Strasbourg, 17/09/2014 (Agence Europe) - During a debate on the Islamic State on Wednesday 17 September, several members of the European Parliament called for greater cooperation regarding the problem of European fighters leaving to fight in Iraq or Syria for the Islamic State (IS). “Some people from our countries have been over there and then returned, increasing security problems. We have to see what can be done to identify these individuals and render them harmless. There is a need for the 28 member states to work together”, explained S&D member Victor Bostinaru (Romania), supported by the German Green Barbara Lochbihler. “The anti-terrorism laws should be harmonised between the European countries”, stressed Arnaud Danjean (EPP, France).
The MEPs also welcomed the setting in place of international cooperation, some of them calling for Iran and Russia, amongst others, to be included. “There has to be a political response, support for a unified Iraqi government and transition in Syria, we must call for a stronger reaction on the part of the Arab countries and cut off the supplies and flows of resources on which the IS relies”, said Annemie Neyts-Uyttbroeck (ALDE, Belgium).
The MEPs went on to express their concern at the humanitarian situation and spoke out against revenge attacks (our translation throughout). (CG)