Egypt voices ‘deep concern’ about Kurdish independence vote

Cairo is “deeply concerned” about the possible secession of Kurdish-held parts of northern Iraq in the wake of Monday’s referendum on independence and called on all parties to avoid “unilateral measures”, the foreign ministry said in a statement. “The ministry expresses deep concern about the possible negative repercussions of a referendum for the independence of Iraq…despite repeated Arab and international efforts to prevent moving forward with the step”. Egypt urged all parties to exercise “self-restraint” and steer clear of “unilateral measures that could complicate the situation, destabilise Iraq and encourage a climate of chaos and tension in the region”. The ministry called for dialogue between Erbil and Baghdad to reach a “comprehensive and satisfactory settlement”, saying it backs Iraq’s unity and territorial integrity. Also on Tuesday, Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit expressed regret over the referendum. He voiced concern that “some parties have exploited the crisis to deepen divisions and fuel new conflicts in the region”.