WASHINGTON, September 25 (RIA Novosti) - Foreign ministers of G7 group's member states and the High Representative of the European Union released a joint statement Thursday condemning the violence perpetrated by the radical Islamic State terrorist organization and demanded the immediate release of those held captive by the IS.
"We, the Foreign Ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, the United States of America and the High Representative of the European Union jointly condemn the brutal violence, hatred and intolerance of the terrorist organization operating under the name ISIL," the ministers said in New York.
They stressed further that IS actions negated "basic Islamic and human values" and posed "a deadly threat to Iraq and Syria, the broader Middle East and beyond, including our own societies."
"We reaffirm our commitment to UN Security Council Resolution 2170 (2014) and demand the immediate, safe and unconditional release of all those who are kept hostage by ISIL or associated individuals and entities," the statement said.
The Islamic State, also known as the Islamic State of Iraq and Greater Syria (ISIS) or the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), has been fighting against Syrian government troops since 2012. In June 2014, IS militants extended their attacks to northern and western Iraq. The group has seized vast areas in both countries and declared a caliphate on the territories under its control.
G7 foreign ministers underscored in their address to the world the importance of "a comprehensive approach" to IS threat and urged to work together to avert a humanitarian catastrophe in the war-hit regions.
"Humanitarian aid to the internally displaced persons and refugees is paramount as long as they cannot return into their homes. To make this possible we must tackle the military strength, the access to funds and fighters, and the violent radicalizing and recruiting influence of ISIL," it was noted.
The ministers said however they would continue to support opposition forces in Syria, who have been fighting against the government of President Bashar Assad. In turn, they reaffirmed their support for newly appointed Iraqi Prime Minister Abadi and called on all countries in the region to extend a helping hand to his administration.
In the conclusion, the G7 and EU foreign chiefs said that, "resolute steps to hamper and prevent the flow of fighters and funds to ISIL are urgent."
This came as combined US, Saudi and UAE air forces launched air strikes overnight against IS oil targets in eastern Syria, a week after US President Barack Obama rolled out a plan to counter the IS threat with the help of a broad anti-IS coalition.
