New Delhi
20 January 2008
British Prime Minister Gordon Brown has said that the arrests of
suspected Islamic radicals in Spain in connection with a terror plot are a reminder that
there must be greater cooperation between the British and Indian security agencies and
greater contact between the two countries in winning the battle of hearts and minds.
"We just heard reported today an incident in Spain where there have been arrests and
these arrests of course raise questions about how we can cooperate internationally in
the fight against terrorism," Mr Brown told reporters on the sidelines of a function for
celebrating women's empowerment, soon after arriving here on Sunday afternoon for a
two-day visit to India.
At least 14 suspects, including two from India, were arrested on Saturday in the Spanish
city of Barcelona on Saturday in connection with a terrorist plot. Spanish Interior minister
Alfredo Perez Rubalcaba has said that there is evidence that the suspects belonged to a
radical Islamist group.
The suspects were arrested in early morning raids in Barcelona. Many of them have
since been taken to Madrid for remanding them in judicial custody. India has said that
her embassy in Spain is ascertaining the details of the two suspects, who are reported to
be from India.
Mr Gordon Brown said, "What I would like to see is greater contact between our two
countries in winning the battle of hearts and minds, isolating extremist ideologues who
try to poison young people and the views that they have but I also like to see a greater
cooperation between our security agencies and I believe that we can introduce at our
ports and airports even more sophisticated detection systems that will enable us to
prevent people who are carrying weapons or explosive materials from moving to
countries," Mr Brown said.
Another issue on top of Mr Gordon Brown's agenda is environment. He appreciated the
"very notable part" that India played at the Bali Conference and he looked forward to
working together with India for making sure that the post-Kyoto agreements on climate
change yielded all the results both the countries wanted.
"I am positive about the constructive role that Britain and India can play in securing a
new climate change agreement," he said, adding that the two countries needed to bring
the carbon emissions under control, invest in renewables and alternate source of
energy, and push for a worldwide agreement beyond 2012.
He told reporters that regional issues like Burma will figure in his talks with Prime
Minister Manmohan Singh, too. "It is very important that we realise that international
action is necessary to persuade the Burmese Government that they have got to take
seriously al the problems that exist in their country," he said.
Britain wanted to see regular discussions between Aung San Suu Kyi and the Burmese
Administration so that there could be reconciliation and a move towards democracy. "I'd
love to see an end of the violence and the release of political prisoners in Burma," Mr
Brown said, adding that India and China can play an important role in Burma.
"I'm pleased to say that the Chinese Government is working with the Burmese
Government. We will be looking at how we can persuade the Burmese regime that it's
important that Mr Gambari, the UN (United Nations) envoy returns to Burma as soon as
possible," Mr Brown added.
The British premier hoped that UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon can visit Burma at "a
later date." He added that he is visiting India to strengthen the UK-India relationship and
hoped that this "partnership of two equals" will move forward with stronger bonds in the
years to come.
According to the Spanish media reports, the suspects could have planned a terror attack
ahead of the March 9 general election in Spain. The suspects could have links to the five
Pakistani nationals convicted last year for their roles in the March 11, 2004 train
bombings in Spain's capital Madrid that claimed 191 lives, the reports said. The March
2004 terror attack came three days before the last Spanish general election.
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