“It was predictable that the issue would turn this way as most of Iraqis and Kurds are after unity, national solidarity, and preserving the territorial integrity of Iraq,” said Ali Akbar Velayati, in response to calls to comment on the latest statement issued by KRG suspending the results of the referendum.
He made the remarks on the sidelines of his meeting with Syrian Deputy Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad in Tehran.
“They handed in Kirkuk and other areas with no bloodshed to the central government of Iraq and with the help of army, PMUs, and other popular forces the territorial integrity of Iraq was resuscitated and cemented once again,” underlined the Iranian former foreign minister who is currently a senior aide of Iran’s Leader.
“We had asked Mr. Barzani from the very beginning to cancel the referendum because the referendum was in interests of neither Iraqi Kurds, nor Shias, and nor Sunnis,” stressed the Iranian official.
“The good of all Iraqis is that to stay together as they have been in the course of past centuries,” reiterated Mr. Velayati.
“Iraq is an important country and any move to undermine it will face the opposition of the Islamic Republic of Iran any move to strengthen Iraq will enjoy the support of Iran,” stated the Iranian veteran diplomat.
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