Russia Can Play Big Role in Combatting ISIL – Irish Politician

Irish independent politician John Halligan said that a big country like Russia has a very important part to play, to deal with terrorism and particularly with ISIL.

STRASBOURG (Sputnik) — The world must unite against terrorism, and Russia can play an important role in battling the Islamic State (ISIL) militant group, Irish independent politician John Halligan told Sputnik Wednesday.

“I really think that a big country like Russia has a very important part to play, to deal with terrorism and particularly with ISIS [ISIL], who are a huge threat at present,” Halligan said, adding that the group poses a threat to everyone regardless of nationality.

Halligan expressed hope that Russia will join Western efforts to battle the group.

The Islamic State is a jihadist group notorious for its human rights atrocities, multiple kidnappings and killings. In 2014, it took large areas in Iraq and Syria under its control and proclaimed a caliphate. There are affiliated groups operating in North Africa, Yemen, Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Earlier on Wednesday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stated that he believes ISIL is Russia's only enemy today. Hundreds of citizens from CIS countries, from Europe, the United States and Russia have traveled to conflict areas to join and fight alongside the group.