Police concur they went too far with terror link
National News Release
2:01pm 21 September 2004

Police have apologised to the Prime Minister that they went too far in making statements that the Islamic Salvation Front (FIS) had ties to Al Qaeda.

The Acting Commissioner of Police, Steve Long, said that a United Nations designation of Jamel Lounici as a terrorist did not go as far as New Zealand’s designation did.

"New Zealand Police have no specific intelligence which links the Islamic Salvation Front with Al Qaeda, although some secondary sources claim this.

"Exception has been taken to the way Police linked the FIS to terrorist organisations. We withdraw and apologise for any incorrect inferences drawn.

"The United Nations will continue to make terrorist designations of individuals and organisations. In keeping with our international obligations and in the interests of national security New Zealand will continue to match those designations.

"Police will take corrective action around our designation processes and procedures in an effort to avoid similar issues arising in future," said Mr Long.

ENDS

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