Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Paolo Gentiloni opened the first meeting of the Anti-ISIL Coalition Work Group on halting financing of Daesh this morning at the Farnesina. The group was set up in implementation of the strategy agreed on by the countries most active in the Coalition, which have launched a strengthened cooperation in a restricted group format. Italy chairs the group sessions and leads the group along with the United States and Saudi Arabia.
“Our co-chairmanship of the group with the U.S. and Saudi Arabia is recognition of the credibility our country enjoys, as much in combatting international terrorism, as in the counter-finance sector. Specifically, we have defined three main areas in which to intervene: ISIL’s exploitation of energy resources, Daesh-steered criminal activities and external private donations”, Gentiloni stated.
“The Coalition’s determination to defeat the Daesh strategy of terror, today after the shameful and brutal attack against unarmed civilians in Tunis, is even stronger”, the minister continued.
The meeting of the “Counter Finance” WG will run through Friday and conclude with the adoption of a Plan of Action with specific measures aimed at draining Daesh finances. A total of 29 delegations pare taking part (countries and international organisations), which include, in addition to Italy, the United States, Saudi Arabia, Australia, Bahrain, Bulgaria, Canada, Denmark, United Arab Emirates, France, Georgia, Germany, Japan (as an observer), Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Latvia, Lebanon, New Zealand, the Netherlands, Panama, Poland, Qatar, Spain, Turkey, the United Kingdom, the EEAS, the Financial Action Task Force and the Gulf Cooperation Council.
In addition to the Counter Finance WG, the Anti-ISIL Coalition includes four other work groups: military, foreign fighters, support for political stabilisation and a counter-narrative group.
First meeting today at the Farnesina of Anti-ISIL Coalition Work Group on halting financing to Daesh
