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APR 21, 2004 (newstodate): Terrorism is not linked solely to air transport, as has been demonstrated by recent events in Spain. The authorities need also to look at safety of other forms of transport, shopping malls, sporting events etc, said Larry Coyne, moderating during a session on security at the recent TIACA Johannesburg Annual Executive Conference.
-Since Sept 11 no evidence has been collected of any further attempt of terrorism using aircraft because no one has been apprehended. Unlike drug agencies who boast of the amount of drugs seized each year, the billions spent on air transport has yielded nothing - at least that we have been told of.
-My contention is not that we do not need good security, but that if we only improve the security of air transport and not other vulnerable areas, the terrorists will seek out the softest targets.
-We should target people instead of objects. Terrorists don't need to import weapons to do their work. While we are setting up elaborate security systems at ports and airports, governments are giving visas to terrorists because too much focus is given to objects crossing borders rather than the terrorists, who up to now have always gained entry to a country legally.
-Security should continue to develop, but while other areas are wide open to terrorists, it is not necessary for them to develop elaborate means of beating the present system the air cargo industry has in place, he said.
-Since Sept 11 no evidence has been collected of any further attempt of terrorism using aircraft because no one has been apprehended. Unlike drug agencies who boast of the amount of drugs seized each year, the billions spent on air transport has yielded nothing - at least that we have been told of.
-My contention is not that we do not need good security, but that if we only improve the security of air transport and not other vulnerable areas, the terrorists will seek out the softest targets.
-We should target people instead of objects. Terrorists don't need to import weapons to do their work. While we are setting up elaborate security systems at ports and airports, governments are giving visas to terrorists because too much focus is given to objects crossing borders rather than the terrorists, who up to now have always gained entry to a country legally.
-Security should continue to develop, but while other areas are wide open to terrorists, it is not necessary for them to develop elaborate means of beating the present system the air cargo industry has in place, he said.