Media release

Interior minister Rihards Kozlovskis takes part in Washington Summit on Countering Violent Extremism

Photo: EU2015.LV
21 February 2015

On 18-19 February, the Latvian Minister for the Interior, Rihards Kozlovskis, took part in the Washington Summit on Countering Violent Extremism. As part of the EU delegation, he represented the Latvian Presidency of the EU Council.

During the meeting, ministers and other high-level officials discussed domestic and international efforts to prevent extremists and their supporters from spreading their radical message. Taking into consideration the tragic events in Paris, Brussels, Copenhagen and other parts of the world, the discussions focused on measures to be taken in order to reduce the possibilities for individuals and groups to receive information on committing acts of terrorism and recruitment.

Rihards Kozlovskis stressed the importance of implementing preventive measures to reduce radicalisation. With the help of different educational programmes, the internet and other instruments, possible ways of addressing young people should also be identified. The EU must strengthen the Radicalisation Awareness Network and use all opportunities available in policy-making and providing support to those who face radicalisation issues. Close cooperation with civil society and the private sector must be developed in order to reduce the dissemination of terrorist ideas in various parallel education networks.

At the Summit, ministers and high-level officials, as well as representatives from the private sector and civil society, approved an action plan for combating the spread of violent extremism. President of the United States Barack Obama, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon and US Secretary of State John Kerry addressed the delegation representatives. The EU Delegation was headed by the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Federica Mogherini.

The representatives from governments, non-governmental organisations, civil society and the private sector will be able to use the results of the Summit discussions as a platform for implementing specific measures to reduce radicalisation. During the UN General Assembly in September, world leaders will take stock of the progress made in the last seven months.

Contact
Daiga Holma
Communications and media adviser to the Minister for the Interior
+371 29723599