SECURITY CONFERENCE OPENS IN MUNICH

MUNICH, Feb 2 (Hina) - The fight against international terrorism and the future of NATO are the main issues of a conference on security which started in Munich on Saturday. Among 400 security experts from 43 countries, who are participating at the 38th Munich Security Conference, are 38 ministers of defence and foreign affairs, and 58 members of parliaments of North America, Europe and Asia. Opening the Conference, Bavarian Prime Minister Edmund Stoiber said he saw security as a priority in the world and Europe, and believed international cooperation must be established in the fight against terrorism. Bearing in mind the strengthening of international cooperation in providing assistance to developing countries, and using limited resources such as water, Stoiber said military means are also necessary in achieving security in the world. Military options are necessary in the protection of peace and human rights, he said. He believes NATO's role is needed in achieving security, and that NATO must develop further to be able to cope with new risks and threats. Stoiber said Europeans in particular must strengthen their share in NATO as the growing technological gap between the US army and military potential of European countries brings in question joint military operations. Croatian European Integration Minister Tonino Picula is also taking part at the Conference. Fearing violence at a recent series of international conferences, police placed a ban on protests in down town Munich. Despite the ban, around 1,500 anti-globalists gathered at city's central square Marienplatz on Friday night. The police brought in around 200 protesters, but released them Saturday morning. The Conference is held at the Bayerischer Hof hotel. The German police, who are securing the surrounding area, have taken necessary measures to prevent protests by 3,000 violent protesters from the entire Europe announced for Saturday and Sunday when the Conference ends. (hina) np sb