Kerry to depart this weekend for meetings in Middle East & Europe, says Obama

Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) The US President, Barack Obama said that the United States will lead a diplomatic effort to work with Iraqi leaders and the countries in the region to support stability in Iraq.

“At my direction, Secretary Kerry will depart this weekend for meetings in the Middle East and Europe, where he’ll be able to consult with our allies and partners. And just as all Iraqis’ neighbors must respect Iraq’s territorial integrity, all of Iraq’s neighbors have a vital interest in ensuring that Iraq does not descend into civil war or become a safe haven for terrorists,” he confirmed

He stressed in his speech that the military team – roughly 300 strong – would not play a combat role but would help Iraqi forces “assess how we can best train, advise and support Iraqi security forces going forward.”