ISIS "threat to the whole world": Dutch PM

The Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) remains a threat not only for the region, but also for the rest of the world, said Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte on Monday.

"ISIS has nothing to do with Islam," Rutte said at a press conference here. "It is a terrorist organization that abuses Islam to reach their goals. I have zero respect for them."

Last week the Dutch government decided to send a military mission against ISIS in Iraq. The Netherlands deploys six F-16 fighter aircraft that can carry out military actions. In addition, the Netherlands will contribute to training of the Iraqi army and Kurdish forces.

The Dutch mission in Syria is limited to humanitarian and diplomatic help.

"We accept what the Americans and some Arabian countries are doing," Rutte said. "We are not condemning it, not at all, but for us there was not enough international mandate, not enough basis to get involved in Syria. We remain member of the international coalition, but we are only active in Iraq."

The first phase of the operation will last six to twelve months. "After that we will consider again, although we don't think it will be finished by that time," Rutte said. Enditem