Macron, Abadi agree solving dispute with Irbil must be via dialogue

French President Emmanuel Macron and Iraqi Prime Minister Haidar Al-Abadi Saturday agreed that solving differences between Baghdad and Iraq’s Kurdistan region should be through dialogue and respect of territorial unity.
Macron, in a phone call with Abadi, reaffirmed that France believed in unity and safety of Iraqi territories, and that the federal government should have full control over lands and crossings, a government statement said.
Abadi called for addressing challenges of the reconstruction of the country following the defeat of so-called Islamic State (IS).
Macron’s called Abadi shortly after meeting the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister of Iraq’s Kurdistan region in Paris. The trio called for solving the differences between Baghdad and Irbil in line with the constitution.
Baghdad wants Irbil to cancel outcome of the September 25 separation referendum and hand over border crossing before engaging in dialogue.