Riyadh Hosts International Anti-terror Conference

“I call on all countries to set up an international center for combating terrorism. Those working in it would be experts in this field,” Abdullah told participants from some 50 countries and international bodies, reported Agence France-Presse (AFP).

He said the goal of the proposed center would be to “exchange and pass information instantly in a manner compatible with the speed of events and prevent them (terror attacks) before they occur.”

Prince Abdullah also hoped the conference would herald a new chapter in the global fight against terror.

“I have great hope that this conference will open a new page of effective international cooperation to establish an international community free of terrorism,” he said.

Organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the rare gathering of security and intelligence officials will discuss the causes of terrorism, in addition to the relation between terror and money laundering as well as arms and drug trafficking, reported the Saudi daily Arab News.

Participants are expected to address such key issues as the roots of terrorism, money laundering, international anti-terror cooperation and countries’ experience in dealing with terrorism as well as sharing information and intelligence.

Leading international bodies, including the UN, EU, Arab League, African Union and Interpol, will be represented.

Heavyweight countries, such as the US, Britain, France, China, Russia and Germany have said they will take part. Fifteen Arab countries are also due to show up.

The US delegation is led by Homeland Security Advisor Frances Townsend and includes other security, treasury and state department officials.

Tight Security

The conference is held amid tight security at a hotel close to the Interior Ministry, the nerve centre of security services which militants targeted in a December 29 bombing.

According to Arab News, all vehicles passing by the conference venue and hotels accommodating the participants were being screened, creating traffic jams in the areas.

Security personnel, including those of the special forces, have been deployed at all strategic places.

Since May 2003, Saudi Arabia has been battling a wave of terror by presumed Al-Qaeda militants who have killed more than 100 people and wounded hundreds in a spate of bombings and shootings.

Security forces have killed or arrested most of the network’s top leaders, but analysts say the movement will remain a threat in the world’s biggest oil exporter for years.