Iraq crisis: Obama says Iraq must solve its own problems

Barack Obama has reaffirmed his position on the crisis in Iraq.

He said that the US would offer some assistance, but that ultimately as a sovereign nation Iraq must solve its own problems.

He added that "any action that we may take to provide assistance to Iraqi security forces has to be joined by a serious and sincere effort by Iraq's leaders to set aside sectarian differences".

The White House previously insisted it had no intention of sending ground troops. The US has begun moving defence contractors working with the Iraqi military to safer areas.