Russia plans to use its G8 presidency to step up the fight against international terrorism, Anatoly Safonov said.

MOSCOW, February 6.The special presidential envoy for international cooperation in the efforts against terrorism and transnational organized crime said the Group of Eight, in line with its rules and format of work, “should contribute to concrete and joint efforts” in the anti-terrorist campaign. “As the G8 president Russia will spearhead the effort,” Safonov said.

The reference is to UN Security Council Resolution 1624. It stipulates “criminalization by states of incitement to terrorism.” Another key objective is implementation of the Council of Europe convention on the Prevention of Terrorism.

“In Russia’s view, a new front of countering terrorism is opening up,” said Safonov. “It is undercutting terrorist propaganda and fighting the ideology of terrorism in any disguise.”