Terrorism fighting features highly in G7 discussions

Nahla Abdelmonem

Terrorism was at the heart of discussions between the leaders attending the G7 summit in France.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi attended the summit and held a meeting on its sidelines with a host of African leaders, including the leaders of Rwanda, South Africa, Bukina Faso, and Senegal, in the presence of French President Emmanuel Macron. The meetings focused on terrorism as well as development aspirations in the African continent.

During the meeting, President Sisi underscored the importance of cooperation between African states and the member states of the G7 grouping, especially when it comes to the fight against terrorism.

He said the violence in Libya affects the quality of life of the Libyans. The president added that settling the Libyan crisis needed the presence of a real political will among parties to the crisis. He also called for suspending foreign interference in Libyan affairs.

French newspapers highlighted, meanwhile, an initiative by French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel on increasing funds to G5 states.

Merkel said furthering development in the countries of this grouping would not be possible without improving security conditions in them.

Cyberterrorism

British newspapers threw light on comments by Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison on technology companies. He called on these companies to be more transparent and work to prevent the use of modern technologies in executing terrorist attacks.

Morrison suggested that advanced states cooperate in ensuring the removal of extremism content from internet sites. He called on internet companies to owner their commitment to prevent the spread of extremist materials on social networking sites.

Regional terrorism  

The Iranian file featured highly in discussions between the leaders of the G7 states, especially practices by the Islamic Republic’s mullahs and Iran’s destabilizing role in the Middle East region.

The British newspaper, Daily Express, focused on the invitation Macron offered Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif to attend to the summit site.

The invitation, the newspaper said, reflected disrespect from the French president to US President Donald Trump.

Other newspapers said Trump was aware that the Iranian foreign minister would arrive in France at the time of the summit.