International Cooperation as a Strategy of Fighting and Prevention Terrorism in Georgia (From Understanding and Responding to Terrorism, P 138-152, 2007, Huseyin Durmaz, Bilal Sevinc, et al., eds. -- See NCJ-224814)

• NCJ Number: 224827
• Author(s): Giuli Alasania
• Date Published: 2007
• Length: 15 pages
• Sale Source: IOS Press
• Publication Format: Book Chapter
• Publication Type: Issue Overview
• Language: English
• Country: Netherlands

Annotation

This paper describes international cooperation in preventing and fighting terrorism in Georgia (post-Soviet), in order to show the importance of such cooperation in counterterrorism strategy; practical suggestions are offered for achieving such cooperation.

Abstract

Generally, the terrorist acts committed in Georgia are perpetrated by individuals or by groups organized for vendetta, as well as by mixed groups created and orchestrated from Russia. The analysis of terrorist acts in Georgia indicates that political and economic motivations are dominant. Terrorist acts have included assassinations and attempted assassinations of key Georgian leaders and bombings of gas pipes and electrical lines. The period of these terrorist attacks ranged from 1994 to 2006. Much of the terrorism originated from the Russia-backed breakaway, uncontrolled territories of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. Through various international agreements of cooperation, including information exchange and exchange of resources (personnel, equipment, and training), Georgia has improved its response in preventing and fighting terrorism, as well as transnational organized crime, including drug trafficking. The details of the various international agreements in which Georgia participates are described. This paper outlines six benefits and features of international cooperation in fighting terrorism. First, international cooperation harmonizes a country’s counterterrorism legislation with international law and conventions. Second, it prepares states to adopt the United Nations Convention Against International Terrorism. Third, international cooperation supports rapid and peaceful solutions of problems and conflict in such regions as Abkhazia and South Ossetia. Fourth, international cooperation leads to a recognition of the importance of disseminating counterterrorism educational programs to government officials and the general population, especially in troubled regions. Fifth, international cooperation assists in establishing check-points on the borders, using high-tech equipment and detectors for border control. Sixth, international cooperation provides more efficient cooperation between local and international law enforcement bodies. 1 table, 1 figure, and 21 references