MP Rita Theodorou Superman assumed the presidency of the parliamentary assembly coordinating mechanism of UNOCT – the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism – on Friday, expressing concern over the Middle East crisis, which she said prompted a fresh spate of terrorism.

Superman, who is the special rapporteur of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean for combatting terrorism and organised crime, pointed out the need for dialogue and the exchange of views on a parliamentary level to highlight and promote best practices for the prevention of new dangers from the malicious use of artificial intelligence, bioterrorism and agroterrorism.

The handing over of the presidency took place in Rome, the House announced.

The coordinating mechanism is part of the programme of the UN office for parliamentary participation in the prevention and combatting of terrorism, operating since 2021.

Superman said the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean was closely following developments in the region and expressed concern over the escalating crisis.

She added that the relationship between terrorism and organised crime was exacerbated by the exploitation of criminal networks by terrorist groups.

Superman also said the malicious use of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies by terrorist and criminal groups posed multifaceted risks.