Russia supports Iraq's territorial integrity: Lavrov

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told his Iraqi counterpart Ibrahim al-Jaafari that Moscow supported Iraq's territorial integrity and sovereignty, the Russian Foreign Ministry said on Friday.

Iraqi Kurds are expected to vote on Monday to back an independence drive that neighbouring countries and Western powers fear could break up the country and stir broader regional ethnic and sectarian conflict.

"The Russian side confirmed its constant support for the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Iraq," the ministry said in a statement.

A non-binding independence referendum is planned to be held in northern Iraq on Sept. 25 by the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG). KRG President Masoud Barzani has ignored the urges of Turkey and the international community, preparing for a step which may cause a regional crisis.