REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, BAGHDAD -- Iraq's Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari on Wednesday denied that there are Iranian forces or militias fighting the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL/ISIS) in his country.

"No Iranian militia has been sent to Iraq. Iraq does not need it. Iran is an important neighbor whose stability is for Iraq stability," he said at a joint press conference with Canadian counterpart John Baird, who is leading a delegation, including MPs, on a visit to Iraq.

Meanwhile, Zebari appraised the support by the Canadian government to Iraq in the fight against ISIL, referring to Canadian technical, humanitarian and military aid to the displaced in the north of Iraq who fled the insurgents' attacks.

He condemned the killing of the US journalist Steven Sotloff who was kidnapped in Syria last year as "a brutal- just like all acts by ISIL."

For his part, the Canadian minister said his visit to Baghdad was to express support to Iraq in the fight against terrorism.

"I am here in Iraq to demonstrate the Canadian commitment to Iraq's stability, security and prosperity," he told the conference.

Baird added that they also back the formation of an inclusive Iraqi government, combining all components of the Iraqi society.

He noted that they wanted a strong government to counter terrorism, and said Canada is ready to offer all forms of support.

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