(VOVWORLD) - Iraqi Foreign Ministry spokesman Ahmed Mahjoub on Saturday called on Turkey and Iran to close border crossings with the Kurdish region in northern Iraq.
 Kurdish region in northern Iraq (Photo: Reuters) |
Mahjoub said Baghdad had sent a formal request to Ankara and Tehran, asking for closing borders and halting all oil business with the region. Iraq’s request came following Kurdistan’s referendum on its independence on September 25.
Turkey and Iran, who have expressed concerned that the referendum could provoke separation by Kurdish minorities in their countries, are seeking ways to cooperate with Baghdad to prevent any breakaway attempt.