U.S. Welcomes N.Zealand Troops to Help Train Iraqis

The United States on Tuesday welcomed New Zealand's decision to send troops to Iraq to join a non-combat training mission to fight Islamic militants.
"As one of our partners in the coalition, New Zealand has already provided substantial humanitarian assistance to Iraq and Syria," State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki said.
"We value the contributions and efforts of all partners in the mission as we work together on a multifaceted and long-term strategy to degrade and defeat ISIL," she added referring to the Islamic State group.
New Zealand Prime Minister John Key said Tuesday about 140 troops would begin the mission in May after a request from the Iraqi government for international help to increase its military capability against the jihadists.
Key flagged the mission late last year and it has been hotly debated in New Zealand, with all major opposition parties against it.