Iceland supports international measures against ISIS

Iceland supports international measures which aim at defeating the terrorist organisation ISIS.

Gunnar Bragi Sveinsson, Minister for Foreign Affairs, says that robust action is needed to end the cruel brutality of the organisation and its disregard for the fundamental principles of international law. Iceland is a country with no standing military forces and will therefore not contribute to any military action but only with humanitarian assistance.

The Government of Iraq has called for international support in the fight against ISIS. More than 50 countries, including many of Iceland's closest partners in NATO, EU, and ten Arabic states have responded favourably to the call.

Minister Sveinsson said that the appeal by Iraqi authorities is the basis for Iceland's support and therefore in compliance with international law. ISIS  is endangering peace and security in the Middle-East and internationally. He said Iceland supports strong intervention to disrupt ISIS activities and that Iceland would contribute 50.000 USD to humanitarian assistance through the UN World Food Programme in the region.