Draft Arab security strategy adopted in Algiers

The Arab interior ministers' council which convened its 17th session in Algiers Saturday and Sunday adopted a draft Arab security strategy geared towards struggle against crime.

According to the session final statement, the strategy seeks to shield Arab states from any terrorist aggressions, whether internal or external, to preserve persons' security, rights and property and to protect society from catastrophes and dangers.

The strategy provides for measures in matters of penal policy, modernization of the security approach and of the civilians rescue apparatus and involvement of citizens in crime prevention.

The council also voiced resolve in the "Algiers Declaration" to struggle against terrorism under all its forms through the effective enforcement of antiterrorist conventions.

The Arab interior ministers expressed backing to the international community moves to hold a conference, under the U.N. aegis, on struggle against terrorism as a transnational plague that threatens the security and integrity of all states and all peoples.

The Algiers Declaration stressed the need to make a distinction between terrorism and people's right to combat foreign occupation and aggression by all means, including armed struggle, and to boost cooperation among Arab states to preserve Arab states' security, stability and unity.

The council voiced backing to Algeria's measures to restore peace in the frame of civil concord and said it is confident that these initiatives will contribute to serve Islam and protect it from distortion and extremism.

The council adopted several other recommendations related to education, culture and information and the impact these sectors can play in reducing violence trends within society.

Syria was maintained at the head of the Damascus-based Arab criminal police bureau while Morocco was maintained as director of the Casablanca-based Arab bureau of civilians rescue.

The declaration considered Bouteflika's speech as part of the conference's documents, at the proposal of the Syrian delegation. The declaration expressed appreciation for the positive outcomes of the council's session in enhancing joint Arab action. It voiced all-out backing for the Algerian people in their drive for maintaining national reconciliation and progress.