EP calls for stop to cash flows to terrorists

BRUSSELS, March 1 (KUNA) -- The European Parliament (EP) passed a resolution Thursday calling on EU member countries to track suspicious financial transactions and charities, and share intelligence more proactively in order to stop money flowing to terrorists.
The resolution adopted by 533 votes to 24 calls for cutting off sources of funding such as illicit trade in goods, firearms, oil, drugs, cigarettes and cultural objects as vital to fight terrorism.
It points out out that some of this funding is generated within Europe, e.g. by international non-profit organisations, charities, foundations and networks, which are well connected within the EU and provide cover for abusive practices.
The EP calls for stepping up proactive information exchange and coordination among financial institutions, law enforcement and intelligence agencies via a European counter-terrorism financial intelligence platform, which could be run by the EU police agency EUROPOL.
It calls for the monitoring of places of worship and education, centres, charities, and cultural associations, where there is reasonable suspicion of ties to terrorist groups. (end) nk.mt