US to host global security summit

These pictures were taken during a unity rally ‘Marche Republicaine’ in Paris yesterday in tribute to the victims of a three-day killing spree by homegrown Islamists. As many as 1.5 million people, including dozens of head of states, flooded Paris yesterday in a historic show of solidarity and defiance after terrorist attacks in the French capital that claimed 17 lives. Photo: AFP

The United States will host a summit on February 18 on how to fight "violent extremism around the world" in the wake of the Paris attacks, US Attorney General Eric Holder said yesterday.

Speaking in the French capital after a meeting with European security ministers following this week's Islamist militant attacks, Holder said the meeting would take place in Washington DC under the auspices of President Barack Obama.

"The United States is planning on holding a summit meeting on February the 18th in Washington DC to be conducted by the White House," he said.

The gathering will "bring together all of our allies to discuss ways in which we can counteract this violent extremism that exists around the world," Holder said.

"Only if we work together, through sharing of information, by pooling our resources, will we ultimately be able to defeat those who are in a struggle with us about our fundamental values."

In a statement, the White House said the summit would highlight US and international efforts to prevent the radicalization and recruitment of followers in the United States and other countries by extremist groups.

It will stress efforts by local communities to integrate teachers, health care workers and religious leaders with law enforcement in the fight against violent extremism, the White House said.

"The summit will include representatives from a number of partner nations, focusing on the themes of community engagement, religious leader engagement, and the role of the private sector and tech community," it added.

The White House said the summit's agenda and participants would be announced at a later time.