Summary: September 25, 2000: Statement by Mr. Alain Moureau. Measures toward elimination of international terrorism (New York)
Mr. President,
I have the honour of speaking in the name of the European Union, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Norway, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia and Turkey.
Mr. President,
I am pleased to see that you are continuing to preside over the work entrusted to us by the last General Assembly. I have no doubt that the benefit of your experience on this working group, in addition to your expertise and personal interest in the issues concerned will facilitate its activity and its common aim to prevent and suppress terrorism.
From the commencement of the work of our group, the European Union wishes to reaffirm its absolute and unreserved condemnation of terrorism, irrespective of form, motivation or manifestation, and the necessity of strengthening international cooperation to combat this scourge, which is a source of major concern. We can all recall examples of the terrorism that continues to strike, kill and harm the very structures of society. We are also concerned by the resurgence of acts such as the hijacking
of aircraft and the taking of hostages. In order to combat this phenomenon, we must arm ourselves with effective instruments for cooperation, without compromise of human rights and humanitarian law, fighting to put an end to the political and human tragedies that act as factors for instability on which terrorist groups thrive.
The action conducted by our working group and by the Ad Hoc Committee has led to substantial codification, which should now be consolidated. The European Union wishes in this context to recall the importance of the various sectorial conventions elaborated in this forum. The entry into force of all these international instruments will constitute an effective legal accomplishment in the sphere of international cooperation against terrorism and it is important for that reason to take every
possible step to reach that goal. In this respect, the European Union points out that its fifteen Member States have signed the Convention for the Suppression of Terrorist Bombings and that a majority of them have already signed the Convention for the Suppression of the Financing of Terrorism, which was opened for signing on 10 January 2000. Once in force, these conventions will form an appropriate response to increase the effectiveness of international cooperation for the elimination and
prevention of terrorism.
The considerable practical results achieved within the framework of the United Nations relate to the approach that has been chosen, an approach that prioritises pragmatism and examination of the issues on a sectorial basis - as well as the search for consensus. The European Union remains committed to that approach, but considers that further progress is possible.
Mr. President,
Resolution 54/110 of 9 December 1999 mandated our working group to pursue the work set in train at the last meeting of the Ad Hoc Committee in February 2000. The European Union wishes to reaffirm here its willingness to examine all these issues constructively.
The General Assembly asked the working group to begin consideration with a view to the elaboration of a comprehensive convention against international terrorism within a comprehensive legal framework of conventions dealing with international terrorism. The European Union feels that following the signing of a number of sectorial conventions, the elaboration of such an instrument is now possible. For this reason, the European Union favours in principle the commencement of negotiations for a
comprehensive convention against terrorism. This should add to the existing body of UN counter-terrorism conventions - notably by remedying their remaining loopholes - while nevertheless preserving what they have been able to achieve. The European Union wishes to thank India for its ambitious initiative and the substantial work that it has already done, and considers that the provisions tabled could form the basis for work that would be particularly useful for the commencement of these
negotiations.
The General Assembly also requested that the question be addressed as to whether a high-level conference should be convened under the auspices of the United Nations to formulate a joint organised response of the international community to terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. Initial consideration of this possibility at the 4th session of the Special Committee did not allow the broad lines of such a conference to be defined. The European Union reiterates its willingness to take part in
possible discussion of such a project, insofar as it could lead to a strengthening of international cooperation.
Lastly, the General Assembly requested to consider the outstanding issues relating to the elaboration of a draft international convention on the suppression of acts of nuclear terrorism. The European Union favours an early conclusion of such a convention, which would advantageously supplement existing conventions, and in the negotiations for which it has played an active and constructive part. It congratulates the Australian coordinator, Ms Cate Steains, on the work done to define a solution to
allow the remaining difficulties to be overcome, and affirms once again that it is willing to examine constructively an acceptable compromise solution.
Mr. President,
We have reason to be pleased with the results achieved in this forum, in particular in recent years. The European Union does not doubt that under your Presidency, the working group will continue its activity in the same constructive spirit, in order to consolidate those achievements and strengthen international cooperation to combat this scourge. For its own part, the European Union will be working towards this.
Thank you, Mr. President.
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