New Jersey Assembly Speaker Vincent Prieto and New Jersey Assembly Minority Leader Jon M. Bramnick released the following statement today:

“The United States, as the leader of the free world and a symbol for liberty, recognizes the importance of peace in the Middle East and around the world, and that terrorism constitutes a serious threat to international peace and security.

“A current leading concern is the violent extremist in Iraq, Syria and the region, including the devastating humanitarian impact on civilians.

“The New Jersey General Assembly joins the world in its condemnation of ISIS and all others associated with terrorism for acts aimed at causing the deaths of civilians and other victims and undermining stability. And terrorism, including the actions of ISIS, cannot and should not be associated with any religion, nationality or civilization.

“Fighting terrorists who think nothing of killing innocent people is the responsibility of all countries. Terrorism can only be defeated by a sustained and comprehensive approach.

“To that end, we, the leaders of the New Jersey General Assembly, stand united in the effort to protect people from a group that has no regard for human life. Those who have committed or are responsible for violations of human rights in Iraq and Syria, including persecution of individuals on the basis of their religion, or on political grounds, must be held accountable.”

[TLS]