Egypt's Sisi Confirms Support For Iraq's Unity

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi congratulated Iraqi PM Haider al-Abadi, Sunday, for Baghdad's 'successful victories in war against Daesh'.



According to a statement by Egypt's presidency, the two leaders, who were accompanied by Egyptian Prime Minister Sharif Ismail in Cairo, discussed strengthening bilateral cooperation, fighting terrorism, and political and security issues in the region.



Al-Sisi stressed Egypt's "fully supportive stance towards Iraq's unity and territorial integrity".



That unity is in question since according to poll results announced by the Kurdistan Regional Government, almost 93 percent of those who cast ballots voted in favor of independence.



The illegitimate referendum faced sharp opposition from most regional and international actors (including the U.S., Turkey and Iran), who warned that the poll would distract from Iraq's fight against terrorism and further destabilize the region.



Earlier this week, Iraqi joint forces -- including army troops, Federal Police units, and Hashd al-Shaabi fighters -- entered the oil-rich Kirkuk province following a tactical withdrawal by Peshmerga forces.



The Iraqi forces swiftly assumed control of the province's strategic facilities, including the North Oil Company, Baba Gurgur oilfield, K1 military base, Mullah Abdullah oil refinery, Kirkuk's main airport, and the Tikrit Bridge, among others. -