EU welcomes liberation of Raqqa

BRUSSELS, Oct 20 (KUNA) -- The European Union hailed Friday the liberation of Raqqa city as a decisive step towards eliminating the threat of the so-called Islamic State (IS) in Syria and Iraq and freeing their people from its arbitrary rule.
"The European Union, as a non-military member of the global coalition against Da'esh, has actively supported the defeat of Da'esh in Syria and has been assisting the population affected as the leading donor in humanitarian support," EU High Representative Federica Mogherini said in a statement tonight, referring to IS in its Arabic acronym.
She underlined the necessity to protect the civilian population in Raqqa city and in the governorate as a whole and to assist the most vulnerable population.
"Swift action is needed now to stabilise the liberated areas and support early recovery, both of which require the re-establishment of a representative and accountable local administration in order to enable the provision of services to the population, allow the safe and dignified return of displaced populations and prevent the resurgence of violent extremism," said the EU foreign policy chief. (end) nk.bs