afrol News, 13 January - Italy's Foreign Minister Franco Frattini has said Rome would back police and army training for Mauritania to help fight the threat of al-Qaeda. The pledge for support comes barely a week after al Qaeda linked group in the country claimed the kidnapping of two Italian nationals.

Mr Frattini said Rome is also intending to renew its cooperation with police and military training and also assist in the policing of borders and customs in the struggle against terrorism in the North African state which has become a hub for armed militants.

Sergio Cicala, and his Burkina Faso-born wife Philomene Kabore were kidnapped in southeast Mauritania and their minibus was found empty and riddled with bullets, according to security officials. They are now believed to be held in the neighbouring Mali.

Six Europeans, three Spaniards, a French national and two Italians were kidnapped in November and December in Mauritania and Mali.

Mauritania is Mr Frattini's first stop of a week-long African tour which will take him on to Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, Egypt and Tunisia.

By staff writer

© afrol News

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