Luxembourg, 20/10/2014 (Agence Europe) - EU foreign ministers called on Monday 20 October for the EU high representative to develop a comprehensive regional strategy for Syria and Iraq and also the Islamic State (IS) threat.
Ministers underline in their conclusions that the situation in the Syrian town of Kobane and “in other areas under siege and experiencing fierce fighting” against IS is “a matter of serious concern”. While acknowledging the efforts of Turkey to shelter refugees from Kobane, it calls Turkey to open its border for “any supply” for the people of the town. The same day, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevul Cavusoglu announced that his country was assisting the Kurdish Peshmerga forces enter Kobane through Turkey. Turkey, however, refuses to arm the combatants.
In their conclusions, the EU ministers state that the EU will not ally itself with Bashar al Assad since, “as a consequence of its policies and actions, the Assad regime cannot be a partner in the fight” against IS. They state that military action is “necessary but not sufficient” to defeat IS and that it is “part of a wider effort comprising measures in the political/diplomatic, counter-terrorism and terrorism funding, humanitarian and communication field”. The Council notes that the EU is determined to take immediate and long-term action to deny IS the benefits of its sources of funding and supply, and to enhance its counter terrorism and security cooperation with countries neighbouring Syria and Iraq.
“A Syrian led political transition and inclusive political governance in Iraq are crucial to sustainable peace and stability in the region”, the Council states. Welcoming the formation of a new Iraqi government on 8 September and appointments to the key posts of defence and interior ministers, the Council stresses that the solution to the crisis in Iraq can only be political. The EU urges “all components of Iraqi society to unite in the fight” against IS and to support “a process of national reconciliation”. (CG)