Government appoints counter-terrorism coordinator

The government has appointed a member of the Security Service as national coordinator on terrorism.

The National Security Committee, in its annual report tabled in Parliament yesterday, said the appointment was made in November to coordinate all agencies involved in this area.

The plans for this year include the setting up of a national crisis centre, monthly meetings with the various entities, such as the Security Service, the AFM and the police, threat assessments and the preparation of standard operational procedures for particular circumstances.

The committee also disclosed that the Malta Standards Authority (MSA) has accepted to assume the role of Designated Security Authority (DSA), responsible for national security involving industry.

The authority will assume the role once its offices are deemed to be secure enough to handle classified EU information.

In its report, the committee, which oversees the Security Service, gives a brief overview of its work to deter terrorism and also its assistance to the AFM and the police to detect organised crime, drug and human trafficking.

It pointed out that Europe remained vulnerable to terrorism in 2006, as evidenced by plans revealed in August for aircraft to be blown up over the Atlantic and for trains to be blown up in Germany.

Over the past year Security Service officials started inspecting Maltese embassies and consulates abroad to ensure that they meet the required security levels needed for Schengen Treaty requirements.

Malta also started to benefit from a treaty signed in 2005 whereby the UK started to help Malta to strengthen its IT security systems, in line with a decision by the EU.

Following approval by the Attorney General, communications interception equipment was installed at the quarters of the Security Service and started functioning in October but some work remained to be done by the service providers for the system to be fully operations. Training programmes are being held for personnel.

The committee said that the danger from terrorism was a real one and all security services abroad were investing to counter it. What used to be centralised terrorism had now become diversified into many cells in all countries.

The Maltese Security Service was keeping its eyes peeled to monitor all persons who could pose a risk to national security. It was also on the lookout for the use of Maltese facilities, such as the harbours, for the shipment of weapons and weapons-making materials.

The service was also continuing to strengthen its links with overseas agencies with a view of exchanging information.

The committee said it was urging the Security Service to continue to strengthen its structure and the training of its staff while seeking new sources of information and keeping itself up to date with developments.