World is not witnessing a global gridlock: John Kerry

DAVOS: Asserting that the world is not witnessing a global gridlock, US Secretary of State John Kerry today said the fight against violent extremism is the "challenge of our generation".

It would be a long struggle against extremism, but "we are heading in the right direction", Kerry said at the World Economic Forum (WEF) here.

He was clear that the US will strengthen its fight against corruption, which is used by extremist groups as a recruitment tool.

"The fact is there is nothing, absolutely nothing, more demoralising and disempowering to any citizen of any nation than the belief that the system is rigged against them...," he said, adding that corruption complicates every single security, diplomatic and social initiative.

Hailing efforts of citizens around the world to increase inter-faith and inter-sectarian understanding, Kerry cited examples of Sunnis helping Shiites rebuild after terror attacks in the Middle-East, Muslims shielding Christians from terrorists in Africa, and Jews protecting Muslims in the United Kingdom.

"The world is not witnessing global gridlock. We are not frozen in a nightmare we cannot wake up from... If we stay serious and work in good faith, we can make progress," Kerry said.

Calling for providing opportunities to the youth, Kerry said there are 700 million people under 30 years and all of them are seeking opportunity, dignity and respect and are aware of what they don't have in a world where everyone is connected 24/7.

"We are staring at extraordinary opportunities wherever we look in the world," he said.

According to him, a coalition of countries has come together to fight Da'esh ( ISIS) and praised the military successes achieved by the joint action of coalition air power and local ground forces.

"In the end, mark my words, Da'esh (ISIS) will be defeated, and the progress we have made towards that goal has been remarkable," Kerry said.

Da'esh has already lost over 30 per cent of the territory it once held and much of its financing, the secretary added.

About the conflict in Syria, Kerry said key steps have been taken to resolve it and all the countries involved have agreed on a list of principles for a post-war Syria.

Direct negotiations between the government and the Opposition are now planned and would hopefully start soon in Geneva, he noted.

"Nothing would do more to end the threat of Da'esh than to negotiate an end to the war in Syria," the secretary said.