Martin Lidegaard, the foreign minster, called it “highly uncomfortable” that Denmark is mentioned as one of the countries targeted in the latest video released by the terrorist group Islamic State (IS).
The UN said that the risk of terrorist attacks increases in Denmark and other Western countries as IS grows in strength. Lidegaard said that is all the more reason for Denmark to remain in the coalition fighting against the terrorists.
“Of course it is highly uncomfortable that Denmark's name is mentioned,” Lidegaard told Ekstra Bladet. “That’s why it is incredibly important that we show international solidarity, and that there are as many countries as possible in the coalition.”
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Denmark is mentioned in a new IS video as one of the countries the organisation has in its crosshairs.
“The threat of terrorism has unfortunately increased in Denmark and in other countries,” said Lidegaard. “We must fight them, so it is extremely gratifying that there are 40 countries standing together.”
Supports airstrikes
Lidegaard said that he supports the US-led air strikes against IS in Syria.
“We have said that it is important there are Arab and Muslim countries participating in these actions,” said Lidegaard. "We cannot let IS succeed in portraying this as a war between the West and Islam.”
The foreign minster would not rule out the possibility of Denmark becoming more involved in the fight against IS, including militarily.
“Denmark has a particular responsibility because we have both the financial means and the will.’
