(MENAFN- Kuwait News Agency (KUNA)) US Secretary of State John Kerry on Monday promised his country's "extensive" but "conditioned" support to Iraq in face of a threat jeopardizing its existence.
"The support will be extensive, constant and affective should Iraqi leaders take up necessary steps to unify the country," Kerry told a press conference at the US embassy in Baghdad.
Kerry quoted Premier Nouri Al-Maliki as committing to July 1st as deadline to form the new government.
Kerry's remarks came after holding talks earlier today with Al-Maliki and other senior officials.
"The Iraqi Army did not fight, which allowed ISIL (Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant) to make a progress," said Kerry.
"Not standing to ISIL will have dire consequences. Helping Iraq is part of the United States' responsibilities. Iraq is a strategic partner to the United States in combatting terrorism and fighting sectarian violence." In a press statement issued by the Cabinet following Maliki's talks with US Foreign Secretary John Kerry, Al-Maliki urged the world and particularly neighboring countries to help his government counter this growing danger.
"World countries, especially Iraq's neighbors, have to take this threat seriously," he said.
He stated that he is committed to the constitutional dates of the different elections in the country and the outcome of each election.
According to the cabinet statement, Kerry assured Al-Maliki about the US commitment to safeguard Iraq's security and stability and to help it counter terrorist groups.
It stated that Kerry has reiterated the US commitment to provisions of the US-Iraqi Strategic Framework Agreement, particularly security and armament cooperation.
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