UN chief calls for unified response around the globe

 

A leaders' summit on countering violent extremism has been held at the UN headquarters in New York.

The meeting was attended by representatives from over 100 countries. United Nations secretary general Ban Ki-moon addressed the meeting and said that recent data shows a 70% increase in foreign terrorist fighters from over 100 countries to regions in conflict. And he intends to put forward a United Nations extended plan of action to counter violent extremism by early 2016.

US president Barack Obama called on world leaders to stay strong in this long-term campaign. And Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi called for greater international assistance for Iraq.

"This plan, which is firmly based on the UN global counter-terrorism strategy, will provide a specific recommendations to member states on individual and collective actions to systematically address the drivers of violent extremism at every level," Ban said.

"There are going to be successes and there are going to be setbacks. This is not a conventional battle. This is a long term campaign, not only against this particular network, but against its ideology," Obama said.