What is the situation of independence and multinational opposition in the Iraqi reservoir area?

Some people say that Russia's attitude towards the referendum in the reservoir area is to wait and see.

Kurdish autonomous region (reservoir area) in northern Iraq wants to hold an independent referendum. In addition to Israel's open support, the international community also expressed its opposition. Turkey, Iran, Syria, Saudi Arabia, the United States, Britain and the European Union all made statements, while Russia has not yet made a statement. What is Russia's consideration?

The official wording of Russia is: support the territorial integrity of Iraq, while recognizing the national aspirations of Kurds. In a recent interview with the media, the Russian Foreign Ministry said that a speech by Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in July this year clarified Russia's position on the reservoir area issue, and "there is nothing else to add".

Lavrov's original words at that time were: "Kurds can realize their hopes and ambitions like other nationalities in the world, and we are concerned about this. Our position is based on the fact that the legitimate aspirations of Kurds need to be realized in accordance with existing international legal norms. "

Kurds heard the implication from Lavrov's remarks. Hoshyar Zibari, an adviser to the reservoir government and former Iraqi foreign minister, said in an interview with Reuters that Russia "seems" to understand the situation of Kurds, and they expect Kurds to negotiate with the central government with the results of the referendum.

According to media analysis, Russia's position is closely related to its strategic layout and oil investment in the reservoir area. The area where Kurds live in compact communities is located at the junction of Iraq, Turkey, Iran and Syria, and its geographical position is important. Russia hopes to cultivate another ally in the Middle East besides Iran and Syria.