Brussels, 11/03/2013 (Agence Europe) - The European anti-terrorism coordinator, Gilles de Kerchove, stressed the need to fight terrorism by detecting signs of radicalisation within society, at a technical meeting held in Algiers in late February by the 'African Centre for the Study and Research on Terrorism' (ACSRT) and the United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Unit (UNICRI), according to the Algerian media.
The talks in Algiers focused on the memorandum of best practice based around the rehabilitation and reintegration into society of violent extremists, which was adopted by the 'Global Counterterrorism Forum' in Istanbul on 7 June 2012. This memorandum is an instrument which includes such elements as practical advice for prisons, Mr de Kerchove pointed out. On this basis, "we must work closely with NGOs, civil society, the security services as well as prison, education and health care workers, because these are the people who are in daily direct contact with the individuals", he said, stressing the need for training and new socio-economic studies in the field.
The Special Representative of the President of the Commission of the African Union (AU) in charge of anti-terrorism cooperation and director of ACSRT, Francisco Caetano José Madeira, welcomed the provision of expertise to contain terrorism in the countries of the region.
Readers may recall that the Global Counterterrorism Forum (GCTF) was set up in New York in September 2011. Bringing together 29 States from all regions of the world and the EU, it aims to identify national and international requirements in the fight against terrorism, put together relevant solutions and coordinate and reinforce the capacities of the States concerned in this area. During his visit, Mr de Kerchove met for talks with his Algerian counterparts in charge of security. (FB/transl.fl)