Saudi Arabia says hopes KRG vote will not take place

Saudi Arabia said on Wednesday it hoped Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) leader Massoud Barzani would not hold an independence referendum, saying such a move could bring risks for Iraq and the region.

Saudi Arabia "looks to the wisdom of President Barzani in not holding the referendum", a foreign ministry statement on state news agency SPA said.

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.