Campaign against terrorism goes to Brussels
21 November 2007
Following a meeting in Brussels between Jim Allister MEP, and William Frazer and William Wilkinson of Fair, with EU Justice & Human Rights Commissioner, Frattini, the delegation expressed satisfaction about a very positive meeting in which Commissioner Frattini demonstrated considerable understanding of the needs of victims.
The primary focus of the meeting was to discuss a project run by FAIR and being funded by the EU, called "Project Monnet", which aims to promote the interests of innocent victims through an EU network. The project will run for 2 years and at its conclusion it is hoped that an efficient network of similar groups will be drawn from across Europe and a strong anti-terrorism platform will be established.
William Frazer said, "The Commissioner was clearly interested in hearing from victims first hand and saw value in the contribution which innocent victims can make in winning the propaganda war against terrorism. We already have contacts with groups in Spain, France, Germany and Italy. We believe these can be built upon to provide a vibrant counter balance to the evil influence of terrorism."
William Wilkinson explained that the delegation took the opportunity to appraise the Commissioner of FAIR's litigation against Libya as an example of how victims can unite to oppose terrorism, particularly its state sponsorship. It was most opportune at a time when the EU is moving towards closer relations with Libya. The Commissioner was pressed hard to ensure that this matter is made a priority in negotiations with Libya.
Commenting Jim Allister MEP said, "For years, to the cost of us all, we have seen terrorist groups co-operate across the world for their own wicked purposes. Now, in a worthwhile fightback a vision exists to create a viable network of victims across Europe and further afield. Who better to articulate the case against terrorism that those who have suffered from it at first hand."
