Jordan's king affirms his support for Iraq's stability

By Laith al-Junidi

AMMAN (AA) - Jordan's King Abdullah II on Tuesday reaffrimed his country’s support for Iraq’s security, stability, territorial integrity, and the cohesion of its people.

The remarks came during a telephone conversation with Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi, according to a statement issued by Jordan’s Royal Court.

According to the statement, Abdullah stressed Jordan's full support for the Iraqi government's efforts in countering terrorism and launching a political process aimed at including all components of the Iraqi people, with a view to contributing to a secure, stable, and united Iraq.

Abdullah's call to al-Abadi came after the Jordanian government announced its concern over the illegitimate "unilateral referendum” conducted by Iraq’s Kurdish region at the end of September.

Minister of State for Media Affairs Mohammed al-Momani said in a statement issued earlier Tuesday that Jordan is concerned about the repercussions of the illegal poll "on the cohesion of the Iraqi people and the unity of Iraqi territory.”

On Sept. 25, Iraqis in KRG-held areas -- and in several areas disputed between Baghdad and Erbil -- voted on whether or not to declare independence from Iraq.

According to results announced by the KRG, almost 93 percent of registered voters cast ballots in favor of independence.

The illegal referendum had faced sharp opposition from most regional and international actors, many of whom warned that the poll would distract from Iraq’s ongoing fight against terrorism and further destabilize the already-volatile region.