International   

Fresh security alert in Europe

By Batuk Gathani

BRUSSELS DEC. 28. The European security services are concerned over the parcel bomb the President of the European Commission, Romano Prodi, received last night at his residence in Bologna, Italy. Mr. Prodi opened the parcel but escaped unhurt as the bomb did not explode. Nobody has so far claimed responsibility for the act.

Meanwhile, the Italian Prime Minister, Silvio Berlusconi, has claimed there was a plot to fly a hijacked plane into the Vatican, where thousands of pilgrims gathered to celebrate Christmas Day. He, however, did not give details.

While it is temping to point an accusing finger at the Al-Qaeda activists for the Bologna incident, the security services are not inclined to make any comment now.

Mr. Prodi received a book of his favourite poems as a Christmas present. When he opened the parcel, it is said to have burst into flames damaging the floor carpet.

He lives in Brussels but is spending the Charismas vacation in Italy.

According to sources, Mr. Prodi was also targeted six days ago when two small bombs hidden in a rubbish bin outside his Bologna home exploded.

However, nobody was at home then.

There is much speculation about the motives and strategy of the terrorists.

A group calling itself "Informed Anarchic Federation" has sent a letter to an Italian newspaper claiming responsibility for the bombs in the bin. The bombs have been described as "basic and fairly primitive'' and were made using a cooking pot, gas cylinder and a timer.

The two incidents have prompted the Italian and Belgian security services to co-ordinate and intensify efforts to tighten his security.

The European Commission is the executive arm of the European Union comprising 15 states while 10 more will join in May 2004.

Media reports about a "spectacular terrorist attack which could be more psychologically and physically devastating than September 11, 2001 attack'' before Christmas holidays put the European security services on high alert.

While the holidays passed off incident-free, the Bologna incidents have triggered a new alert.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

International

News: Front Page | National | Southern States | Other States | International | Opinion | Business | Sport | Miscellaneous |
Advts: Classifieds | Employment | Obituary |

Stories in this Section

• Putin to run unopposed in March poll?
• Fresh security alert in Europe
• NPC panel adopts constitutional changes
• Dhaka for SAFTA, lukewarm on FTA
• SAARC summit preparatory meetings begin today
• National Assembly ratifies Musharraf's Presidency
• Chandrika's charge against Ranil
• Kashmiri group behind bid on Musharraf?
• Jamali meeting boycotted
• MI6 planned anti-Saddam campaign in Indian media?

Copyright © 2003, The Hindu. Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of The Hindu