Singapore calls for stronger anti-terror efforts

 
  Agence France Presse
October 2, 2005
SINGAPORE


THE Singapore government Sunday, Oct 2, condemned the deadly bombings in Bali and called for stronger regional cooperation against terrorism in Asia.

"This latest attack is a reminder that although weakened, terrorist groups remain a threat to our societies," Foreign Minister George Yeo said in a statement following Saturday's blasts, which left at least 25 foreigners and Indonesians dead and many more wounded.

The Indonesian beach resort is frequented by Singaporeans and expatriates living in the city-state, which is a transit point for Europeans and other long-haul travellers heading for Bali.

Yeo said that such attacks "make us even more determined to fight the terrorists and to strengthen regional cooperation and our social resilience."

The attacks took place on the same day Singapore disclosed plans to stage mock explosions in its train network in November or December to test the city-state's readiness for an attack similar to the London bombings in July.

Home Affairs Minister Wong Kan Seng said in an interview published Saturday that there will be no immediate warning of the exercises, which will take place in the MRT subway and overhead rail network.

"There is no warning by terrorists before they bomb a station," he told local newspaper Today.

Singapore has regularly warned its citizens that the country remains a prime target for militant groups because of its close association with the United States and tough stance against Islamic radicals.

French anti-terrorist expert Jean-Louis Bruguiere said recently that financial capitals such as Tokyo, Singapore and Sydney could be attacked by Al-Qaeda to undermine investor confidence in the region.

More than 30 Muslim Singaporeans suspected of belonging to the allegedly Al Qaeda-linked Jemaah Islamiyah movement are being held under the Internal Security Act, which allows for detention without trial.


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