Brussels, 05/11/2015 (Agence Europe) - On Wednesday 4 November, the small group of the global coalition to counter ISIL reaffirmed its commitment to working together “under a multifaceted, long-term strategy” because ISIL is “an uncompromising threat to the international community”.
In their joint press release, the 24 delegations - including the EU and several of its member states - recognised “the complexity of the task that still lies ahead” to remove ISIL, and highlighted the liberation of “parts of Iraq and Syria from ISIL, constraining its freedom of movement, decreasing its finances, slowing its reinforcement of fighters and countering its messaging”. “We will bring to bear every tool available” to put an end to “the scourge” of ISIL “with strength, unity and determination”, the delegations added, saying that they were “committed” to tackling ISIL globally by adapting their means and response in light of the different needs on the ground.
The meeting provided the opportunity to improve the coalition's understanding of the “likely opportunities and challenges” that will arise in 2016 and to prepare for them accordingly. The delegations identified priorities for coordinated action with the military campaign and the coalition working groups - foreign terrorist fighters, counter-finance, stabilisation support, and counter-messaging - in the months ahead.
The small group of the global coalition to counter ISIL also recognised “the dedication and steadfastness of the Iraqi security forces, Kurdish Peshmerga forces, popular mobilisation forces, Sunni tribal forces, and Syrian moderate opposition forces, all of whom are critical to the success of this effort”. The group stated that it would continue its support to the Iraqi security forces, the moderate Syrian forces allied with the coalition, and to the Iraqi government.
The delegations also underlined their support for the ongoing political discussions, and the first meeting that was held in Vienna on 30 October as part of these discussions (see EUROPE 11422).
The next meeting of the small group of the global coalition to counter ISIL will be held in Rome at the start of 2016. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)