This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-21915710
The article has changed 3 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
| Version 0 | Version 1 |
|---|---|
| John Kerry on unannounced visit to Iraq | John Kerry on unannounced visit to Iraq |
| (about 2 hours later) | |
| US Secretary of State John Kerry has arrived in Iraq for an unannounced visit to press for greater co-operation over the conflict in Syria. | US Secretary of State John Kerry has arrived in Iraq for an unannounced visit to press for greater co-operation over the conflict in Syria. |
| Mr Kerry will urge Iraqi leaders to stop Iranian flights over Iraq carrying arms and fighters for the Syrian government, US officials said. | Mr Kerry will urge Iraqi leaders to stop Iranian flights over Iraq carrying arms and fighters for the Syrian government, US officials said. |
| The US has accused Iraq of turning a blind eye to the flights, which Iran claims transport only humanitarian aid. | The US has accused Iraq of turning a blind eye to the flights, which Iran claims transport only humanitarian aid. |
| Mr Kerry is also expected to discuss democratic reforms in Iraq. | Mr Kerry is also expected to discuss democratic reforms in Iraq. |
| Mr Kerry's visit comes days after the 10th anniversary of the US-led invasion of Iraq that toppled former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein. | Mr Kerry's visit comes days after the 10th anniversary of the US-led invasion of Iraq that toppled former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein. |
| It is his first trip to Iraq since taking office earlier this year, and the first by an American secretary of state since 2009. | It is his first trip to Iraq since taking office earlier this year, and the first by an American secretary of state since 2009. |
| One official told the Associated Press that the Iranian flights to Syria were crossing Iraq "close to daily". | One official told the Associated Press that the Iranian flights to Syria were crossing Iraq "close to daily". |
| Iraq said last year it would inspect the flights, but only two planes had been checked, the official said. | Iraq said last year it would inspect the flights, but only two planes had been checked, the official said. |
| During his visit, Mr Kerry will also suggest that Iraq's government reconsider a recent decision to delay provincial elections in Anbar and Nineveh provinces, US officials said. | During his visit, Mr Kerry will also suggest that Iraq's government reconsider a recent decision to delay provincial elections in Anbar and Nineveh provinces, US officials said. |
| They said Mr Kerry would also speak by phone with Massoud Barzani, president of the oil-rich, autonomous region of Kurdistan, to stress the importance of maintaining Iraq's unity. |