The National Police Agency announced Monday that it will hold two joint anti-terrorism training sessions with the French National Police's RAID; one in Seoul and the other in Paris; in preparation for the 2002 World Cup finals. Five RAID agents are expected to visit the training camp of Seoul Police's special unit for four days from March 12 to practice missions with 25 Korean police special agents, including live firing exercises, bus hostage strategy, examination and removal of bombs and entering buildings.

In early April, five police agents will visit the RAID training camp near Paris for joint exercises. The joint training session was proposed by the French ambassador to Seoul Francois Descoueyte in a luncheon meeting with high-ranking police officials in November 2001.

Formed in June 1985, RAID has operated guarding VIPs and combating terrorism during the 1998 World Cup finals in France. It successfully completed missions against terrorism, including guarding playing facilities.

An official said through the training operations, the capability of protecting the World Cup event will be stronger.

(Lee Dong-hyeok, dong@chosun.com )