Russia said on Wednesday it supports Iraq’s territorial integrity following a referendum on independence held in Iraqi Kurdistan earlier on Monday.

In a statement, Russian Foreign Ministry called for both Baghdad and Erbil to resolve all the disagreements strongly by peaceful means.

“In connection with the referendum in Iraqi Kurdistan, the Russian side considers it essential to avoid everything that could destabilize the situation in the Middle East. Our support for the sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of Iraq and other states of the Middle East remains unchanged,” the statement said.

“We believe all the disputable issues that exist between the federal authorities of Iraq and the leadership of the Kurdish Autonomous Region can and should be resolved through constructive and respectful dialogue designed to work out a mutually acceptable formula for coexistence within a single Iraqi state” the statement added.

Source: Sputnik