UPDATED: Kurdistan Referendum delegation discusses independence with foreign envoys in Baghdad

BAGHDAD, Iraq (Kurdistan 24) - The Kurdistan Region's Referendum High Council's delegation on Tuesday met with US Ambassador to Iraq Douglas Silliman in Baghdad to discuss the upcoming vote for independence on Sep. 25.

The delegation arrived on Monday and met with Prime Minister of Iraq Haider al-Abadi. Majid Bazirgan, one of the delegates, described the meeting with Abadi as "positive."

The delegation on Tuesday also met with Iranian Ambassador to Iraq, Iraj Masjedi, in Baghdad and discussed the issue of the referendum.

Following the meeting, Roj Nouri Shaweys, the head of the delegation in Baghdad, spoke to reporters and stated he had asked the Iranian Ambassador to understand Kurdish grievances in Iraq and their aspirations toward independence.

"We told them not to view the [Kurdistan Region's] referendum negatively because it is a solution that would bring us closer in the future, fostering a sense of brotherhood and our mutual interests," Shaweys said.

Masjedi also told reporters that Iran supports the dialogue between Erbil and Baghdad in this regard. He mentioned that Tehran would respect the decision and result of the meetings and talks held with both sides.

They are also expected to meet with foreign envoys in Baghdad, according to Kurdistan 24 Correspondent Awat Khairallah.

The delegation also met with President of Iraq Fuad Masum and head of the Shiite National Alliance Ammar al-Hakim, discussing the vote scheduled on Sep 25.

Editing by G.H. Renaud