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Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said the Kirkuk provincial assembly's decision "will not help Iraqs future, stability and security."

Photo by: (AFP)

The Kurdish flag (L) flies next to an Iraqi flag (R) over a government building in the Iraqi city of Kirkuk on March 28, 2017.

Turkey expressed concerns on Wednesday over the decision of an Iraqi provincial assembly to raise theKurdish flag alongside the Iraqi national flag at public buildings.

On Tuesday, 26 Kurdish members of Kirkuks provincial assembly voted in favour of raising the Kurdish flag alongside Iraqs national flag atthe citys public buildings and institutions.

We dont approve of this voting held by the regional administration, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said in an interview with state-broadcaster TRT Haber.

Such a step will not help Iraqs future, stability and security at a time when Iraq is fighting against Daesh. We dont support this step and we want everyone to act responsibly.

TRT Worldspoke toOwenHoldawaywho hasmore fromErbil.

UN concerned

The United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) also said it was concerned by the recent decision of the governor of Kirkuk.

Iraqi Vice-President Osama al Nujeifi also condemned the move on Tuesday, saying it could lead to friction between Kirkuk residents.

Thereare nineTurkmenand sixArabrepresentatives in the 41-memberKirkukprovincialcouncil,who were conspicuously absent during Tuesday's vote.

Kirkuks population is mainly composed of Arab, Turkmen and Kurdish inhabitants.

The citys Turkmen residentsopposed this idea, saying Kirkuk should enjoy a special status.

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Originally posted here:
Turkey slams move to raise Kurdish flags in Iraq - TRT World