Iran, Turkey opposed to Kurdish independence plan in Iraq: General Baqeri

The Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces said Tehran and Ankara are opposed to a plan by Iraq’s semi-autonomous Kurdistan region to hold an independence referendum, warning that such a move would lead to tensions and conflicts in the Arab country.

“Iran and Turkey share a common view on the decision to hold an independence referendum in Iraq’s Kurdistan region,” Major General Mohammad Hossein Baqeri told reporters in Ankara after meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyib Erdogan, Tasnim News Agency reported.

He said Tehran and Ankara believe that if the referendum is held, it would be a basis for more tensions and conflicts in Iraq.

The top Iranian general added that the consequences of the move could also spill over into neighboring countries and affect them.

“That is why officials from the two countries (Iran and Turkey) insist that this (plan) does not sound plausible and should not be implemented,” he stressed.

General Baqeri also said Tehran and Ankara agreed to improve coordination in their efforts in Syria to boost security and peace in the Arab country.

The two sides arrived at a consensus to improve their border security and pave the way for their armed forces to hold joint military exercises as well, he further said.

SS