New Zealand government expresses concern over violence in Iraq

The New Zealand government on Friday expressed "deep concern" over the recent violence and serious deterioration of security in northwest Iraq, which has been overrun by militants of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL).

Foreign Minister Murray McCully said the New Zealand government strongly condemned the violence, loss of life and displacement of Iraqi citizens.

"We are also concerned for the well-being of a group of Turkish diplomats and citizens who have been taken hostage," McCully said in a statement.

"New Zealand is supportive of the democratic process in Iraq," he said. "It will be important for the Iraqi government to address the significant security challenges that the country is facing."

"As a United Nations-listed terrorist organization, ISIL is treated as a designated terrorist entity for the purposes of New Zealand law."