- Sputnik International
World
Get the latest news from around the world, live coverage, off-beat stories, features and analysis.

Czech President Claims Islamic State Greater Threat to Europe Than Russia

© AP Photo / Cliff OwenCzech Republic President Milos Zeman waves to the audience after speaking at the 2015 American Israel Public Affairs Committee
Czech Republic President Milos Zeman waves to the audience after speaking at the 2015 American Israel Public Affairs Committee - Sputnik International
Subscribe
Russian and Western countries should cooperate against Islamic State through "globally coordinated actions aimed at destroying training camps of Islamist radicals," according to Milos Zeman.

The Islamic State militant group poses a greater threat to Europe’s security than Russia, Czech President Milos Zeman said in an interview.

"Politicians have different opinions on what is more dangerous to Europe’s security – Islamic State or Russia. I believe that Islamic State poses a much greater threat," Zeman said.

People are pictured through a window at the European Parliament in Brussels - Sputnik International
Europe Interested in Removing ‘Irritants’ in Relations With Russia
"As US President Barack Obama said, Russia could be a strategic partner in the war on global terrorism," he added.

According to Zeman, Russian and Western countries should cooperate against Islamic State through "globally coordinated actions aimed at destroying training camps of Islamist radicals."

Zeman described anti-Russian sanctions as counterproductive, adding that after the sanctions were adopted Russian President Vladimir Putin’s approval rating rose.

"We need Russia to be our partner, not an enemy," the president said.

Czech Republic's President Milos Zeman - Sputnik International
Czech Gov’t Divided on President Zeman's V-Day Trip to Moscow
"If the situation in eastern Ukraine stabilizes, there will be a basis to at least reduce sanctions. However, I am for bolstering sanctions if the situation gets worse," Zeman underscored.

The Czech president also supported the idea of decentralization in Ukraine and granting more autonomy to its regions.

He also pointed out that the Ukrainian border must be controlled by the government.

According to Zeman, it is no use for Russia to "annex" Donbass.

"It would be political suicide for Russia. What would it get from that move? Only several starving people and the region ruined by war," Zeman said.

Newsfeed
0
To participate in the discussion
log in or register
loader
Chats
Заголовок открываемого материала