REGIONAL COOPERATION CONTRIBUTES IN COUNTERING TERRORISM

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 20 (Bernama) -- Regional cooperation has contributed
immensely in countering the menace of terrorism including terrorism financing in
cyber-security, aviation, maritime and transportation security as well as
rehabilitation.

Malaysian Permanent Representative to the United Nations Hussein Haniff said
all these led to deepening cooperation between law enforcement agencies,
improving intelligence sharing, greater research and capacity building
for states in the region.

"Asean has implemented various measures to enhance counter-terrorism
cooperation, including working and sharing intelligence with external partners.

"We hope to continue existing cooperation with its partners and also
look forward to expand collaboration with other international and regional
centres against terrorism," he said at the Secretary-General's Symposium;
International Counter-Terrorism Cooperation at New York on Monday.

His speech text was released here Tuesday.

Hussein said however, there was much work to be done and greater emphasis
must be given to the unique factors and underlying causes that led people of
particular regions to turn to terrorism and extremism.

"We have repeatedly called for this at the international level and
identified poverty and lack of education as root causes.

"However, every region or sub-region is unique. There cannot be a 'one glove
fits all' type of approach but rather we endeavour to undertake more studies and
research in different regions," he said, adding that there was a need to address
these unique factors, formulate counter measures and apply the necessary
remedies accordingly.