US assures Iraq of support in fight against Daesh

WASHINGTON

U.S. President Barack Obama spoke with Iraqi Prime Minister Haidar al-Abadi over the phone Saturday to reaffirm his country's support for defeating Daesh, according to the White House.

"The president reiterated United States’ support for the Iraqi security forces, emphasizing that as the campaign continues, the United States and the International Coalition [efforts] to counter ISIL [Daesh] will continue to play a key role in training, advising and assisting Iraqi forces," the White House said in a written statement.

Offering condolences to Abadi over the recent attacks in Baghdad, Obama agreed that it was important the international community supported Iraq's economic recovery amid its ongoing fight against Daesh.

Both leaders also agreed on the "critical importance" of improving security of Baghdad and its high-security zones.

They highlighted the importance of continued dialogue among all parties in Iraq so that the Iraqi people could address their aspirations through their democratic institutions.

The call came a day after thousands of supporters of firebrand Shia cleric Muqtada al-Sadr stormed Baghdad's Green Zone for the second time in a month, triggering clashes between security forces and protesters that left scores injured.

The protesters first entered the Green Zone on April 30.

The heavily-fortified Green Zone houses a number of vital government institutions, including the Prime Ministry and parliament as well as foreign diplomatic missions.

WASHINGTON

U.S. President Barack Obama spoke with Iraqi Prime Minister Haidar al-Abadi over the phone Saturday to reaffirm his country's support for defeating Daesh, according to the White House.

Both leaders also agreed on the "critical importance" of improving security of Baghdad and its high-security zones.

They highlighted the importance of continued dialogue among all parties in Iraq so that the Iraqi people could address their aspirations through their democratic institutions.

The protesters first entered the Green Zone on April 30.

The heavily-fortified Green Zone houses a number of vital government institutions, including the Prime Ministry and parliament as well as foreign diplomatic missions.