Obama: 'humanity's future' depends on unity against IS

US President Barack Obama urged on Wednesday nations to unite in the fight against Islamic State (IS) militants in Iraq and Syria, suggesting that the future of 'humanity' depends on it.

"It is no exaggeration to say that humanity’s future depends on us uniting against those who would divide us along fault lines of tribe or sect; race or religion," said Obama during his address to the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

The US president stressed that he is not at war with Muslims, rejecting "any suggestion of a clash of civilizations."

"We have reaffirmed that the United States is not and never will be at war with Islam. Islam teaches peace. Muslims the world over aspire to live with dignity and a sense of justice," he said.

But "the brutality of terrorists in Syria and Iraq forces us to look into the heart of darkness," said Obama, adding that international community must intervene and "the terrorist group known as ISIL must be degraded, and ultimately destroyed."

"There can be no reasoning – no negotiation – with this brand of evil. The only language understood by killers like this is the language of force. So the United States of America will work with a broad coalition to dismantle this network of death," he said.

Obama reiterated that the US is not alone in the war against IS.

"In this effort, we do not act alone. Nor do we intend to send US troops to occupy foreign lands. Instead, we will support Iraqis and Syrians fighting to reclaim their communities.

"We will work to cut off their financing, and to stop the flow of fighters into and out of the region. Already, over 40 nations have offered to join this coalition. Today, I ask the world to join in this effort," he added.

Despite pledging support to the Syrian opposition "to be a counterweight to the terrorists of ISIL and the brutality of the Assad regime," Obama insisted that "the only lasting solution to Syria’s civil war is political – an inclusive political transition that responds to the legitimate aspirations of all Syrian citizens, regardless of ethnicity or creed."

On the topic of WMDs, Obama said that the US and Russia have been "cooperating to remove and destroy Syria’s declared chemical weapons," adding that Washington is prepared to cooperate with Moocow again.

With regards to Iran, Obama said the US is pursuing a diplomatic resolution to the nuclear issue, call on Tehran not to miss the opportunity.

"We can reach a solution that meets your energy needs while assuring the world that your program is peaceful," he said.

The US president vowed that America will never give up the pursuit of peace in the Middle East.

"Let’s be clear: the status quo in the West Bank and Gaza is not sustainable. We cannot afford to turn away from this effort – not when rockets are fired at innocent Israelis, or the lives of so many Palestinian children are taken from us in Gaza," he said.

"So long as I am President, we will stand up for the principle that Israelis, Palestinians, the region, and the world will be more just with two states living side by side, in peace and security," he added.