Summary: October 4, 2002: Statement by H.E. Ambassador Ellen Margrethe Løj, Permanent Representative of Denmark to the UN on behalf of the European Union at the public meeting of the Security Council. Threats to International Peace and Security Caused By Terrorist Acts (New York)
Mr. President,
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, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia and the Associated Countries - Cyprus, Malta and Turkey as well as the EFTA country of the European Economic Area - Iceland, align themselves with this statement.
Mr. President,
The European Union welcomes the possibility to once again review the work of the Security Council's Counter Terrorism Committee (CTC). At the outset, the European Union would like to express its strong support for the work of the Committee and its efforts to make its activity as transparent as possible. Likewise, we commend the great effort that has been made by the Members of the Committee, its experts and the Secretariat to process and analyse the wealth of information provided in the
reports.
The fight against terrorism remains an absolute priority for the European Union. In this regard, we acknowledge the central role of the United Nations, through the Security Council and the CTC, and remain fully committed to the closest and fullest cooperation with the Committee, in the spirit of paragraph 6 of Resolution 1373.
Mr. President,
As the chairman of the CTC has just outlined, the second phase of the review of national and other reports is well under way. We urge those who have not yet submitted an initial or a subsequent report to do so.
However, the European Union reiterates that Resolution 1373 is not complied with through the mere presentation of reports. We have to move beyond words if we are to be successful in our attempts to eliminate international terrorism. It is therefore essential to fully implement the resolution by adopting and implementing the necessary legal and practical measures at the national and regional level.
Mr. President,
As we have heard again and again there must be no "weak parts of the chain". The European Union fully agrees and, thus, stands ready to assist third countries. There is scope for further assistance and we encourage those in need of assistance to provide specific requests in this regard. An overview of the EU assistance programmes appears on the CTC's web site.
Furthermore, the European Union is stepping up its efforts to assist third countries in the implementation of Resolution 1373. We are identifying a number of countries with whom to cooperate in the launching of pilot projects. This assistance will be based on an assessment of needs, on which we will be cooperating very closely with the CTC. The European Union reiterates the importance of effective and adequate coordination among donors in order to avoid duplication of work.
Thus, the European Union intends to make progress to incorporate the fight against terrorism into all aspects of the EU's external policy, in particular by strengthening the role of the Common Foreign and Security Policy in this area. For instance, to include the anti-terrorism clauses in EU agreements with third countries, to focus more sharply on a political dialogue with third countries, and to actively promote co-ordination with relevant international and regional organisations.
Mr. President,
The European Union supports the Report of the Policy Working Group on the United Nations and Terrorism. We underscore that the UN system as a whole should continue to ensure its readiness to assist in the implementation of measures to counter terrorism, in particular the efforts of the CTC.
The European Union continues to urge the speedy signing and ratification of all twelve international terrorism conventions, especially the one relative to the financing of terrorism. In this context, we take note of the proposals of the Secretary-General to strengthen the Terrorism Prevention Branch of UNODCCP. The EU also remains committed to finalising the work on the draft comprehensive convention against terrorism.
The European Union emphasises that our efforts to establish effective instruments to fight terrorism must be conducted with respect for the rule of law, human rights and fundamental freedoms. We must not fall into the trap of answering terrorist attacks by undermining our own democratic values. We, therefore, commend the contact the CTC has developed with the Office of the High Commissioner on Human Rights.
Mr. President,
In conclusion, the fight against terrorism requires a comprehensive approach and effective instruments for legal collaboration. This fight can only be won through strong and sustained international cooperation. The United Nations, most notably the CTC, will remain crucial in this regard and the EU urges all Member States and International Organisations to show their fullest commitment to this important cause.
Thank you, Mr. President.
| Top |
European Union Member States
Alerts by email
Email this page
Print this page