Il diritto di muoversi in sicurezza, le responsabilità della prevenzione: sono questi i contenuti non rituali del messaggio di condanna e cordoglio dell'Unione Internazionale del Trasporto Pubblico. Il Presidente Wolfgang Meyer ha espresso tutto lo shock e la tristezza dell'Uit nell'apprendere la notizia delle drammatiche esplosioni di Madrid. "La mobilità delle persone è una parte fondamentale della loro libertà personale. Ognuno dovrebbe avere il diritto di muoversi in sicurezza - afferma Meyer -. Colpendo il trasporto pubblico, gli attentatori hanno compiuto un vile attacco a uno dei diritti umani basilari". Fondamentali allora la cooperazione intersettoriale e la collaborazione internazionale per migliorare la prevenzione del trasporto pubblico. PRESS RELEASE11 March 2004 - UITP condemns explosions in Madrid. The President of the International Association of Public Transport (UITP), Wolfgang Meyer, has expressed UITP’s profound shock and sadness on learning about the deadly explosions that took place on three packed commuter trains in Madrid during rush-hour this morning.“People’s physical mobility is a fundamental part of their personal freedom. Everyone should have the right to move around safely. By targeting public transport, the perpetrators of this crime have made a vile attack on a basic human right,” stated Mr Meyer. UITP Secretary General, Hans Rat, added that UITP and its members remain committed to tackling terrorism in public transport. Together with the European Commission, it co-organised an expert round-table on urban public transport and anti-terrorism security last December. During this round-table the experts established what the basic needs of the public transport are in order for it to be better prepared to prevent and handle incidents. In particular they called for greater international collaboration. “In the field of security, tighter cooperation between the various protagonists is crucial when defining and implementing preventive strategies. Besides inter-sectoral cooperation, international collaboration and exchange of experience is also needed,” said Mr Rat. “A common language has to be established and fundamental knowledge has to be improved. The awareness of the public transport sector regarding terrorism threats and potential preventive measures must be increased”. Mr Rat also made a call on governments worldwide to do their utmost to protect the travelling public: “Although public transport stakeholders are responsible for their passengers, it is state governments who have the primary responsibility for combating terrorist actions.” UITP is also participating in the International Metro Transport Security Summit on Counter-Terrorism, being held in London this week. UITP has expressed its solidarity and sincere condolences to the Spanish rail operator, RENFE - Cercanías. ***Notes for editors· The International Association of Public Transport (UITP) is the international organisation for public transport authorities and operators, policy decision-makers, scientific institutes and the public transport supply and service industry. It is a platform for worldwide co-operation and the sharing of know-how between its 2,500 members from some 80 countries.· A UITP conference on personal security in public transport, to be held in Geneva this June, will aim to give a global overview on security in public transport as well as best practices. For more information, visit www.uitp.com.