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Hammond in Iraq to meet country's new prime minister

Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond is in Iraq to meet the country's new prime minister Haider al-Abadi.

Hammond said he was holding discussions on combating extremism and improving national unity.

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Hammond warns of IS 'twisted ideology'

Philip Hammond visits Iraq for meeting with new PM. Credit: PA Wire

Islamic State is a brutal terrorist group unrepresentative of the people of Iraq, the Middle East, or of the Islamic faith, the Foreign Secretary has said.

Speaking from Baghdad, Philip Hammond said: "IS's violence makes no distinction between the cultures, countries and religions it attacks.

"If it is left unchecked, we will face a terrorist and criminal cabal with a declared and proven determination to attack anyone who doesn't agree with its twisted ideology."

He said the the action the UK had already taken showed it would play its part in "standing with" the Iraqi people in their fight against the militants.

Mr Hammond said the formation of a new Iraqi government was "a critical first step" to addressing the challenges facing Iraq.

He added: "It is now vital that all communities in Iraq work together to overcome those challenges. To do this, it will be important for interior and defence ministers to be appointed quickly and for Kurdish ministers to take up their positions in Baghdad."

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