Iraqi PM says no to divided Iraq, warns of internal strife

BAGHDAD, Sept 13 (KUNA) -- Iraqi Prime Minister Haidar Al-Abadi said on Wednesday that he would not allow the partition of Iraq, a subtle reference to Iraqi Kurdistan's plans for a referendum on independence.
His remarks came in a press conference in the southern city of Nasiriyah, where he declared that the unity of Iraq was crucial and that Baghdad opposes any attempts to divide the country.
On the autonomous region's vote for independence, he noted that hostile rhetoric would lead to disaster and internal conflict.
Al-Abadi added that his government believes in dialogue as the solution towards any problem.
Iraq's parliament on Tuesday said that it would do everything in its power to have the Kurdish leadership abandon its bid for independence. (end) ahh.nam