Some 20 countries and organizations have promised support for Iraq on Wednesday to assist in recovery efforts in areas freed from Daesh (ISIS).
German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier, who hosted the meeting in Berlin, said the international community should help Iraq secure stability in areas freed from the militants.
“We all know that military action — especially when successful — must be followed up by a fast and efficient civilian effort to ensure lasting stability,” Steinmeier said in his opening statement at the meeting of the “Counter ISIL-Working Group on Stabilization.”
Steinmeier said that efforts would focus on policing and providing basic services, such as water and electricity.
Iraqi troops, backed by Shiite militias and Kurdish forces, have been battling Daesh since June 2014 and have recently made advances in the region.
Daesh threat in Syria
Steinmeier also warned that while recent military success against Daesh in Iraq raised hope for the country, concerns remain for Syria.
“ISIL has grown strong in Syria and there is a risk that success in Iraq may push ISIL back into Syria — where Assad has so far shown little enthusiasm to fight them,” Steinmeier said.
He added that Germany will continue its support for the Syrian National Coalition for its efforts toward stabilization in the areas controlled by the group.
“But let me be clear on this: The prime responsibility to improve the situation in Syria clearly lies with the regime that must stop the massive violence against the people of Syria,” Steinmeier said.
The conference in Berlin brought together around 20 countries, including the U.S., the United Kingdom, France, Sweden, Turkey, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates.
U.S. President Barack Obama’s special envoy General John Allen also attended the meeting.
The international coalition against Daesh had formed five working groups at a ministerial meeting in London on Jan 22.
