Leading counterterrorism experts, including the Homeland Security adviser to US President George W. Bush, will attend the first international anti-terrorism conference in Riyadh to work out a global strategy to combat terrorism. The unusual gathering of security and intelligence officials from more than 50 countries from Feb. 5 to 8 sends a message of support to Saudi Arabia, which has been battling a wave of violence blamed on Al-Qaeda sympathizers since May 2003.
Crown Prince Abdullah is slated to open the conference tomorrow. A number of heads of state and presidents of international organizations are expected to take part in the conference, aimed at exchanging information and experience and fostering cooperation in the fight against terrorism. "We have invited all countries that have suffered from terrorism to the conference, and all have agreed to take part," said Prince Turki ibn Muhammad, assistant undersecretary for political affairs at the Foreign Ministry.
Saudi officials say the meeting, which also brings together UN and Interpol anti-terrorism experts, will be first of its kind. Participants will pool their experiences in tackling terror, its causes and links to organized crime and propose practical joint steps to curb militant violence, organizers said. The United States will also send counter-terrorism officials from the Treasury and State Departments. "I believe it will demonstrate, once again, that the United States and Saudi Arabia are engaging seriously to identify practical ways to fight terrorism along with other nations," said US Ambassador James Oberwetter. |