New York, Muharram 2, 1439, Sep 22, 2017, SPA -- The United Nations Security Council has expressed concern over the "potentially destabilizing impact" of the Kurdistan Regional Government’s plans to unilaterally hold a referendum next week, according to WAM. In a statement issued, members of the council noted that the planned referendum is scheduled to be held while operations to counter IS terrorist outfit, in which Kurdish forces have played a critical role, are ongoing. The referendum "could detract from efforts to ensure the safe, voluntary return of over three million refugees and internally displaced persons," the 15-member body added. UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, earlier this week voiced similar concerns about the timing of the vote in a statement issued by his Spokesman, which noted that all outstanding issues between the federal Government and the Kurdistan Regional Government should be resolved through structured dialogue and constructive compromise. -- SPA 20:01 LOCAL TIME 17:01 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/w495024