FSB DIRECTOR STRESSES POSITIVE COOPERATION OF INTERNATIONAL SECRET SERVICES

SOCHI, May 21, 2004 (RIA Novosti) - A session in Sochi shows that "international secret services, security and law-enforcement bodies are cooperating actively and fruitfully," Nickolay Patrushev, Director of the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) said at a Friday press conference following the session. Seventy delegations from 46 countries all over the world took part in the third session of heads of secret services, security and law-enforcement bodies.

According to Mr Patrushev, the session proved the participants were eager to successfully cooperate and counteract modern forms of terrorism, above all prevent terrorist attacks employing the weapons of mass destruction as well as high sophisticated weapons, Mr Patrushev said.

He described the Sochi exchange of experience on how to counteract international terrorist organizations, in particular Al-Qaeda as very positive and useful.

However, the FSB director said it was of topical interest to improve exchange of information on terrorist threats, conduct coordinated operations, enhance mutual legal support and ensure proper prosecution and punishment of terrorists.

Mr Patrushev said an ad hoc committee had been set up in Soch for summarizing the information received and announce the date and place for a new session. "I think it will again take place in Russia," Nikolay Patrushev added.