Saudi urges Kurds to scrap independence referendum

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia on Wednesday urged Iraqi Kurdish leader Massud Barzani to call off to planned referendum on independence for his autonomous region to avoid further "crises" in Iraq and the region, reports AFP.

A Saudi government official said Barzani should drop plans to hold a referendum "in light of the situation in the region and the dangers it is facing, and in order to avoid new crises".

He called on the Kurdish leader to make use of his "wisdom and experience", the state-run Saudi Press Agency said.

Holding the referendum as planned on September 25 could have "negative consequences on the political, security and humanitarian fronts".

It could also "affect efforts to establish security and stability in the region, as well as efforts to fight against terrorist organisations and their activities," the official added.

Saudi urges Kurds to scrap independence referendum

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia on Wednesday urged Iraqi Kurdish leader Massud Barzani to call off to planned referendum on independence for his autonomous region to avoid further crises in Iraq and the region, reports AFP. A Saudi government official said Barzani should drop plans to hold a referendum in light of the situation in the region and the dangers it is facing, and in order to avoid new crises. He called on the Kurdish leader to make use of his wisdom and experience, the state-run Saudi Press Agency said. Holding the referendum as planned on September 25 could have negative consequences on the political, security and humanitarian fronts. It could also affect efforts to establish security and stability in the region, as well as efforts to fight against terrorist organisations and their activities, the official added.