EU anti-terror head warns of threat
2013-03-11 19:17
-
Syria
Options and Implications for Lebanon and the Region
Now R196.00
buy now
Brussels - The EU's anti-terror chief warned Europe on
Monday to remain on its guard, especially against the threat of European
jihadists who are finding new safe havens from Syria to Mali.
Gilles de Kerchove, marking a day of remembrance for
victims of terror, said the threat remained real whether "it stems from
terrorist organisations or lone actors”.
Recent successes against al-Qaeda and associated groups,
such as in Mali after the French intervention there in January, were positive,
Kerchove said in a statement.
"But we know that terrorists are constantly seeking
out new safe havens where they have space to operate, taking advantage of
conflict situations," he said.
If most of those fighting to overthrow President Bashar Assad
have a stake in the future of their country, "Syria has also turned into a
destination for European jihadists who want to profit from the situation there,
and who may also pose a threat to our societies upon their return," he
said.
Pakistan, Nigeria, Yemen and the Horn of Africa remained
unstable while the situation in the Maghreb and the Sahel also "has to be
watched closely", he said.
"We must continue to help vulnerable countries
address injustices, to combat terrorist ideology," at the same time fully
respecting human rights and the rule of law, Kerchove said.
"Together, we must continue to fight terrorism in
and outside Europe since far too many people have fallen victim to it," he
concluded.
- SAPA
