UAE’s Gargash to Kurdistan: Federalism is more viable than separation

ABU DHABI – 23 September 2017: The UAE’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Anwar Gargash said in a tweet that federalism's flexibility and potential, serves as a better alternative than Iraq’s separation, especially after looking at the UAE’s experience, Al Arabiya News reported.

In a tweet on Saturday morning, the minister said that the UAE supports the unity of a single, united Iraq.

In a second tweet, the minister continued saying: “Protecting a unified single Iraq is beneficial for a region suffering from division and fragmentation.”

He noted that political dialogue would be necessary to address concerns, fulfill aspirations and create a stronger partnership.

The minister’s statements come in light of the upcoming Iraqi Kurdistan referendum, in which the Kurds seek to establish an independent state from Iraq.

Yet, on Thursday, the UN International Security Council expressed its opposition to the referendum on independence, after calling for “dialogue and compromise” between the two conflicting parties. The council made its statement while warning that such a move would result in instability in the country.

The referendum is expected to be held on Monday, September 25.