Lavrov: Terrorism most dangerous threat in Middle East, may trigger new wave of dissolution of states

JEDDAH- Terrorism is the most dangerous threat in the Middle East that can trigger a new wave of dissolution of states in the region, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said during an official visit to Saudi Arabia, according to the Voice of Russia.

” As a priority, all efforts must be directed to prevent terrorists from prevailing in the region,” he added.

“Also it is crucial to avoid another wave of dissolution of states in the region. Such risks are remaining and even on the rise lately because of the actions being undertaken by gunmen of the so-called Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant. It’s not in the interest of Saudi Arabia, it’s not in the interest of other countries in the region, and it’s not in the interest of the Russian Federation. We are interested in a stable and prosperous Middle East,” Lavrov said.

Since the beginning of the month, the Islamic State of Iraq and Levant, considered to be the strongest radical insurgent group in the Middle East, have gained control over a large part of Iraq.

The ISIL fighters seized the major cities of Mosul and Tikrit, and claimed they intended to launch an offensive on Baghdad. Facing heavy fighting, Iraqi troops withdrew the area. Many soldiers have been taken captive or executed by the insurgents.

H.M