*EPF213 06/29/2004
NATO Counterterrorism Measures Outlined in Summit Communiqué
(Terrorism cited as significant international security threat) (310)

Istanbul, Turkey -- NATO pledged June 29 to fight terrorism "whatever its motivations or manifestations ... as long as necessary."

The possibility that terrorists, willing to kill as many people as possible to further their own aims, might increase their capability for destruction by acquiring weapons of mass destruction is a great concern to the member states of the North Atlantic Alliance, according to a NATO communiqué.

A package of measures to counter international terrorism was unveiled June 28 at the NATO Summit in Istanbul including:

-- Improved intelligence sharing and a review of current intelligence structures;

-- Greater ability to respond to assistance requests regarding terrorist attacks -- including those involving chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear weapons;

-- Better capabilities to defend against terrorist attacks through advanced technologies;

-- Larger contributions to Operation Active Endeavour, NATO's maritime surveillance and interdiction operation in the Mediterranean;

-- Increased cooperation with partners and international and regional organization, including the active pursuit of consultations and exchange of information with the European Union;

-- Continuation of robust efforts against terrorism in Afghanistan and the Balkans by helping to create conditions in which terrorism cannot flourish; and

-- Assistance in providing protection against terrorism to major events, including use of NATO Airborne Early Warning and Control Aircraft.

NATO will take a comprehensive approach to fight terrorism and its causes using political, diplomatic, economic, and, when necessary, military means. According to the communiqué issued at the summit, NATO may act militarily to deter and defend against terrorist attacks or the threat of attacks, including acting against those who harbor terrorists as well as against terrorists themselves.

The heads of state and government also noted that the alliance's arms control and nonproliferation policies of NATO are designed to prevent weapons of mass destruction from falling into the hands of terrorists.

(Distributed by the Bureau of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)

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