EU Presidency Statement - Threats to International Peace and Security caused by Terrorist Acts

Summary: March 4, 2004: Statement to the Security Council of the United Nations by H.E. Mr. Richard Ryan, Permanent Representative of Ireland to the United Nations, on behalf of the European Union. 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 Acceding Countries, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia, the candidate countries Bulgaria, Romania and Turkey, the countries of the Stabilisation and Association Process and potential candidates Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Serbia and Montenegro and the EFTA countries, Iceland and Norway, members of the European Economic Area, align themselves with this statement.

Mr. President,

The European Union wishes to express its appreciation for the briefing provided to us this morning by Ambassador Arias, Chairman of the Counter-Terrorism Committee. The European Union attaches real importance to these periodic Open Debates of the Security Council in which we review the work and progress of the CTC. Today's debate is of particular significance as members' views and suggestions will provide valuable, concrete input into the revitalization process, including in the Council's ongoing deliberations on the respective resolution. Such a transparent debate will contribute to a key goal of the reform: that is, to maintain, and hopefully to strengthen, the general acceptance and perceived legitimacy of the CTC with all members of the UN family.

Mr. President,

The European Union welcomes the report of the Counter-Terrorism Committee on its revitalisation. No organ is immune from the passage of time and its effects. Responding to the changing nature of this global threat requires agility and flexibility in our thinking and in our structures. In elaborating this report, the CTC has expressly recognised this reality and has responded in a considered and constructive way. It is our sincere hope that a revitalized CTC could play an even more prominent role in the fight against terrorism.

The European Union fully supports the CTC in the discharge of its mandate. The report recommends a set of measures - in particular the establishment of a Counter Terrorism Executive Directorate - that would enable the CTC to fulfil its mandate of monitoring the implementation of resolution 1373, facilitating technical assistance to member states, and promoting closer cooperation and coordination with international, regional and sub-regional organizations. We consider these functions to be crucial in the fight against terrorism and to the central role that the United Nations has in this regard. The European Union takes this opportunity to reaffirm its commitment to cooperate with the CTC and urges those member States that have not yet done so to submit their reports to the CTC at the earliest opportunity.

Mr. President,

We are all familiar with the contents of this report. I do not propose, therefore, to engage in a review of all of its aspects, but instead will focus on certain components which the EU believes deserve particular mention.

1. The revitalisation report makes clear that this proposal does not modify Security Council resolution 1373 (2001) or other existing relevant resolutions. The Security Council is not embarked here on an overhaul of the substantive provisions of these resolutions. The current reform mainly concerns structural issues.
2. Any proposal to establish new bodies or structures within the United Nations system is often met with a degree of hesitancy or resistance. While there are often many reasons for this, one is, as we are all aware, that such committees or structures, once set up, are often difficult to dissolve or disband, even when their original raison d'être or utility may have ceased to exist. Perhaps mindful of this fact, in making clear that the new structures put in place will not be a permanent arrangement and in expressly incorporating 'sunset' and review clauses, this report is to be particularly commended. Also, as the envisioned new 'Counter Terrorism Executive Directorate' involves both the Security Council and the Secretariat, it is imperative that both UN bodies cooperate closely in its establishment and in its functioning. Such a new structure may be adequate in view of the special nature of global counter-terrorism efforts; however, as the report rightly underlines, it should not set a precedent for other Security Council bodies. The EU wishes to emphasize that the integrity of the Secretariat and role of the Secretary-General as the chief administrative officer of the Organisation must at all times be preserved.
3. The European Union is also gratified to see provision made in the report for direct liaising between the proposed 'Counter-Terrorism Executive Directorate' and the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and other human rights organisations in matters related to counter-terrorism. For this purpose, we would recommend, as others have, the recruitment of a human rights expert. We look forward to receiving regular updates in relation to the liaison activities mentioned. The European Union, like others, has consistently stressed that counter-terrorism measures must at all times be accompanied by a respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, and, more generally, by respect for the rule of law and legal certainty, especially for individuals. There can be no trade off between protecting human rights and effective counter-terrorism measures.
4. The EU is reassured that the projected increase in staffing requirements will be quite modest. The impulsive hiring of additional staff, tempting as it may seem to some as a 'quick fix' solution, is not a sine qua non for rendering more effective and efficient existing operations. Rather we should ensure the optimum utilisation of available expertise and examine critically the current arrangements, re-configuring accordingly, amplifying staff numbers only where absolutely necessary. The CTC has wisely adopted this latter approach.
5. The Executive Director, as envisaged in the Report, will be responsible for numerous important tasks. Facilitating the provision of assistance programmes to States in order to further the implementation of resolution 1373 continues to be an essential challenge. A lot of work is still required in this field from the CTC. Among other things, the EU therefore welcomes the recognition contained in the report of the need to strengthen contacts with States and other bodies of the UN system, including the 1267 Committee, the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, UNDP and relevant, international, regional and sub-regional organisations. In reporting on the progress of States in their participation in the relevant international terrorism-related Conventions and Protocols, the need for close cooperation by the Executive Director with the UN Office on Drugs and Crime should also be noted here.

Mr President,

The report on revitalisation of the CTC is the culmination of many months of intensive deliberation among Committee members. We are grateful to them for the long hours spent in the quest for agreement on a final text. Given these concerted efforts and successful outcome, it is our genuine hope that a resolution reflecting the contents of the report may be agreed upon as soon as possible.

Thank you, Mr. President.

Ref: PRES04-021EN
EU source: EU Presidency
UN forum: Security Council
Date: 4/3/2004

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