NATO deputy secretary general, Alessandro Minuto-Rizzo, says that Morocco, Algeria and Israel have requested participation in the counter-terrorism operation "Active Endeavor".At a meeting with journalists of the Mediterranean basin, Minuto-Rizzo deemed that such a participation would be "positive," noting that the three countries had at the beginning expressed "reservations" as to this question.
Operation Active Endeavour is NATO's maritime contribution to fight international terrorism. The operation's mission conducts naval operations in the Mediterranean to actively demonstrate NATO's resolve and solidarity.
Part of the operation, that was among the measures taken by NATO immediately after 9/11 terrorist attacks, NATO ships patrol the Mediterranean to monitor maritime traffic and escort non-military vessels in the Gibraltar strait to contribute to preserving stability and to detect terrorist activities.
After the success of the Active Endeavour, NATO expanded its mandate in March 2004 to the whole of Mediterranean region.
According to the alliance, the strong presence of NATO in the Mediterranean has allowed the reinforcement of NATO security cooperation program with seven countries, namely Algeria, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Morocco, Mauritania and Tunisia, that are part in the Mediterranean dialogue.
Tags: Morocco, NATO, Algeria, Israel
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