Last update: 08-Jul-2004 11:02 | NATO Update |
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Heads of State
and Government
NATO leaders boosted the Alliance’s anti-terrorism efforts with an agreement in Istanbul to improve intelligence sharing and to develop new, high-tech defences against terrorist attacks. In a communiqué issued on the first day of their Summit meetings, Heads of State and government reiterated their determination to fight terrorism and agreed on an enhanced package of measures against terrorism. Better intelligence, better capabilities Allies committed themselves to improve intelligence sharing through a Terrorist Threat Intelligence Unit at NATO Headquarters in Brussels. This Unit, created after the September 11 attacks, has now become permanent and will analyse general terrorist threats, as well as those that are more specifically aimed at NATO. NATO will also stand ready to assist any member country in dealing with potential or real terrorist attacks. The Alliance’s AWACS early warning radar aircraft and Chemical Biological Radiological and Nuclear Defence Battalion can be made available to any member requesting such assistance. Heads of State and Government also gave direction to develop a package of high-tech capabilities to protect civilians and forces from terrorist attacks. These will include defences against weapons of mass destruction, protection of wide body aircraft against shoulder launched missiles; protection of helicopters from ground threats; protection of harbours and vessels; improvised explosive devices (covers all types of 'home-made' bombs); detection of mines. These new measures build on what the Alliance is already doing through its operations, including patrols in the Mediterranean, operations against terrorist groups with links to the Al-Quaida network in the Balkans, as well as cooperation with partners.
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