Lavrov says Russia committed to Iraq territorial integrity

MOSCOW – 23 October 2017: Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov asserted that Moscow is committed to Iraq's territorial integrity, RIA News Agency reported.

The Russian diplomat's remarks were made at a meeting with his Iraqi counterpart Ibrahim al Jaafari.

Lavrov also said Russia is seeking to achieve the common objective of defeating international terrorism in both Syria and Iraq.

He pressed the need for continuing the track of negotiations to reach a political settlement for all disputes in the region.

The Iraqi foreign minister, for his part, asserted that Russia backed the Iraqi government in its fight against terrorism and extremist groups, asserting that Moscow has contributed to the achievements made by the Iraqi forces in their war against terror.

Jaafari also noted that all world countries have rejected the independence of Kurdistan Region, noting that such referendum is unconstitutional according to Article I of the Iraqi Constitution.