Seven Spanish political parties sign anti-terrorism pact

Spain's political unity against the threat of terrorism was strengthened on Thursday when seven parties signed the anti-terrorism pact which the governing People's Party (PP) and the Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE) had previously penned in February.

The pact was signed by Citizens (Ciudadanos), UPyD, Union and PAR, a regional party from Aragon, and regional parties Coalition Canaria, Foro Asturias and UPN (from Navarra) at a meeting at the Spanish Interior Ministry.

On the sidelines, Spain is debating what help it should give to France and what measures it should take to combat Daesh (the Islamic State).

Left-wing party Podemos did not sign the pact, but the party assured its willingness to attend further meetings, while highlighting the need to attack Daesh's financial structure as the best way to stop terrorism.

Meanwhile, the United Left (Izquierda Unida) did not attend the meeting to sign what they considered to be a "pre-packaged" agreement between PP and PSOE, while the Basque Nationalist party PNV said they didn't want to appear in what was effectively a "pre-election photocall."

The pact contains eight main clauses, which include a modification of the Spanish penal code to redefine the crime of terrorism, while ensuring that any terrorist act which results in the loss of life is given the toughest possible sentence.

The pact also agrees to push through legal reform to give more freedom in anti-terror investigations, while guaranteeing the resources to do this are available.

Other clauses agree to promote policies to help eradicate any violent radicalization and also to promote the prevention, persecution, and sanction of terrorism and terrorists. Endit