King Juan Carlos speaks out against Al-Qaida

Spain's King of Juan Carlos on Wednesday asked his country to step up its fight against the terror network of al-Qaida.

"We must be ready for the complex and uncertain threats" amid the changing international circumstances, said the Spanish king at the Military Easter Party.

The King also thanked the Spanish army for its work and congratulated the Armed Forces and the Civil Guard for their service to Spain.

"I want you to remember those who last year lost their lives in fulfilling their duties" said the King.

During the ceremony, Spain's Defense Minister Carme Chacon stressed the importance of the work of the Spanish troops deployed on international missions, mainly those in Afghanistan.

According to Chacon, the European Union's anti-piracy operation Atlanta is "indispensable" but "not enough" due to the piracy problems in Somalia, which have created a grave political and social situation.

Chacon said that the mission in Afghanistan is "tough and complex, but not less needed," adding that the international community cannot allow that country to be "a sanctuary of terrorists."