Kerry urges calm in Iraq

SYDNEY (AP) — U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry is urging the people of Iraq to remain calm as the country faces a political crisis while battling advances by Islamic State militants.

Speaking in Australia on Monday, Kerry said there should be no use of force by political factions as Iraq struggles form a government. He says the people of Iraq have made clear their desire for change and that the country’s new president is acting appropriately despite claims of malfeasance by Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki.