Russia Backs Forming Broad Anti-Terror Coalition as Priority - Russian UN Envoy

Creating an inclusive counter-terrorism coalition is at the forefront of Russia's agenda in the United Nations, newly appointed Russian Ambassador Vasily Nebenzya told reporters on Friday.

UNITED NATIONS (Sputnik) — On September 28, 2015, Putin addressed the UN General Assembly for the first time in over a decade during its anniversary 70th session in New York. The president touched upon the key issues on the international agenda, putting a main focus on the fight against terrorism. During the speech, the Russian leader called for the creation of a broad coalition to fight terrorism for the first time.

Later, he and other Russian officials continued to call for creating a united front against terrorism.

"Russia supports a broad counter-terrorist coalition," Nebenzya said.

"This coalition has not been created yet, but this is one of our top priorities."

The US-led coalition of 68 nations is conducting airstrikes against the Daesh in Syria and Iraq. The strikes in Syria are not authorized by the government of President Bashar Assad or the UN Security Council.

Meanwhile, Russia started its aerial campaign against terrorists in Syria in 2015 at the request of the Syrian president.