28 June, Vitebsk /Diana Kurilo - BELTA/. In the fight against extremism, it is necessary to resolutely unite operational capabilities and expand information exchange between the internal affairs bodies of Belarus and Russia. This point of view was expressed by the Minister of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Kolokoltsev, at the opening of the joint collegium of the internal affairs ministries of the Union State in Vitebsk, a BELTA correspondent reports. The Russian minister specifically focused on cooperation in countering extremism. The radicalisation processes of certain groups have a negative impact on the global situation, while they are dynamically changing, and anti-social structures actively use the internet space and social networks. Radically-minded individuals committing terrorist acts pose a particular danger. "Life dictates the need for a decisive unification of operational capabilities, expansion of information exchange, and improvement of regulatory legal acts. Countering extremism is not a fight against dissent or persecution of faith. The task is to ensure the rights and freedoms of citizens regardless of nationality and religion, and to protect the sovereignty and integrity of states," emphasized Vladimir Kolokoltsev. In his opinion, the actions of internal affairs bodies should be coordinated, consistent, and decisive. The interaction of internal affairs bodies is an important component of the overall integration process within the framework of the Union State, the minister stressed. The cooperation of law enforcement agencies is built on close business interaction, and the joint work carried out makes a significant contribution to strengthening the internal security of the states. "In the current realities, to effectively solve the tasks facing the internal affairs bodies of Russia and Belarus, it is necessary to act proactively, to create an effective model of operational response to modern criminal threats and challenges," emphasized Vladimir Kolokoltsev. He noted that the issues submitted for discussion at the collegium today are important and relevant. Practical interaction will allow for timely and adequate response to changes in the criminal situation. -0-

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