Singapore Disappointed Over US Report On Terrorism

SINGAPORE, July 17 (Bernama) — Singapore has expressed disappointment over comments about the republic in the US Department of State’s 2012 Country Report on Terrorism.

The Home Affairs and Foreign Affairs ministries said in a joint statement:

“The US State Department has cast a negative light on Singapore’s bilateral and multilateral cooperation on counter-terrorism. We are of the view that their report does not accurately describe the relations we have with US agencies involved in counter-terrorism matters.

“It also shows a lack of understanding of Singapore’s deep commitment towards international cooperation against the threat of terrorism, whether at the bilateral or multilateral level, and not least on the intelligence and law enforcement front.

“We are surprised and disappointed at the comments about Singapore in the report. This is particularly so given the close relationship and cooperation between our countries and agencies in the area of counter-terrorism,” the statement said.

For cooperation to work well, parties should not only take into account mutual interests but also mutual respect and trust, said the statement.

“Notwithstanding the negative characterisation of our efforts which the State Department has chosen to make, we will continue to work with our international counterparts on counter-terrorism matters,” it added.

– BERNAMA

Singapore Disappointed Over US Report On Terrorism