Russia supports Iraq’s territorial integrity

Commenting on the upcoming Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) referendum, the Kremlin said on Wednesday that Russia supported the territorial integrity of the countries in the region.

When asked whether Moscow would recognize the results of the referendum, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that he did not want to comment on the matter, according to Sputnik news.

Residents in provinces controlled by the KRG will vote on Sept. 25 to decide whether to declare independence from Baghdad.

The oil-rich province of Kirkuk is among the contested areas where the vote is planned.

Last week, Iraqi lawmakers voted against the independence referendum and called on the Baghdad government to negotiate with the KRG.

The Iraqi government is opposed to the poll, claiming it will affect the war against Daesh, cause instability and violate the Iraqi Constitution.

Turkey, the U.S., Iran and the UN have all backed Baghdad in speaking out against the referendum.