The Balkans is at a critical stage, when negative signals from Brussels could seriously set back reforms and encourage nationalist and extremist forces.

BBC: NEWS | Europe | EU leaders cautious on enlargement

For instance, liberal Muslims are threatened by the same extremist forces.

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The US and Europe should also understand that if an out-of-control situation in Syria causes the situation in the entire Middle East to go out of control, hits energy supplies and breeds extremist forces, this will benefit no one.

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Until then, the intelligence service and the armed forces kept close tabs on extremist groups.

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The UK has acknowledged that there are some extremist elements fighting alongside more moderate opposition forces, but it says only a political transition can bring long-term stability to Syria.

BBC: Cameron and Putin discuss Syria conflict at Sochi talks

The members of the Security Council reiterated their serious concern at the threats posed by the Taliban, Al-Qaida, and other extremist groups, to the local population, national security forces, international military and international assistance efforts in Afghanistan.

UN: Security Council

But McCain said members of the extremist group represent only 7% of the nation's rebel forces, who number 100, 000.

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Addressing reporters in Geneva, Rupert Colville urged it and other extremist groups to stop "cowardly attacks" against civilians, security forces, Nigerian officials and foreign nationals.

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At the same time, Pakistan has committed over 140, 000 troops to operations in extremist safe havens along the border in coordination with Afghan and coalition forces on the Afghan side.

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French and allied forces, including Malian and Chadian troops, have made significant inroads in recent weeks combating Islamist extremist fighters.

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