Readout of the Vice President's Call with Iraqi President Fuad Masum

Vice President Biden called Iraqi President Fuad Masum this afternoon to discuss United States military operations in northern Iraq and the ongoing government formation process in Baghdad. Vice President Biden reiterated President Obama's commitment to assist and protect innocent Iraqi civilians trapped on Mount Sinjar and bolster Iraq's ability to take the fight to the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant. The Vice President emphasized the threat ISIL presented to all Iraqis and affirmed the U.S. commitment to support Iraq and all of its citizens — from north to south — as they work to defend the country against this international threat. President Masum updated the Vice President on Iraq's government formation process. Vice President Biden emphasized the importance of a forming a new government on the constitutional timeline, including a national program that can help consolidate national forces against ISIL. President Masum thanked Vice President Biden for the continued support of the United States government.