Macron urges Iraqi PM to avoid clashes with Kurdish forces

PARIS, Oct 29 (KUNA) -- French President Emmanuel Macron on Sunday called on Iraqi Prime Minister Haidar Al-Abadi to do his utmost to avoid clashes and fighting between Iraqi "federal" forces and Kurdish forces in northern Iraq, an official statement indicated.
Macron and Abadi spoke by phone and have been in regular contact since the Iraqi leader visited Paris on October 5, the Elysee Palace said.
"The President of the Republic asked that everything be done to avoid fighting between Iraqis, and that a dialogue be undertaken between Erbil and Baghdad in the framework of unity and the Iraqi Constitution, taking into account the rights of the Kurds and minorities," the statement indicated.
Macron also said that he welcomed the initiative to set up a "committee between Kurdish and Iraqi Federal forces" to discuss the conditions of joint redeployments in disputed zones.
Al-Abadi reminded Macron in the call of "the importance of preserving national unity and of finding a concerted solution with the Kurds," the Elysee statement said.
The French leader also reiterated the importance of the fight on Iraqi territory against the so-called Islamic State terrorist groups and the efforts to "chase Daesh (IS) from all Iraqi territories with the help of the Coalition in which France is playing its full role." (end) jk.sd