Ban Ki-moon backs Aust aid drops in Iraq

Australia's latest role in Iraq has received the backing of UN chief Ban Ki-moon, as the prime minister warns the ongoing mission carries risks. Within days RAAF aircraft will fly to the Kurdish capital Erbil to provide small arms, ammunition and aid as part of a US-led effort to fend off Islamic State militants. The UN Secretary-General says it's important nations such as Australia help address the situation in Iraq. 'Without addressing this issue through certain means, including some military and counter-terrorist actions, we will just end up allowing these terrorist activities to continue,' he told reporters in Auckland on Tuesday. Australia's international standing will go up a notch when Foreign Minister Julie Bishop accepts this week a formal invitation for the nation to become an 'enhanced partner' of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation. Although not a member, Australia's engagement with NATO has grown steadily in recent years especially through the mission in Afghanistan, according to skynews.com