EU FMs to review strategy on Iraq, Syria

EU foreign ministers will review the implementation of the Union’s regional strategy for Syria and Iraq, as well as ISIS threat during their formal meeting in Brussels on Monday.

A senior EU official told reporters here that the strategy was adopted by the EU in March 2015. It outlines actions to be undertaken by the EU and its Member States to help restore peace and security in Syria and Iraq and provides guidance in dealing with the threat of ISIS.

The ministers are expected to adopt conclusions outlining priorities in working to achieve lasting peace, stability, security in Syria, Iraq and the wider region.

The conclusions will also outline ways in which the implementation of the strategy should adapt to respond to the change of circumstances since March 2015.

The official who spoke on the condition of anonymity stressed that "Da’esh poses a clear threat to the people of Syria, Iraq and other countries in the region, as well as Europe and beyond, Kuwait news agency (Kuna) reported.

The EU ministers are also expected to extend the mandate of the EU naval mission against migrant smuggling in the Mediterranean, called Operation Sophia, by one year.