DHAKA: The formation of a ‘broad unity government’ in Iraq is critical to fighting jihadist expansion.

French foreign minister Laurent Fabius said on Sunday in Baghdad, reports The Straits Times.

‘In this time, Iraq particularly needs a broad-based unity government because all Iraqis need to feel represented to wage the fight against terrorism together,’ he said.

He was speaking after a meeting with Iraq’s deputy prime minister and acting foreign minister, Hussein al-Shahristani, before heading north to Arbil to oversee the delivery of French aid to displaced civilians.

BDST: 1739 HRS, AUG 10, 2014