ROME — The Global Coalition to Defeat Daesh (the so-called IS) reiterated its determination to continue the fight against the terrorist organization and to create conditions for its enduring defeat through a comprehensive, coordinated, and multifaceted effort. In a meeting hosted jointly by Italy and the United States in Rome on Monday, foreign ministers representing member countries of the coalition emphasized the protection of civilians as a priority and affirmed that international law, including international humanitarian law and international human rights law, as applicable, as well as relevant UN Security Council resolutions, must be upheld under all circumstances. In a press statement, they also welcomed new members joining the coalition — the central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Mauritania, and Yemen. The ministers said that the coalition is committed to strengthening cooperation across all coalition lines of effort in order to ensure that Daesh in Iraq and Syria, and its affiliates and networks around the world are unable to reconstitute any territorial enclave or continue to threaten our homelands, people, and interests. "The coalition remains firmly united in its outrage at atrocities perpetrated by Daesh and in its determination to eliminate this global threat, and stand alongside survivors and families of victims of Daesh working for accountability," the statement read. The ministers acknowledged Iraq's efforts to counter Daesh's remnants and prevent its resurgence and commended the increased capacity of the Iraqi forces to combat the terrorist group. In Syria, the coalition said it stands with the Syrian people in support of a lasting political settlement in accordance with the UN Security Council resolution. "The coalition must continue to be vigilant against the threat of terrorism, in all its forms and manifestations, to build on the success it has achieved and continue to act together against any threats to this outcome and to avoid security vacuums that Daesh may exploit," the statement added. The ministers also noted with grave concern that Daesh and its affiliates and networks in sub-Saharan Africa are threatening security and stability, namely in the Sahel region and in East Africa/Mozambique. "The coalition is committed to working with affected countries to address the threats posed by Daesh in Africa to ensure the enduring global defeat of the organization upon the request and prior consent of the countries concerned, and in full respect of international law and in close coordination with existing initiatives," the ministers said in the statement.
