2nd LD Writethru: New Zealand deploying troops to fight IS in Iraq: PM

New Zealand Prime Minister John Key confirmed Tuesday that more than 100 New Zealand troops will be sent to Iraq to help in the fight against Islamic State insurgents.

The announcement to the parliament said the government's controversial proposal to deploy "a military training mission" to Iraq as part of New Zealand's overall contribution to the international coalition against Islamic State (IS).

But Key denied the parliament a vote on the deployment, which would have highlighted the divisions over the move as two of the government's three minor-party coalition partners have previously voiced opposition.

Key said in a published statement that New Zealand's military personnel would fulfil a non-combat, "behind-the-wire" mission to train Iraqi security forces so they are better prepared to fight the IS.

"In return we expect to see genuine effort in Iraq to move towards a law-abiding democratic country that treats all of its citizens with respect," Key said.

IS ability to motivate Islamic radicals made it a threat not only to stability in the Middle East, but regionally and locally too.

IS brutality had worsened and its outrageous actions had united an international coalition of around 62 countries to fight and degrade the group, said the Kiwi prime minister.

"We have an obligation to support stability and the rule of law internationally."

New Zealand military personnel would be deployed to Taji Military Complex, north of Baghdad, to train units within the Iraqi security forces, in what was likely to be a joint mission with Australia.

The New Zealand government would retain ultimate decision- making authority over the two-year mission, which would be reviewed by the cabinet after nine months.

"The number of personnel deploying to Taji is up to 106 and there will be others such as staff officers deploying in coalition headquarters and support facilities in the region. The total number altogether will be up to 143," said Key.

New Zealand army soldiers would provide force protection.

Defense Minister Gerry Brownlee said the training of Iraqi security forces in Taji would cover a broad range of individual and organizational military skills, including basic weapons skills, individual and unit military skills to prepare for combat operations, as well as other skills like medical support and logistics.

Training would also be provided so Iraqi security forces can eventually assume responsibility for delivering their own training programs, Brownlee said in a statement.

Staff officers would begin taking up their posts in the region in March to help with preparations for the main deployment in May.

Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully said further diplomatic and humanitarian measures were being considered as part of the government's response to the IS and the ongoing fighting in Iraq and Syria.

"We are currently looking at options to base a diplomatic representative in Baghdad to serve as a conduit between the Iraqi government and the New Zealand military deployment, and assess how we can support better governance in Iraq," McCully said in a statement.

New Zealand would also appoint a new Ambassador for Counter Terrorism to allow the country to further contribute to international counter-terrorism forums, and to assist with co- ordinating New Zealand domestic policy. Endi