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President Ilves: the international community must not be intimidated by terrorists; our activities will not be dictated by terrorists

31.01.2015

"Forcible efforts and the consistent commitment of the international community will be needed to stop ISIL (IS), the extremist organisation that is pursuing brutal actions in Iraq and Syria," wrote President Toomas Hendrik Ilves in his letter of condolence to the Prime Minister of Japan, Shinzo Abe, following the murder of journalist Kenji Goto, who had been held as a hostage.

"The shocking murders of Kenji Goto and Haruna Yukawa demonstrate the blind evil of IS and its wish to spread fear and violence. The international community must not be intimidated by terrorists; our activities will not be dictated by terrorists," assured the Estonian Head of State. According to the president, Japan is a responsible and reliable partner in managing and controlling a number of international crises. "The opposing, detestable behaviour and cruelty of terrorists will only serve to strengthen the determination and commitment of the coalition against IS. Apart from military activities, the coalition of more than 60 states and organisations will now increasingly focus on offering diversified humanitarian aid and preventing the funding of the terror organisation and its deployment of foreign fighters. Estonia is also taking part in the activities of the organisation."

IS does not merely represent a threat to the Middle East, said President Ilves, as the spread of extremist ideology and foreign fighters choosing to depart for the conflict area undermine security throughout the world.

"My thoughts of condolence are with the families and next of kin of Kenji Goto and Haruna Yukawa, and with the people of Japan," wrote the Estonian Head of State in a letter of condolence to the Head of Government of Japan.

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