"Terrorism can be thwarted if we act with determination and fight together", says Mariano Rajoy

Royal Palace El Pardo, Madrid

The President of the Government stressed that terrorism "jeopardises the security and freedom of our citizens" and "attacks the peaceful and democratic co-existence model of our societies". Besides infringing on human rights, it affects co-existence, religious tolerance and the possibilities for economic growth and development.

Mariano Rajoy explained that "dialogue with terrorists is impossible" because "they have totalitarian and exclusive personalities". Which is why "to combat terrorism, we need joint action and collaboration from all levels of government, the administration services and society", he said.

He also stressed that "there can be no short-cuts" in this fight, meaning that any action must "fully respect human rights and the principles of the Charter of the United Nations".

The victims, the best example for delegitimising violence

Pool MoncloaFurthermore, President of the Government Rajoy said that the existence of foreign terrorist fighters is currently taking on "a special dimension and particularly radicalised nature" due to the spectacular development of telecommunications and widespread use of social media networks.

In this regard, he explained that this global phenomenon requires "global responses" and "comprehensive strategies" covering all aspects of the problem. "Social and economic measures have a key role to play, as does the spread of tales that delegitimise terror", he said.

The President of the Government highlighted the role to be played by the victims of terrorism, as "they are the best example for delegitimising violence". He went on to add that "they are human beings whose lives have been shattered senselessly", meaning that "their memory and testimony are key to ending the evil of terrorism".

International action against DAESH

Mariano Rajoy believes that "one of the most serious aspects" of this problem is that the terrorist group DAESH controls areas of Syria, Iraq and Libya, thereby "facilitating its propaganda and adding momentum to the actions of other groups", as well as inspiring "lone-wolf terrorists".

In order to "strip a terrorist group such as DAESH of its entire territorial base", Spain has joined the international coalition of 60 countries standing against this organisation and has defended the support being provided to the legitimate Government of Iraq.
Furthermore, he said, "we need to ensure that terrorist actions encounter an adequate response from law enforcement agencies and that effective jurisdictional mechanisms exist to bring terrorists to justice".

The President of the Government is convinced that terrorism "can be thwarted if we act with determination and fight together".

The will and commitment of Spain

Furthermore, Mariano Rajoy highlighted "the will and commitment" of Spain to the fight by the international community against terrorism. "Spain is on the front lines", he said. Evidence of that can be seen in the fact that terrorism represents one of Spain's top priorities as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council.

Pool MoncloaHe also recalled that Spain has implemented strategies to prevent and avoid radicalisation and violent extremism. The National Strategic Plan on Combating Violent Radicalisation has been adopted in this regard.

As he explained, Spain has also presented proposals beyond its own borders. On the international stage, it has promoted initiatives through the King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz International Centre for Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue and, at a regional level, "we are developing actions together with our EU partners and southern Mediterranean neighbours".