Summary: October 2, 2002: Statement by H.E. Ambassador Martin Kofod on behalf of the European Union. Sixth Committee, Item 160: Measures to Eliminate International Terrorism (New York)
Mr. Chairman,
I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union. The countries of Central and Eastern Europe associated with the European Union - Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia and the Associated Countries - Cyprus, Malta and Turkey, as well as the EFTA-countries belonging to the European Economic Area - Iceland and Norway - align themselves with this statement.
Mr. Chairman,
Security and democracy can never be taken for granted but must be defended actively and ceaselessly. The scourge of terrorism is in itself a denial of common democratic values and principles and must continue to be met through steadfast international cooperation. Those who perpetrate and sponsor terrorist acts must be brought to justice and punished.
The terrorist attacks of 11 September 2001 have given rise to the most comprehensive international cooperation in decades. Countries all over the world have united in the common cause against the cynical contempt for human lives that lies behind it. The fight against terrorism requires a comprehensive approach and effective instruments for legal cooperation so that those who plan, fund or commit terrorist acts or who are accessories to them cannot find refuge anywhere in the world. The European
Union categorically condemns terrorism whatever its form, motivation and manifestations. But with the same resolve, the European Union emphasises that the fight against terrorism must be conducted with respect for the rule of law, human rights and fundamental freedoms.
Mr. Chairman,
The international reaction to the tragic events on 9/11 came promptly and firmly. From the outset the United Nations, in particular the Security Council assumed a central role. The European Union fully supports the UN in its efforts in combating acts of terrorism. By adopting the groundbreaking resolution 1373 on 28 September last year the Security Council showed resoluteness and leadership. The European Union is firmly committed to implementing this resolution. The European Union and its
Member States have already taken a wide range of measures in order to fully implement the resolution.
A land marking aspect of the resolution is the establishment of the Counter Terrorism Committee. The Committee fills a gap by monitoring the implementation of the resolution of UN Member States. By creating a dialogue with the countries concerned, the Committee has expanded its role beyond monitoring. It also identifies needs for technical assistance and communicates needs for such assistance to possible donors. In this way, the establishment of the Committee has added extraordinary value to
the universal implementation of the legal obligations of UN Member States in the fight against terrorism. The European Union remains fully committed to supporting the Committee and will continue to cooperate with the Committee in every possible way as well as to assist the Committee in its important work. In this context, the European Union takes note of the proposals of the Secretary-General of the UN to strengthen the Terrorism Prevention Branch.
The European Union stands ready to assist countries that have requested assistance in their efforts to implement resolution 1373 and encourages others to do likewise. The European Union is already engaged in a wide range of programmes providing technical assistance to third countries in the field of counter-terrorism. Furthermore, the European Union is stepping up its efforts and is identifying specific actions to assist third countries in implementing their commitments under resolution 1373
and, in consultation with the CTC, identifying a number of countries on which to focus for the purpose of launching a pilot project.
Mr. Chairman,
In the normative field, the United Nations also plays a pivotal role in the fight against terrorism. Accession to and implementation of the 12 UN Conventions remain crucial, especially the International Convention for the Suppression of the Financing of Terrorism. Member States of the European Union place great importance on the signing and ratifying of the 12 international Conventions and Protocols and are devoting considerable efforts to ensuring that they are in compliance with all these
Conventions.
Ratification of all 12 international Conventions and Protocols is a priority for the Member States of the European Union. 6 of the 15 Member States of the European Union have ratified all 12 international conventions and 9 of the Member States have ratified the International Convention for the Suppression of Terrorist bombings, whereas 8 Member States have ratified the International Convention for the Suppression of the Financing of Terrorism. Several of the Member States of the European Union
have initiated the process of ratifying the remaining conventions.
The European Union urges all States, which have not yet done so, to become Parties to the 12 international Conventions and Protocols, and, in particular, to ratify or accede to the two most recent ones.
Mr. Chairman,
In the course of the last year, the work on the draft comprehensive convention on international terrorism as well as the draft international convention for the suppression of acts of nuclear terrorism progressed intensively. However, unfortunately agreement on the scope of the application of the conventions has still not been reached.
The fight against terrorism requires operational and effective instruments. Security Council resolution 1373 has been a major achievement in this regard, but there are still gaps to be filled. A comprehensive convention could provide an added value by providing the legal framework for bringing to justice those who perpetrate and sponsor terrorist acts. It should fill in the present "lacunae" of unregulated issues while preserving the "acquis" of the earlier sectorial conventions.
The European Union remains committed to bringing to a successful conclusion the negotiations on the Comprehensive Convention against Terrorism.
Once again the European Union would like to thank India for taking the ambitious initiative of submitting a draft text as well as the bureau of the ad hoc Committee and the Coordinator for their endeavours in carrying this project forward. The draft text submitted by India continues to form an excellent basis for discussions. The European Union calls on all UN Member States to pull together to reach a satisfactory outcome on the unresolved questions.
The European Union would also like to thank Russia for taking the lead on the draft international convention for the suppression of acts of nuclear terrorism. The risk that certain terrorist groups have obtained access to weapons of mass destruction makes this draft convention the more pertinent. The European Union remains committed to finalising this draft convention and would like to express its appreciation and support for the work accomplished.
Mr. Chairman,
The General Assembly has also called on us to keep on our agenda the question of convening a high-level conference under the auspices of the United Nations to formulate a joint response of the international community to terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.
As we have previously stated, the European Union is willing to discuss the organisation of a conference after the conclusion of the work on the comprehensive convention and insofar as such a conference would contribute to a tangible strengthening of international cooperation in this field. But consideration must be given to the rationale and operative outcome of such a high-level conference, before we can decide whether to convene one.
Mr. Chairman,
Many complex and sensitive issues lie before us. We must address this difficult task with determination and responsibility. We assure you that you may count on the commitment and constructive attitude of the European Union.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
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