Britain will today lead efforts to halt the supply of weapons, money and recruits to the brutal jihadi fighters of Islamic State.
UK diplomats have drafted a UN resolution that would see measures taken against nations or individuals supplying the militants. Senior Liberal Democrat Lord Ashdown accused Saudi Arabia and Qatar of funding the jihadis.
EU foreign ministers are also meeting to discuss how they can help Kurdish troops facing Islamic State (Isis).
Diplomats said the UN Security Council was expected to adopt the resolution today. It blacklists six people and threatens sanctions against anyone who fin-ances, recruits or supplies weapons to Isis. It expresses concern that oilfields captured by jihadis “are generating income” for their activities. It tasks UN experts to report “within 90 days” on the threat the extremists pose.
Former Lib-Dem Leader Lord Ashdown told the BBC: “[We need] to put pressure on Saudi Arabia and Qatar to stop funding the jihadis.”
Last night Britain has indicated it could supply arms to Kurds fighting Isis in northern Iraq.
In Baghdad there were hopes a unity government may form after Nouri Maliki resigned to make way for new prime minister Haider Al-Abadi.
