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Iraq calls int'l coalition to intensify air strikes against ISIL

BAGHDAD, May 30 (KUNA) -- Iraq's Parliament Speaker Saleem Al-Jabouri called on the international coalition Saturday to intensify air strikes against the Islamic State in Iraq and Levant (ISIL) in Anbar province, western Iraq.
Al-Jabouri made his call while meeting with visiting US Special Presidential Envoy for the Global Coalition to Counter ISIL John Allen in the Iraqi capital, during which they discussed international efforts to support Iraq in the war against ISIL, Iraqi parliament said in a statement.
The Iraqi Speaker reiterated his call to intensify air strikes in order to weaken the terrorist group and defeat it eventually, pointing out recent security fallouts in Ramadi City.
He also urged local Iraqi tribes to take part in the battle against ISIL in order to contribute to the liberation of their land, stressing the importance of coordination and cooperation with security forces regarding intelligence effort.
US State Department said that Allen was also to meet with Iraqi Prime Minister Haidar Al-Abadi.
"They will discuss US support for Iraqi-led efforts to counter ISIL, including operations in Anbar and how the US and the Coalition can continue to support the government of Iraq's plan for re-taking Ramadi from ISIL and restoring Iraq's territorial integrity," it said.
Allen, along with Deputy Special Presidential Envoy Brett McGurk, will then travel to Paris, France, to join Secretary of State John Kerry at the Small Group Ministerial of the Global Coalition to Counter ISIL on June 2nd. (end) ahh.ak.ma