Russian FM calls on Kurds to engage in dialogue with Iraq

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has called on Kurdish leaders to engage in dialogue with the Iraqi federal government to resolve their differences.

Lavrov said that his country is in constant contact with all political parties in the Kurdistan region and stressed the need to find solutions that satisfy all parties.

The foreign minister explained that while Moscow understands the Kurdish people’s aspirations to consolidate national identity, these aspirations must be achieved through dialogue with Baghdad to avoid further tension in the Middle East.

Lavrov said he is fully convinced that there are many opportunities to reach an agreement that serves both parties.

Read more: Tillerson urges Iraq, Kurds to resolve conflict through dialogue

He stressed that his country will not impose any solutions on the Iraqi federal government nor the Kurdistan region.

The minister explained that Moscow will continue diplomatic and economic relations with Kurdistan and will not close its consulate in Erbil.