New Zealand prepares to train Iraqi Security Forces

Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) The New Zealand government is still considering the country’s response to the fight against terror group Islamic State in Iraq and Levant (ISIL), Prime Minister John Key said on Tuesday.

“This brutal group is a threat, not only to stability in the Middle East, but regionally and locally too,” Key said in a statement on the government’s program for this year tabled at the opening of the parliament.

“The government’s response to ISIL will cover areas such as humanitarian assistance, diplomatic efforts, intelligence and capacity building. A decision will be made in the coming weeks about a potential military training contribution,” he said.

Last week, visiting British Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond asked New Zealand to join an international coalition to fight ISIL insurgents as “part of the family” with the United States and Australia.

The New Zealand government has sent military analysts to Iraq to see if the country could play a role in training Iraqi troops in the fight against the ISIL, but Key has insisted New Zealand troops would not see combat. /End/