G8: International co-operation strengthened
in the fight against terrorism
Reference: 176/2004 - Date: 12 May 2004 09:01
UK Home
Office Press Release
The need for co-operation and intelligence sharing to tackle
international terrorism, organised crime and corruption was
the focus of meetings in Washington of G8 Ministers for Justice
and Home Affairs attended by Home Office Minister Hazel Blears
today.
The third G8 summit since 9/11, which focused specifically
on joint working to combat the continuing terrorist threat,
saw all states agree the next steps necessary to protect the
safety of their citizens.
Ms Blears said:
"It is gratifying
that there is such clear commitment throughout the G8 to
work together to tackle terrorism and international
crime. Close co-operation is vital if we are to succeed against
those people who seek to destroy our freedoms and way of life.
"Intelligence is
the key to preventing and prosecuting serious crimes. The
measures agreed today will have real benefits as
we continually improve the practical ways we work alongside
other countries against criminals who will not be stopped by
geographical borders."
The G8 Ministers for Justice and Home Affairs endorsed recommendations
for:
- improved cross-border sharing of national security intelligence
information to prevent and disrupt terrorist activity and
to prosecute terrorists;
- effective use of advanced investigative techniques such
as interception and undercover agents;
- an enhanced legal framework with states criminalising and
prosecuting a range of terrorist activities, including recruitment
to commit terrorist acts and provision of material support
to terrorists. In the UK this has been achieved with the
Terrorism Act 2000;
- tackling passport fraud, with improved arrangements for
involving Interpol for handling information on lost and stolen
passports; and
- faster operational action to tackle attacks on computer
networks and faster co-operation on internet-related crimes,
such as child pornography.
In addition, while in Washington, Hazel Blears had talks with
US Secretary for Homeland Security Tom Ridge and met with US
Attorney General John Ashcroft, discussing the ongoing UK /
US counter-terrorism efforts.
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