Iraqi Pres. calls for dialogue to resolve Kurdistan dispute

BAGHDAD, Sept 16 (KUNA) -- Iraqi President Fuad Masum called off his visit to New York, due Sunday, and tasked Prime Minister Haider Al-Abadi to attend the meetings of the UN General Assembly instead The president is busy working out an initiative for resolving the dispute over the referendum on Kurdistan referendum, slated for September 25, according to a statement released by his office Saturday night.
The country faces a deep political crisis that could result in adverse impacts on the national interests if it is left unsolved, according to the statement.
The president urges all political forces, particularly the executive and legislative authorities whether in Kurdistan region or Baghdad, to exert exceptional efforts and respond promptly to this question which is a top priority.
All concerned parties must engage in a substantive dialogue and reach peaceful solution to the dispute based on the principles of democracy and national partnership, he added. (end) ahh.gb