2006 Distinguished Diplomats' Ambassadors' Forum: "Combating Terrorism: Spain's Perspective"
April 20, 2006
News Release
Contact:
Mary Whitlow
703-525-0770
mwhitlow@potomacinstitute.org
/www.PotomacInstitute.org
Arlington, VA. -- The Potomac Institute was pleased to host the Honorable Angel Lossada at the Distinguished Diplomats' Forum on April 20, 2006. Mr. Lossada is currently the Director General of International Affairs on Terrorism, Non-Proliferatoin and Disarmament at Spain's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
More than 40 guests enjoyed lunch and were in the audience for Mr. Lossada's discussion about the initiatives under taken by Spain to combat terrorism. The country experienced one of the largest international terrorist attacks since September 11th when a series of powerful bombs were detonated on commuter trains in Madrid on March 11, 2004. The bombings killed 192 people and left 2,050 wounded. Since those attacks the Spanish government has made fighting terrorism a priority, which has "led to new reflection on terrorism and the necessity to evaluate policies and measures," said Mr. Lossada.
Mr. Lossada also stressed that terrorism, and Al Qaeda in particular, is a global threat and requires an international response. An international legal framework has been adopted in Spain, and must be enforced on a global scale to combat terrorism. "Detention under judicial control is objective and is necessary to avoid contact between the arrested person and the terrorist organization with which they are affiliated," said Lossada.
One of the most integral parts of a global strategy on terrorism is the leverage of victims. "Victims represent all of us," remarked Mr. Lossada, and are “a powerful motivating force that can be mobilized."
Of utmost importance is fighting terrorism efficiently while also building democratic institutions. Modern democracies must not relinquish control or authority to radicalized movements.
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