Saudi Arabia, speaking about the referendum to be held in the Kurdistan region of Iraq on 25 September 2017, said that with current conditions experienced by the region and the risks it faces it would be best to avoid new crises that may result in negative repercussions, political and security, as well as the dispersal of efforts to achieve stability and security in the region, including the fight against terrorist organizations and related activities. In line with regional and international positions on this issue, Saudi Arabia looks forward to the wisdom of President Massoud Barzani in not holding a referendum on the independence of the Kurdistan region of Iraq, in order to spare Iraq and the region more risks that may ensue. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia calls upon the parties concerned to engage in dialogue in order to achieve the interests of the Iraqi people in all its components and to ensure security and peace in Iraq and preserve its unity and sovereignty.
