Battling IS must accompany quest for political solution: EU

Foreign ministers of the European Union (EU) on Monday stressed that the fight against the Islamic State (IS) terrorist group should be conducted side-by-side with efforts for a lasting political solution.

"The EU remains committed to achieving lasting peace, stability and security in Syria, Iraq and the wider (Middle East) region, as well as to countering the ISIL/Da'esh (IS) threat," Xinhua quoted the EU foreign ministers as saying in a statement, after a Foreign Affairs Council meeting chaired by EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini.

The statement said an inclusive political transition in Syria and inclusive political governance in Iraq were crucial to sustainable peace and stability in the region.

It said the EU would use all the relevant tools to tackle the threat posed by the IS and its violent ideology.

Mogherini's request for a comprehensive regional strategy for Syria and Iraq as well as the IS was welcomed by the EU member states.

"The EU urges all international actors, in particular the countries in the region, to play a constructive role in addressing the crises as their engagement is necessary in order to achieve regional and international stability and to find durable solutions," the statement said.

The ministers said they supported efforts by the global coalition to counter the IS, including military action in accordance wit international law, pointing out that "military action in this context is necessary but not sufficient to defeat ISIL (IS)".

The EU foreign ministers also discussed the bloc's relationship with Africa, preparations for the Eastern Partnership summit, the situation in Ukraine and Libya during Monday's meeting.