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Fight against Islamic state

Ex-Soviet leader Gorbachev says countries fighting terrorism need to keep dialogue

The fight against terrorism needs to become "a priority task." "Besides, the coordination between the army and intelligence services has to be increased," said Gorbachev

© Alexander Shcherbak/TASS archive

TOKYO, December 16. /TASS/. The countries carrying out the fight against terrorism and the Islamic State extremist group should resume and maintain dialogue with each other, ex-Soviet president Mikhail Gorbachev said in an interview with Japan’s Mainichi newspaper published on Wednesday.

"Despite the fact that new threats such as the IS emerge now, it is impossible to solve the problem of terrorism by military means," Gorbachev said. "Trust between the leading world powers has been undermined now what reminds of the worst time of the Cold War and the UN Security Council does not fulfil its role. There is a need to resume and keep dialogue."

The fight against terrorism needs to become "a priority task." "Besides, the coordination between the army and intelligence services has to be increased," said Gorbachev.

Speaking on joint steps against terrorism, Gorbachev, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, stressed the need "to prepare an international anti-terrorism agreement as soon as possible and by common efforts."

The deal should include a ban on weapons supplies to terrorist groups and points on curbing the financing. "Besides, it is also important to stop any moral support of terrorism," he said.

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