A statement released by the ministry expressed 'alarm' at the decision taken by Kirkuk Provincial Council to display Northern Iraq's Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) flag beside the Iraqi one in official premises.

The statement noted that the vote was boycotted by the council's Turkmen and Arab members and violates the Iraqi constitution.

"Insistence on unilateral steps regarding the status of Kirkuk, which is the common property of Iraqi citizens of different ethnicities will damage dialogue and the concept of loyalty to constitutional processes" the statement said, adding that such approach will also have a negative impact on permanent security and stability in the country.

The ministry called on all sides to act with common sense and responsibility.

In February the ministry had criticized Kirkuk Governorate's request to use the KRG flag in official premises, saying that such initiatives carry the risk of eroding the multicultural identity of Kirkuk.