Bahrain backs France's call for an 'international coalition against terrorism'

Bahrain has announced its support for France’s proposal to launch an international coalition against terrorism, the Bahraini News Agency reported.

The proposal, put forward by French President Francois Hollande, was approved by the King of Bahrain during his meeting with Hollande yesterday at Elysee Palace. The initiative’s goal is to “bring about peace, security and stability in the world.”

According to the news website, the two sides discussed the latest developments in the region, particularly the “terrorist threat” posed by militant groups in Iraq and Syria.

Bahrain agreed with the French on the urgent need to alleviate the suffering of displaced people in the region, including Christian refugees in Iraq.

Earlier, Hollande said that the Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad is “an ally of terrorists” and therefore cannot act as a partner in the war against terror.

He also called for arming groups which are fighting against IS in Syria and Iraq.

On Monday, the Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Al-Moallem announced that Damascus is “ready to coordinate regionally and internationally in counter-terrorism efforts”.