in parallel to the UNGA 72, including Global Goals Week 2017 and Climate Week NYC 2017.
