Russia: UN sends message against oil deals with militants

The UN Security Council has warned against illegal oil deals with terrorists, the Russian Foreign Ministry says.
The UN Security Council on Monday backed Russia’s initiative to bar trade in oil with Islamists in Iraq and Syria.
“We are concerned over reports on illegal oil trading that provides financial support for extremist and radical groups such as the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) and Jabhat al-Nusra,” the ministry said.
“The UN Security Council sent out a strong message to warn against any deals with terrorists. Support for terrorists may lead to sanctions,” the ministry said.
The Russian statement also confirms the sovereignty of Syria and Iraq and envisions control over natural resources, the ministry said.
The civil war in Syria has been ongoing for three years. The conflict broke out in March 2011 and has since claimed more than 130,000 lives. Moscow has repeatedly condemned the rise of terrorism in Syria and has urged the international community to take steps towards the peaceful settlement of the conflict.