Kerry in Baghdad to support Iraqi leaders, no US troops to send in

The US Secretary of State John Kerry said in Baghdad on Friday that no US troops will be sent to Iraq, urging for a "unified and functioning" Iraqi government amid the ongoing anti-terror war against the Islamic State (IS).

Kerry arrived in Baghdad on Friday for an unannounced visit. He was received by his Iraqi counterpart Ibrahim al-Jaafari, before meeting with Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi.

During the meetings, the two sides discussed bilateral relations in addition to security and political developments in Iraq, as well as the war against the IS militant group.

"It is important to have stability, and it is important to have a unified and functioning government as soon as possible," Kerry told reporters, referring to the significance of Abadi's reform plan to addresses significant security, economic, and political challenges.

Kerry described Abadi's effort to reshuffle his cabinet and the political crisis in Iraq as an "internal matter." However, he suggested that all Iraqi factions "must put sectarian or personal interests" so that the anti-IS war is not affected.

Kerry said no additional U.S. troops are required in Iraq, and "there was no request from Prime Minister Abadi" for the troops.

"Daaish's days are numbered," Kerry said, using an Arabic acronym for the IS group. "We will succeed. And the evidence on the ground suggests that we are in fact doing that now."

Meanwhile, the top U.S. diplomat also said there is still significant work remained, including the long-delayed offensive to drive the extremist militants out of the northern city of Mosul, Iraq's second largest city.

Kerry also met with Iraq's Parliament Speaker Salim al-Jubouri. The latter said the parliament is keen to fulfill its part to help achieving Abadi's comprehensive reforms.

Kerry's visit came as Abadi is facing growing objection from Iraq's political blocs over his latest suggested candidates for a substantial reshuffle in his cabinet, which was part of other steps for a comprehensive reform in the country.

The reforms were also aimed at confronting the country's economic crisis due to the slumping oil prices in global market, at the time when the security forces are in full combat with the IS terrorist group in northern and western Iraq.

Last year, Abadi's reform plan first gained popular support, but with the passing of time fell short of convincing demonstrators who continued their protests and demanded that Abadi be more aggressive against the political parties that benefited from corruption and could reverse the reforms to their own good.
Source: XINHUA