Ban says Daesh spreading like cancer

United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has described the ongoing crisis in Syria as a greenhouse for Takfiri militant groups, urging greater cooperation to prevent extremism and terror outfits that are now spreading “like a cancer.”

The militancy in Syria has “provided the perfect breeding ground for extremists and terrorists to take root in the society,” he told reporters on the sidelines of a high-level conference on preventing violent extremism in Geneva on Friday, Press TV reported.

“Now (Daesh) and all the extremists are spreading like a cancer around the world,” the UN chief stated.

Earlier on Friday, Ban demanded a comprehensive and in-depth review of strategies to counter the growing threat from Daesh and other terrorist groups.

“Evidence shows that security and military responses alone cannot defeat this scourge,” he said, emphasizing that heavy-handed responses have sometimes “proven to be counter-productive and can end up further fuelling violent extremism.”

“We must remain vigilant to ensure that our fight against terrorism respects freedom of expression, the freedom of citizens,” the UN secretary general addressed the 700 delegates that were attending the Geneva conference.

Ban also said he plans to establish a high-level action group to review and help implement his plan to stop the growth of terrorism.

SS