Iraq gets pledges of support, including military aid

Participants at an international conference in Paris Monday pledged to support Iraq by all possible means to fight jihadists, including providing military support.
The Paris conference brought together representatives of about 30 countries and organisations who underscored the need for rapid action against Islamic State militants.
"They committed to supporting the new Iraqi government in its fight... by any means necessary, including appropriate military assistance, in line with the needs expressed by the Iraqi authorities, in accordance with international law and without jeopardising civilian security," a statement said.
"They will ensure that the commitments made today are implemented and followed up on, notably in the framework of the United Nations."
French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius said many of the participants spoke of the need to sever the Islamic State's funding, adding that a conference on this subject would soon be organised by Bahrain.
Source: AFP