World needs “comprehensive approach” to fight terrorism

Terrorism is being fed by the lack of political solutions in several situations, including Syria, the UN Secretary-General, António Guterres said during his visit to Saudi Arabia on Sunday.

António Guterres held a joint press conference with the Kingdom’s Foreign Minister, Adel bin Ahmad Al-Jubeir.

He spoke about the “strong cooperation” between the UN and Saudi Arabia, as well as the state of Yemen negotiations and the disruption of humanitarian aid there.

The Secretary-General commended Saudi Arabia for being “an important pillar of stability in the region and in the world”.

He also highlighted the important role the Kingdom has played in working together with the UN to reform and strengthen the Organization’s counter-terrorism efforts.

Antonio Guterres underscored the importance of having a “comprehensive approach” to fighting terrorism.

In today’s world, terrorism is being fed by many aspects but the lack of political solutions in several situations like Syria is “particularly worrying,” he noted.

Islamophobia in some parts of the world also helps fuel terrorism and propaganda by extremists groups like Da’esh, Mr. Guterres added.

On Yemen, the UN chief said he believed the negotiations could be “resurrected” and “condemned any form of intervention” that disrupts humanitarian aid.


SOURCE: Jocelyne Sambira, United Nations.