A/64/PV.117 General Assembly

The United Kingdom aligns itself with the statement made earlier on behalf of the European Union. Terrorism remains one of the greatest challenges to international peace, stability and security. The threat posed to us all, including by Al-Qaida and its affiliates, is real. The review of the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy and the upcoming adoption of draft resolution A/64/L.69, once more by consensus, reaffirm our collective commitment to working through the United Nations to counter the terrorist threat. We must harness that new impetus to effectively deliver the Strategy on the ground, where it matters the most. A key area on which to focus our efforts is capacity-building. In this period of fiscal austerity, it is crucial that we prioritize our activities and direct them to those countries that are most vulnerable to the threat posed by terrorists. We must ensure that our efforts to counter the terrorist threat are comprehensive and coordinated in order to avoid the duplication of effort. Countries need to work together if we are going to succeed. Therefore, we need to continue actively to share information among Member States and to use the Counter-Terrorism Executive Directorate and the Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force (CTITF) to full effect to promote discussion on the capability and capacity-building needs of Member States. The key gaps on which to target and upscale our capacity building assistance include border control, terrorist financing, the criminal justice sector and the promotion of cultural dialogue. We welcome the progress towards the institutionalization of the CTITF. The CTITF will be key to facilitating coherence and coordination among its member entities and their work across a range of issues, from border control to countering the appeal of violent extremism. The CTITF Office can now work with CTITF entities to ensure that all members of the Task Force are mainstreaming counter-terrorism into their work and appreciating the impact that their work has on the Strategy’s goals. In order to implement fully all four pillars of the Strategy, we must find new ways to work more innovatively with a range of new partners on counter- terrorism. We must strengthen our global outreach with civil society groups, non-governmental organizations, the private sector and the media. We need actively to build networks at the local, national and regional levels to help us deliver counter-terrorism effects. To help us build those new networks, we need to articulate better the work of the United Nations. That will go a long way towards reassuring others that the work of the United Nations on counter-terrorism goes beyond hard law enforcement efforts, and also works to help address the roots of terrorism. In addition, we should consider how we can incorporate civil society input into country assessments and formalize our relationships. The terrorist threat is evolving. One example is the new trends in kidnapping for ransom among Al-Qaida affiliates. The United Kingdom believes that the counter-terrorism community needs to take this issue seriously. We understand from direct experience just how difficult kidnapping cases are. But we also know that ransoms cannot be excused as a necessary evil or seen as part of a legitimate toolkit used to resolve kidnappings. For many terrorist groups, ransoms are a vital source of money for funding the nuts and bolts of their operations — weapons, logistics and recruitment. As their spending grows, so does the threat that they pose. When major attacks can be put together for tens of thousands of dollars, $1 million dollars goes a very long way. Last December, the Security Council adopted resolution 1904 (2009), in which it explicitly confirmed that ransom payments were subject to asset- freezing measures. If a State pays a ransom to an individual or group on the sanctions list, it contravenes sanctions adopted under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations. It is that simple in law, but we recognize that its implementation may be challenging for some States. We therefore welcome the plans of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1267 (1999) concerning Al-Qaida and the Taliban to look at the implications of the regime as it applies to ransom payments. We must not forget that it is the devastating impact of terrorism on its victims and their families in many parts of the world that motivate us to come together in New York to tackle the problem. The Strategy is an important product of our efforts, and rightly highlights the plight of victims of terrorism. The United Kingdom therefore urges the CTITF to do more to use its unique global convening power to bring victims together and get their voices and stories heard, building on the successful symposium of 2008. In addition, the CTITF should do more actively to support the work, and highlight the important contributions of, civil society to counter terrorism.

I would like to extend my sincere congratulations to the President on convening this important meeting to review progress made in the implementation of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, following the first review in 2008. We commend the hard work of Ambassador Abulkalam Abdul Momen, who has led the process of the Strategy review and developed the draft resolution that awaits action by the General Assembly (A/64/L.69). I would also like to take this opportunity to express our appreciation to the Secretary-General and his staff for the comprehensive and informative report contained in document A/64/818, of 17 June 2010, which was requested by the General Assembly in resolution 62/272. The Republic of Korea shares the concern of the international community over terrorism as a serious threat to international peace and security. In that regard, the Republic of Korea strongly condemns all acts of terrorism, irrespective of their forms and manifestations and their alleged motives. The United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, adopted unanimously by the General Assembly in September 2006, has provided a solid basis for comprehensive and systematic counter- terrorism activities by the international community. An effective counter-terrorism approach should address all aspects of terrorism, including strengthening law enforcement and State capacity-building, denying terrorists access to weapons — especially weapons of mass destruction — suppressing the financing of terrorism, facilitating public-private cooperation and defending human rights. Fully convinced of the need for comprehensive and systematic counter-terrorism efforts, the Republic of Korea is actively participating in international cooperation and strengthening its domestic measures to counter terrorism. Addressing the conditions conducive to the spread of terrorism that could possibly be exploited by terrorists can serve to complement the international community’s efforts to counter terrorism. A range of efforts is being pursued globally, including the easing of socio-economic marginalization, the promotion of dialogue among civilizations and the integration of ethnic and religious minorities. In that regard, the Republic of Korea has tripled its official development assistance since 2000 and will continue to support international efforts in such areas as poverty reduction, disease control, human resource development and sustainable development, which can also be valuable in the efforts to address the conditions conducive to the spread of terrorism. The Republic of Korea has revised its national Anti-Terror Action Directive, which is the main legal basis of Korea’s counter-terrorism system. The Directive defines the roles and responsibilities of relevant authorities and offices, enabling Government bodies to adopt individual measures to respond to different types of terrorist actions. To prevent the financing of terrorism, the Republic of Korea enacted the Prohibition of Financing for Offences of Public Intimidation Act in December 2008. The main objective of the Act is to implement the International Convention for the Suppression of the Financing of Terrorism, thus to control money- laundering by terrorist organizations in and through the country. The Republic of Korea’s accession to the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD)-affiliated Financial Action Task Force in October 2009 allows it to actively participate in the process of setting and revising global anti- money-laundering and standards in combating the financing of terrorism, and to increase international cooperation. The Republic of Korea is also making use of its advanced information technology to lead the fight against cyberterrorism. The distributed denial-of- service attacks are a strong reminder that cyberattacks have the power to paralyze national infrastructure. Together with the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, it is now time to make another serious attempt to adopt a comprehensive convention on international terrorism that would reinforce the legal network for preventing international terrorism. The Republic of Korea has made efforts to help other States to build and enhance their counter- terrorism capacity through various assistance programmes. Such programmes involve the participation of governmental agencies. They cover a broad spectrum of projects, such as preventing crime and ensuring criminal justice, forensic science investigation, the prevention of money-laundering, maritime security, cybersecurity and drug control. The Republic of Korea became a member of the OECD Development Assistance Committee in November 2009. The Republic of Korea will continue to develop its assistance programmes in terms of substance and with a view to broadening the range of cooperation, reflecting the needs in the field of counter-terrorism capacity-building. Welcoming the progress towards the finalization of the institutionalization of the Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force (CTITF), the Republic of Korea expects that the CTITF will continue to play an important role in ensuring overall coordination and coherence in the counter-terrorism efforts of the United Nations system and in promoting international cooperation and capacity-building. As a State party to major international legal instruments of human rights law, refugee law and international humanitarian law, the Republic of Korea has endeavoured to ensure that its various counter- terrorism measures comply with obligations under those international legal instruments. The Republic of Korea shares the view that effective counter-terrorism efforts and the protection of human rights are not contradictory but, rather, mutually reinforcing. Recent terrorist attacks have demonstrated only too clearly that terrorism is an indiscriminate affront to humanity. Terrorism cannot be linked to a particular nationality, religion, civilization or culture. It is a common threat we all face, and as a result requires solidarity on the part of the international community. Standing united under the goal of ensuring peace and security for the world, the Republic of Korea takes this opportunity to reaffirm its strong commitment to the international community’s tireless efforts to combat terrorism.

The Belgian presidency has clearly outlined the positions of the European Union. I would, of course, like to align myself fully with that statement and reinforce some general points based on our own experience. This meeting is indeed an occasion not only to review the Strategy but to celebrate that landmark achievement, which unites all of us on the basis of one single and holistic approach. This is truly remarkable in relation to an issue as sensitive and potentially divisive as counter-terrorism. If we shall have grounds to celebrate also at the next review of the Strategy, we must, however, stay ambitious. The Strategy remains an adequate framework but we need it to make even more of a difference on the ground. It is like riding a bicycle. You need to keep moving the pedals; otherwise you will fall over. In moving forward, it is our suggestion that we navigate using the following bearings. We need to tear down the walls between the security community and the development community and between their respective agendas. It is increasingly clear that these dividing lines are artificial and that there is an intimate relationship between security and development. We can have no real security without development and no real development without security. This is true for all our countries, irrespective of their level of development. Including counter-terrorism capacity-building as an aspect of development programmes is a delicate but nevertheless necessary task. Our national experience as an important donor country shows that this is possible. The report of the Secretary-General (A/64/818) also usefully highlights the links between development and social inclusion agendas, such as the effect youth employment could have on reducing marginalization and thereby the potential for extremism and recruitment. On the initiative and under the aegis of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Denmark participated in organizing the first meeting of the counter-terrorism focal points in the ECOWAS region in the spring of 2010. One of the forceful points coming out of that process was exactly the strong interrelationship between a range of interlinked security and development challenges and the need to tackle them simultaneously. A report developed by the Center on Global Counterterrorism Cooperation setting out these points is available, and it is our hope that countries in the region, other United Nations Member States and the United Nations system can follow up on the recommendations. Denmark will do what we can to facilitate that. All relevant parts of the United Nations system need to be fully engaged. The CTITF should be commended for its efforts in this regard. Moving forward, this should increasingly involve United Nations bodies coming also from the development perspective. This applies in particular to the United Nations Development Programme but also to UNESCO. This is extremely important also because counter-terrorism and counter-radicalization measures should be reflected in national development plans or poverty reduction strategies that recognize links between development and security strategies if we want to make a difference. Some United Nations bodies, such as the Terrorist Prevention Branch of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and, increasingly, the Counter- Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (CTED) are active in the field either by implementing or identifying projects. This field presence should be further developed, and other relevant United Nations bodies should take inspiration from this and should also be appropriately reflected in relation to the renewal of the mandate of CTED later this year. The commitment and efforts of each individual country and the full national ownership of the measures are fundamental. The importance of regional organizations and of regional centres cannot, however, be overestimated. Terrorism, by its very nature, is a transborder phenomenon, and should be addressed as such. Indonesia and Australia have provided us with a beacon we can follow in the shape of the Jakarta Centre for Law Enforcement Cooperation. The Centre is playing an important role, not only for the two countries most directly involved but for the whole South-East Asian region, and has now also received considerable support from other donors. The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and the IGAD Capacity Building Programme against Terrorism are key to actions in East Africa, and ECOWAS is taking on a bigger role in West Africa. We therefore believe that the establishment of an institution that could do for South Asia what the Jakarta Centre has done for South-East Asia is very important, and we hope that this agenda can gain broad support and go forward swiftly. While the goal of countering terrorism is shared around the world, questions have been raised about the means used. There is a perception and concern in global public opinion that efforts to strengthen law enforcement and other security-related counter- terrorism capacities have in some cases led to human rights violations and to the oppression of civil society and legitimate opposition. We need constantly to ensure that the instruments we use to fight terrorism, such as targeted sanctions, are in full compliance with human rights standards and reflect due process guarantees. If they are not, we will undermine the legitimacy of our fight, and thus its effectiveness. Fighting terrorism and protecting human rights are in no way conflicting goals. The notion of a trade-off is false. Here we should move forward and bring together the security community and the human rights community. The approach should be not an ideological but a practical one. We need to focus on the concrete measures we have taken, to stay effective in our common fight against terrorism, and to try to identify ways to maximize due process and other guarantees for each measure. A better understanding of this at the practitioner level, maybe in the form of best practices, would be an important contribution to the implementation of the Strategy. We have come a long way. If we want to be celebrating the Strategy again in two years’ time, we need a continuing commitment to involvement, cooperation and implementation at the highest levels and in all relevant bodies. We are confident that this will happen.

I am grateful for the organization of this meeting, which we believe to be most timely. Acts of terrorism are a direct, heinous assault on human rights and one of the most serious threats to the peace and security of all peoples. We therefore unequivocally reject terrorism and any argument used to justify or, worse, glorify it. That said, Costa Rica wishes to take this opportunity to express two concerns. The first relates to the growing confluence between the strategies, links and methods of terrorist groups and those of organized crime. There is a growing relationship between the arms trafficking practiced by terrorists and other criminals and money-laundering, drug trafficking and even the trafficking and exploitation of human beings. Our second concern is that the possibility of greater nuclear proliferation may facilitate terrorists’ future access to components with the capacity for mass destruction. The conclusion is clear. We are confronted by risks and networks of growing complexity and size, in the face of which the international community must offer an organized, coherent, decided, intelligent, systematic and systemic response. If we take this line of thought and action, we must not only consider whether we are doing well what we have decided to do, but also what new doctrines and methods reality imposes on us. It is precisely this second review of the Global Strategy that gives us the opportunity once again to consider the progress or failures in its implementation, grasping the lessons that would allow us to improve it and, based on those lessons, to continue to make progress on a level commensurate with the size and character of these networks. Costa Rica believes that the four pillars of the Strategy are equally important and mutually complementary. Our duty as States is to encourage their equitable, coordinated application on a national, global and regional scale. As my country believes firmly in multilateralism and international law, the importance of respecting human rights in the struggle against terrorism is a fundamental point of Costa Rican foreign policy. The adoption of effective policies to counter terrorism and the protection of human rights are mutually reinforcing. This is why, without losing its effectiveness, the fight against this scourge must be conducted in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations and international law. In this regard, efforts to improve transparency and accountability are particularly important in the processes for listing and de-listing persons and entities associated with Al-Qaida and the Taliban on the Security Council’s consolidated list, established in accordance with resolution 1267 (1999). The need for an impartial, nimble system that allows listed individuals to exercise their right to defend themselves is essential. Costa Rica believes that the appointment of Ms. Kimberly Prost as the Ombudsperson for counter-terrorism is an important step in that direction, and we welcome it. By conviction, and in compliance with its obligations and commitments, Costa Rica has taken important steps against terrorism at the national, global and regional levels. In 2006, we established an inter- institutional committee on terrorism that unites all national bodies involved in this area under the coordination of the Office of the President. The committee maintains relations with both the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Committee and the Inter- American Committee Against Terrorism of the Organization of American States (OAS). On 16 March 2009, we enacted a law strengthening terrorism, which, among other measures, updates procedures for fighting terrorism, drug trafficking, money-laundering, human trafficking and related criminal activity. In addition, the law provides for tough punishments for those who help foment terrorism, defines the financing of terrorism as a crime, incorporates a system of prevention, control and suppression of this activity, and establishes requirements for greater transparency and awareness of clients in financial activities. At the international level, Costa Rica participated with the other member States of the International Process on Global Counter-Terrorism Cooperation — Japan, Slovakia, Switzerland and Turkey — in organizing an international workshop for national counter-terrorism coordinators, which took place in Vienna in October 2009. In this way, we join Norway, Austria, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, the Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force and the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate. At the regional level, our country cooperates closely in various efforts, particularly the Inter-American Committee Against Terrorism, whose coordination with the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Committee is essential for our countries. In Central America, our immediate geographic and historical environment, we have increased and improved cooperation between our countries. However, our economic vulnerabilities reduce our Governments’ direct capacity to act against terrorism and, especially, against organized crime. In the light of our Central American experience, we believe that the international community should improve its cooperation with those countries that, despite their willingness to fight such scourges, do not have enough resources to do so. I conclude with a reaffirmation of our commitment to fighting terrorism as part of a broader commitment to human rights and to the well-being, security and peace of our citizens and those of the entire world.

I endorse the statement made by the representative of Syrian Arab Republic on behalf of the States members of the Organization of the Islamic Conference, and welcome the holding of this second biennial review of the implementation of the United Nations Global Counter- Terrorism Strategy, which offers us another excellent opportunity to further reaffirm our firm commitment to acting together to confront the threat of terrorism. I also welcome the appointment of our colleague and friend, Dr. Abulkalam Abdul Momen, Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to the United Nations, as facilitator of the second biennial review. The outstanding manner in which he guided negotiations on the draft resolution (A/64/L.69) before us confirmed his great qualities as an academic and a diplomat, with which we were already familiar. I would also like to commend the entire team that supported him in that undertaking. The historic adoption on 8 September 2006 of the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy was undoubtedly the crowning achievement of our collective mobilization to deliver a global coordinated response to the scourge of terrorism. In truth, the scale of the terrorist threat is such that no State can effectively tackle it alone. Therein lies the merit of the Counter- Terrorism Strategy, whose comprehensive, balanced and effective implementation would surely represent a significant step forward in our struggle to eradicate terrorism. As provided for in paragraph 14 of resolution 62/272, the task we are again undertaking at this second biennial review of the Global Counter- Terrorism Strategy is to take stock of its implementation with a view to assessing progress already achieved, determining areas requiring additional action and identifying, above all, potential gaps in order to make the necessary corrections. Above all, we need to take stock of the implementation of the Strategy by Member States, which have the primary responsibility to that end, and to assess the action undertaken in that framework within the United Nations system and at the regional level. The report of the Secretary-General (A/64/818), whose publication we welcome, broadly informs us of the activities undertaken by the United Nations system to implement the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy since the first biennial review. We also have an opportunity to exchange information at this debate on what we have done in this field as Member States. We therefore hope that this meeting will allow us to agree on the key actions to be taken, at all levels identified in the Strategy, with a view to enhancing its implementation, which is already on the right track, and to give it further momentum. It is pleasing to note that considerable progress has been made in the implementation since the first biennial review, held in September 2006. This progress is a result, in particular, of actions undertaken by States both at the national level and within the framework of regional or international cooperation. They also constitute, as indicated in the Secretary-General’s report, the fruit of considerable efforts deployed by many United Nations bodies, programmes, funds and specialized agencies and by regional organizations and non-governmental organizations to promote, inter alia, economic development, conflict prevention and a culture of peace and a dialogue between civilizations. Among the activities undertaken in these areas, initiatives to strengthen intercultural and interreligious dialogue are particularly important in the struggle to eradicate conditions that are conducive to the spread of terrorism because they promote better understanding between peoples and the emergence of a greater culture of tolerance. Dialogue among civilizations, combating prejudice, tolerance and strengthening cooperation between religions and cultures are undoubtedly among the most effective ways to promote cooperation and achieve success in countering terrorism. It is by rejuvenating the ideals of peace, dialogue and tolerance that we will contribute effectively to meeting the challenge of ensuring for present and future generations a peaceful and safer world, free of gratuitous hatred and violence. Another challenge that we must meet in the struggle against terrorism is that of development. In that respect, there is a need to stress that, in addition to our efforts to establish true dialogue among peoples and to combat wanton hatred and ignorance, we need to work to create decent living conditions for all by combating abject poverty through a true commitment to promoting development. System-wide coherence in countering terrorism, as well as capacity-building and assistance to Member States, are crucial to a comprehensive and equal implementation of the four pillars of the Strategy. According to the report, the methodology developed by the Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force in the context of its integrated assistance initiative, allowing States to seek the help of Task Force members following a simple procedure via a single focal point, deserves to be commended in that respect. I also welcome the adoption on 24 December 2009 of resolution 64/235 on the institutionalization of the Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force, which calls for greater interaction between it and the Member States. Senegal has demonstrated its commitment to fighting terrorism by adopting a series of internal measures to strengthen the relevant existing legal and institutional mechanisms and by actively cooperating in the fight against terrorism at the bilateral, regional and international levels. As a party to 13 relevant international counter- terrorism conventions, my country is convinced that the ultimate success of our common undertaking to eradicate terrorism will depend largely on the combined efforts of all actors concerned in the framework of sincere, dynamic and inclusive international cooperation. Senegal also participates at the regional level, inter alia, as a member of the Community of Sahelo-Saharan States, in the forum of representatives of the intelligence services of its 23 member States, which offers a framework for exchanging information and assessing the terrorist threat. We are also heavily involved in the Economic Community of West African States, and sincerely thank Denmark for its valuable assistance to the countries of the West African subregion. At the same time, Senegal has also been a member since 2006 of the Trans- Saharan Partnership against Terrorism, which seeks to strengthen the counter-terrorism capacities of its member States. In conclusion, allow me to reiterate the importance that Senegal attaches to respecting human rights law and international law in the fight against terrorism.

My country has a long history of dealing with and fighting the phenomena of violence and terrorism. Jordan has witnessed attacks against its national security in the past, since the time when the founder of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, Abdullah al-Awad ibn al-Hussein was assassinated. Terrorism has also targeted our citizens and institutions both inside and outside the country. Therefore, Jordan’s firm policy unequivocally condemns all forms and manifestations of terrorism committed by anyone, anywhere and for whatever purposes. We believe that terrorism is an international scourge and must be dismantled and uprooted through coordinated international efforts. It recognizes no borders and no homeland and is among the most dangerous threats to international peace and security. Terrorism will not be fully eradicated solely through preventive security and administrative or precautionary measures. The fundamental causes leading to the proliferation of terrorism, in particular its economic, political and legal causes, must be addressed. We confirm that the rule of law and human rights must be respected in the fight against terrorism at the national and the international levels. In that context, Jordan rejects the linking of terrorism to any particular group, religion, culture or nationality. Terrorism is a scourge from which all humanity suffers, irrespective of its different regimes, ideas and beliefs. This message from Amman seeks to spread the culture of peace, equality and tolerance. The General Assembly adopted the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy and its four pillars in 2006 (resolution 60/288), and Jordan considers this review of the Strategy to be extremely important. We stress our unity in condemning terrorism and in fighting it. Allow me to thank His Excellency Mr. Abulkalam Abdul Momen, Permanent Representative of Bangladesh, and his team for their great efforts in preparing draft resolution A/64/L.69 on the Counter- Terrorism Strategy. We also thank the Secretary- General for his report (A/64/818), “United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy: activities of the United Nations system in implementing the Strategy”. We also confirm the work of the Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force. Jordan has taken many firm and comprehensive measures to combat terrorism and to maintain the rule of law and peace and security. Jordan has also made administrative and legislative changes to conform to international norms and agreements. My country has modified its penal code, adopted a counter-terrorism law and modified the law against money-laundering in line with international efforts to track, prosecute and put an end to terrorists and their destructive acts. Jordan has also taken other measures, including prohibiting terrorist organizations from using its territory. We enforce strict security measures at our borders, in particular on identification verification, and our customs authorities have also implemented certain measures. With respect to banking security, we request verification for money transfers and cooperate with INTERPOL and many friendly countries in countering terrorism. Jordan has signed many bilateral and international agreements, revealing its commitment to cooperate in extending mutual legal assistance. Additionally, Jordan has signed many international counter-terrorism agreements and enacted many such agreements at the international level and among the Arab States, raising the alarm against terrorism and calling for its defeat. Finally, Jordan counts on the successful implementation of the Strategy because the fight against terrorism will be successful not only through national and regional efforts, but through comprehensive international efforts as well, and the Strategy is one of its main pillars. We are more than ready here to maintain and strengthen our cooperation with all United Nations organizations in order to ensure the success of these efforts.

On behalf of my delegation, permit me to add to the appreciation expressed for organizing this meeting of the Assembly to carry out the second biennial review of the implementation of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy and the plan of action (see resolution 60/288, annex), both adopted in 2006. My delegation fully adheres to the statement made by the Permanent Representative of Belgium on behalf of the European Union. I also wish to express our thanks for the work done by Mr. Abdulkalam Abdul Momen, Permanent Representative of Bangladesh who facilitated preparation of the draft resolution (A/64/L.69) submitted for our consideration. Four years ago, the General Assembly took a historic step by adopting the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy by consensus. Spain played a prominent role in its inception, and it is now the responsibility of all to ensure its effective implementation. We therefore welcome the thorough report of the Secretary-General (A/64/818) before us today, which sets out the most outstanding achievements of the entire United Nations system in its efforts to implement the Global Strategy. Spain believes that it is indispensable to adopt measures to address the conditions conducive to the spread of terrorism, as highlighted in section I of the plan of action of the Strategy. On this point, I recall that Spain actively contributes, together with Turkey and many other countries and organizations, to the Alliance of Civilizations, an initiative introduced six years ago to this Assembly by the President of the Government of Spain, which was then undertaken by the Secretary- General. Spain has actively supported the convening of the forums of the Alliance, held, successively, in Madrid in 2008, Istanbul in 2009, and Rio de Janeiro in 2010. As the result of all these efforts, in November 2009 the General Assembly adopted by consensus resolution 64/14 on the Alliance of Civilizations. Another priority action for Spain in the context of the fight against terrorism is the promotion of international solidarity in support of the victims of terrorism. Spain believes that victims must play a key role in any strategy to fight terrorism. We have therefore developed a system to assist, respond and provide reparations to victims, which I dare to describe as one of the most comprehensive in the world. I take this opportunity to offer to share our experience and to offer our cooperation in this area to any State that wishes to implement similar measures to support victims of terrorism. Spain has welcomed and supported the organization by the Office of the Task Force of the International Symposium on Supporting Victims of Terrorism, convened by the Secretary-General here in 2008. We would like to see a similar meeting take place in the near future. Accordingly, we call on the Secretary-General and the Office of the Task Force to take the necessary steps to make this possible. Spain should also have liked to see the necessary objective of promoting and protecting the rights of the victims of terrorism recognized in the draft resolution before us today (A/64/L.69). Because of time constraints, it was not possible to do so, but we trust that this important issue will be duly taken up in future reviews of the implementation of the Global Strategy. With regard to measures to prevent and to combat terrorism, I wish to highlight the fact that Spain has ratified the 16 conventions and protocols of the United Nations that constitute the international normative framework for counter-terrorism measures. Spain will continue working for the consolidation and development of this framework, which should lead to the future conclusion of a global United Nations counter-terrorism convention. With regard to measures to build States’ capacity to prevent and combat terrorism and to strengthen the role of the United Nations system in that regard, Spain has made periodic contributions to the Counter- Terrorism Implementation Task Force. Spain also provides financial support to the technical support work conducted by the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate of the Security Council, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, and other regional and sectoral organizations and institutions, particularly in Africa. Finally, in order to develop the section of the Global Strategy on measures to ensure respect for human rights and the rule of law as a fundamental basis for the fight against terrorism, Spain has promoted an international counter-terrorism approach that gives consistent priority to international legality, respect for human rights and rule of law instruments. Spain is firmly convinced that respect for human rights and the rule of law should be the basis and the limit for any action of the State and the international community in the fight against terrorism. Spain firmly supports active and efficient multilateralism in the fight against terrorism. We believe that the United Nations Global Counter- Terrorism Strategy is a valuable instrument to respond to the global threat of terrorism. To that end, we will need the firm commitment and cooperation of all, and the full implementation of the Global Strategy is an essential path thereto.

Let me begin by thanking the Secretary-General for his report on the implementation of the United Nations Global Counter- Terrorism Strategy (A/64/818). Following the first biennial review of the Strategy two years ago, it is a very comprehensive report and contains gratifying information about the work being undertaken both within the United Nations system and by Member States. Indonesia would also like to express its sincere appreciation to Ambassador Abulkalam Abdul Momen, Permanent Representative of Bangladesh, for his tireless efforts in facilitating the Counter-Terrorism Strategy review consultations. It is our hope that the draft resolution emanating from those consultations (A/64/L.69) will be adopted very soon by consensus. My delegation wishes to align itself with the statement of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) delivered by the Permanent Representative of Viet Nam and the statement of the Organization of the Islamic Conference delivered earlier by the Permanent Representative of the Syrian Arab Republic. The Counter-Terrorism Strategy is indeed of great importance to members of the international community. Indonesia believes, however, that it must be implemented with full recognition for the principles of the United Nations Charter, particularly as they pertain to the sovereign equality of States and their territorial integrity and political independence. Having seen the menace of terrorism at its most reprehensible, Indonesia welcomes the full implementation of the four pillars of the Counter- Terrorism Strategy. We have worked tirelessly in this direction. For several years now, our national response to the challenge of terrorism has followed these pillars, and we believe that they provide the required holistic framework that can guarantee coordination and success. At the national level, Indonesia has ratified seven of the universal counter-terrorism instruments. We have also signed the Protocol for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts of Violence at Airports Serving International Civil Aviation, and are in the process of ratifying the 1991 Convention on the Marking of Plastic Explosives for the Purpose of Detection. At the bilateral level, we continue to develop or strengthen cooperation with various countries, including the Russian Federation, the United States, France, the Netherlands and India. Regionally, Indonesia continues to work assiduously with various bodies, including ASEAN, the ASEAN Regional Forum, the Asia-Europe Meeting, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, the Bali Regional Ministerial Meeting on Counter-Terrorism and the Asia-Middle East Dialogue. Our focus includes preventing and combating terrorist financing, increased cooperation in investigations and the sharing of information among law enforcement authorities, as well as further exchanges of ideas on tightening border controls, capacity-building and interfaith dialogue. In this regard, let me point out how successful the Jakarta Centre for Law Enforcement Cooperation, which is a capacity-strengthening collaboration between Indonesia and Australia, has been. As a regional training centre for law enforcement officers engaged in combating transnational crime, specifically counter-terrorism, the Centre has, since its establishment in 2004, conducted more than 200 courses for participants from 45 countries in the Asia- Pacific region and trained over 6,000 participants in the process. Similarly, in the effort to prevent the indiscriminate targeting of different religions and cultures, we have actively taken the lead by encouraging, hosting and participating in a variety of interfaith dialogues with other countries. And in recognition of the critical importance of seeking a balance between promoting tolerance and freedom of expression, Indonesia and Norway have sponsored the Global Inter-Media Dialogue three times since 2006. We continue to be committed to promoting the effective implementation of the resolution 1267 (1999) sanctions regime. Of great importance to us is the need to improve its procedures, which would be of assistance to Member States in the implementation process. Indonesia continues to clarify and strengthen its national strategy on counter-terrorism, which was adopted through a ministerial decision in 2006. In addition to a wide range of existing legislative measures aimed at countering terrorist activity, Indonesia is currently drafting legislation on terrorist financing. In order to strengthen coordination relating to the issue of terrorism, Indonesia, through a presidential regulation, has established a national coordinating body for combating terrorism with responsibility for, among other things, implementing the five universal counter-terrorism strategies, namely, prevention, protection, enforcement, preparedness and recovery. We will also continue to pay greater attention to the protection of the victims of terrorism, an effort for which Indonesia now has various legislative provisions, including a provision concerning witnesses in terrorism cases. It remains the belief of Indonesia that the only way to fight terrorism successfully is to implement the measures incorporated in the Strategy in a consistent, transparent, balanced and comprehensive manner. A key element here is to address those conditions that are deemed conducive to the spread of terrorism. If undertaken by all stakeholders diligently and universally, we can make substantial headway. One of the most important measures is the extension of technical assistance to Member States in order to help them enhance their capacity, as required by the third pillar of the Strategy. We also support enhanced dialogue among Member States with the objective of promoting international, regional and subregional cooperation in the implementation of the Strategy. In this connection, Indonesia welcomed resolution 64/235 of 24 December 2009, by which the General Assembly institutionalized the Counter- Terrorism Implementation Task Force (CTITF) in order to enhance its coordination role. We believe that this is a critical step forward in the battle against terrorism because it provides the required overall coordination and coherence of counter-terrorism efforts in the United Nations system. At the same time, we call for the strengthening of transparency and coordination in its work, with extra attention being paid to the need to avoid duplication of work in all United Nations counter-terrorism activities. In addition, we urge the CTITF to work more closely with Member States so as to enhance their ability to fulfil their role in the implementation of the Strategy. Finally, my delegation looks forward to negotiating a comprehensive and balanced convention that respects the principles of international law and humanitarian law, as well as national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The delegation of the Islamic Republic of Iran would like to thank the President of the General Assembly for convening the second review of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. We appreciate the efforts of Ambassador Abulkalam Abdul Momen, Permanent Representative of Bangladesh, in facilitating the negotiations on the draft resolution on the second review of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy (A/64/L.69). My delegation aligns itself with the statement delivered by the Permanent Representative of the Syrian Arab Republic on behalf of the Organization of the Islamic Conference group, and fully endorses the principled position the group has consistently taken on the issue of terrorism. The adoption by consensus of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy on 8 September 2006 was a landmark step towards an integrated and collective approach, under the auspices of the United Nations, to tackling the problem of terrorism worldwide. It was an attempt to provide an inclusive remedy to a global challenge. The Strategy remains a living document that should be reviewed and adapted to the new circumstances as appropriate. The Strategy is built on a categorical condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, committed by whomever, wherever and for whatever purpose. The Strategy’s call for removing conditions conducive to the spread of terrorism is a realistic approach to addressing this multifaceted phenomenon. It is imperative to understand that terrorism cannot be eliminated if the environment that breeds hatred, violence and chaos, including the unlawful use of force, aggression, foreign occupation, injustice and exclusion, is allowed to thrive. States play the key role in eliminating terrorism. A holistic approach to countering terrorism requires collective will on the part of all States to develop a culture of peace and tolerance, as well as a commitment to the peaceful resolution of disputes. Four years after the adoption of the Strategy, one may ask how effectively terrorism has been countered. The facts on the ground are not very encouraging, despite many efforts undertaken at the national, regional and global levels to prevent and combat terrorism. Terrorist acts continue to target civilians, particularly in our region of the Middle East, and an increasing number of innocent men, women and children fall victim to brutal acts of terrorism. Unfortunately, many more are killed and injured as part of the so-called collateral damage of occupying forces’ military strikes. On the other hand, certain Powers persist in propagating a culture of terror and intimidation in pursuing their national interests, and in doing so they offer a bad model to be followed by extremists and terrorist groups. It is almost impossible to overcome terrorism while a culture of terror and intimidation is expanded by certain Powers. Moreover, some States insist on applying double standards in dealing with terrorist groups by acquiescing to certain terrorist groups that they regard as beneficial to their narrow political interests. The Islamic Republic of Iran strongly condemns terrorism in all its forms and practices, including State terrorism. It is our firm belief that resort to indiscriminate violence and terrorist acts, whether by terrorist groups or by State military and security forces, killing and maiming innocent people and generating terror and intimidation among civilians are criminal acts that cannot be justified in any manner. My country has long been a target of terrorism supported and encouraged by certain foreign Powers that regard terrorism as one of the tools at their disposal to exert pressure on countries like Iran. The most recent terrorist act, carried out on 16 July 2010 in a mosque in the south-eastern city of Zahedan, killed and injured more than 200 innocent people. This inhuman act was carried out by the remaining elements of the terrorist group Jundullah, which has carried out a string of terrorist acts in south-eastern Iran over the past four years. These terrorist activities are, in part, the result of the prevailing disorder and violence caused by foreign invasion and interference in the region. There is also evidence that those terrorist activities were actively supported by foreign military and security services. Just a few months ago, the Islamic Republic of Iran managed to capture the leader of the terrorist group Jundullah. There is undeniable evidence, including his own confession, that he enjoyed extensive support from certain countries that have military a presence in our neighbouring countries. The biannual reviews of the Strategy are an opportunity to renew our commitment to implementing the Strategy in all its four pillars and in a consistent and integrated manner. It goes without saying that the responsibility for the implementation of the Strategy lies with Member States, and the Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force (CTITF) has the important task of coordinating the United Nations counter- terrorism activities. We trust that the institutionalization of the CTITF will contribute to the better functioning of that important United Nations body within its mandate. We also look forward to meaningful interactions between the general membership and the CTITF and to regular reporting by the Task Force to Member States. We would also like to highlight that the involvement of the United Nations specialized agencies in United Nations counter-terrorism activities under the CTITF should not affect their mandates and/or their much-needed operational activities. A consensus legal definition of terrorism would very much contribute to the successful implementation of the Strategy. In this regard, we reiterate the importance of the resolution 46/51, which in its preamble reaffirms “the inalienable right to self-determination and independence of all peoples under colonial and racist regimes and other forms of alien domination and foreign occupation, and uphold[s] the legitimacy of their struggle, in particular the struggle of national liberation movements, in accordance with the purposes and principles of the Charter and the Declaration on Principles of International Law”. We are concerned about the increase in terrorist acts in our region, which has been mainly brought about or triggered by the ongoing conflicts imposed by non-regional Powers. The unparalleled rise in terrorism in recent years, which has claimed the lives of tens of thousands of innocent people and resulted in huge economic damage and instability, has been mainly generated or fuelled by conflicts and wars inflicted upon the region from outside. The Islamic Republic of Iran has spared no effort in fighting terrorism. We stand ready to cooperate with other countries, especially our neighbours, and with the relevant United Nations bodies. Iran has been keen to improve its overall capacity to prevent and combat terrorism and crime. The accession of the Islamic Republic of Iran to three international instruments against terrorism — the 1988 Convention for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts against the Safety of Maritime Navigation, its Protocol for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts against the Safety of Fixed Platforms Located on the Continental Shelf, and the 1991 Convention on the Marking of Plastic Explosives for the Purpose of Detection — was recently endorsed by Parliament. Moreover, the Anti-Money-Laundering Act, which has been in force since early 2008, provides the necessary and sufficient legal tools to prevent and fight the laundering of the proceeds of any crime. The establishment of the Financial Information Unit was one of the results of this Act, which is essential to improving information-gathering on illegal financial activities. Accession to the 1999 International Convention for the Suppression of the Financing of Terrorism is also under way. We have also benefited from the technical assistance of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime in combating terrorism and crime through a number of joint projects and workshops. A number of initiatives have also been taken at the bilateral and regional levels — particularly among the members of the Economic Cooperation Organization and trilaterally between Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan — to promote cooperation against terrorism and transnational organized crime, especially drug trafficking, given the fact that drug trafficking has been used as the main financial source for some terrorist groups in the region. A good number of bilateral agreements and memorandums of understanding have been concluded to strengthen mutual legal cooperation and judicial assistance in combating organized crime and terrorist acts. For decades, the Islamic Republic of Iran has been at the forefront of a full-scale war against transnational drug mafias. Thousands of Iranian law enforcement personnel have lost their lives, and billions of dollars have been spent to combat drug traffickers and to interdict opium shipments. According to the most recent report of the Secretary-General on international cooperation against the world drug problem (A/65/93), more than 6,900 tons of opium — or 89 per cent of the world total in 2009 — were produced in neighbouring Afghanistan. Most of this product is trafficked across Iran’s borders. We urge the international community to pay more attention to this issue. We have shouldered a great burden, largely without receiving minimal assistance from the international community, but we should note that no country can tackle this scourge single-handedly. In our efforts to uproot terrorism, due attention should be paid to all ways and means that may be used by terrorist groups to pursue their dangerous activities. In that context, we share the concern that terrorist groups may increasingly use the Internet, both in campaigning for their vicious cause and in pursuing their criminal activities. That needs due consideration by States and the relevant United Nations bodies. Terrorism is a despicable crime that should be rejected in all its forms by and against whomever it may be committed. Selectivity and double standards in dealing with terrorist groups are real impediments to eliminating terrorism. Likewise, linking terrorism with any religion, nationality or culture must be rejected. Such an unwise approach towards terrorism will only lead to distrust, hatred and division among nations. It is imperative that we redouble our collective efforts to promote dialogue and tolerance among civilizations and cultures — as was mentioned by my colleague from Indonesia — and to counter disrespect for and defamation of religions.

I thank the President for convening this plenary meeting to consider the progress made since the first review of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy and its plan of action two years ago. I express my appreciation to the facilitator, Ambassador Momen of Bangladesh, and his expert team for leading the process of the negotiation of the outcome document of this meeting. We welcome the draft resolution (A/64/L.69) agreed upon by all delegations, and believe that it represents a solid basis for the future implementation of the Strategy. At the outset, allow me to reiterate that Croatia firmly believes that the United Nations should play a central role in the global struggle against terrorism. The Strategy represents an overarching framework that brings together all Member States, United Nations bodies and agencies and other counter-terrorism partners. All countries and other relevant stakeholders should be committed to the full and integrated implementation of all four pillars of the Strategy. My country has aligned itself with the statement delivered earlier today on behalf of the European Union and fully supports the main messages contained therein. However, allow me to provide the Assembly with a brief account of Croatia’s implementation of the Strategy at the national, regional and international levels. Since the first review, Croatia has adopted a national strategy for the prevention and suppression of terrorism. That landmark document is guided by the principles and values enshrined in the Croatian Constitution and the United Nations Charter and is based on the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, the European Union Counter-Terrorism Strategy and other relevant international legal documents in this field. The coordination of implementation at the national level of all relevant international instruments and initiatives in the area of counter-terrorism is carried out by our inter-agency working group for the suppression of terrorism, which has been operational since 2001 and is chaired by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration. The Global Strategy describes broad and diverse measures under its first pillar. In that regard, Croatia is involved in a number of regional activities with the aim of preventing and suppressing conditions conducive to the spread of terrorism. Furthermore, during its two- year membership of the Security Council, Croatia was actively engaged in trying to find long-term solutions to a number of prolonged and unresolved conflicts. Allow me also to remind the Assembly that Croatia chaired the Counter-Terrorism Committee of the Security Council in 2008 and 2009, while, during our presidency of the Council in December 2008 the Croatian President chaired a thematic debate on global security and international terrorism. The outcome of that meeting was a presidential statement (S/PRST/2008/45) in which the Council, inter alia, called on all Member States to renew the degree of solidarity manifested immediately after the tragic events of 11 September 2001 and to redouble their efforts to tackle global terrorism. Croatia continues to contribute to United Nations peacekeeping and is currently participating in nine peacekeeping missions on the ground. Croatia also looks forward to an increased and strengthened role for the Peacebuilding Commission. As a country that has gradually undergone a transformation from recipient country to donor of development assistance, Croatia actively participates in international activities aimed at achieving sustainable development and eliminating potential factors of instability. Croatia has been active in promoting intercultural and interreligious dialogue in close cooperation with UNESCO and regional organizations. In particular, Croatia has contributed to intensifying regional dialogue in South-East Europe at the highest level, thus creating an atmosphere of good-neighbourly relations. Croatia became a member of the Group of Friends of the Alliance of Civilizations in May 2008 and recently adopted its national plan in that connection, which serves as an important and useful tool for building tolerance and understanding among nations. Croatia welcomes the first regional strategy of the Alliance of Civilizations for the countries of South-East Europe, adopted in Sarajevo in 2009, and looks forward to the adoption of the regional strategy and action plan for the Mediterranean. Croatia is also active within the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and the Council of Europe, where Croatia has chaired the Committee of Experts on Terrorism. Bearing in mind the need to prohibit incitement to commit terrorist acts and to prevent such conduct, Croatia has ratified a number of Council of Europe conventions and protocols on terrorism. Croatia is also advocating for other countries to use those legal instruments, as they are open to signature and ratification by States non-members of the Council of Europe. Under the second pillar of the Strategy, Croatia has undertaken a wide array of measures in order to prevent and combat terrorism, which represents a serious threat to international peace and security as it attempts to undermine the core values of the modern world. Croatia has ratified 14 key international conventions on the suppression of terrorism, including the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime and its three Protocols, as well as the United Nations Convention against Corruption. In addition, Croatia is active in the development and early use of monitoring mechanisms for those two Conventions. Croatia has fully harmonized its legislation with the European Union framework decision on combating terrorism of June 2002. Accordingly, our domestic legislation has been adjusted as well. In 2008, an important set of amendments was adopted to the criminal code as new offences had been introduced, such as public instigation to terrorism and recruitment and training for terrorism. That enabled the direct incorporation of provisions of international and regional legal instruments, including requirements of Security Council resolution 1624 (2005). Furthermore, the new International Restrictive Measures Act was adopted in 2008. The Act enables more comprehensive and efficient implementation of sanctions regimes, including counter-terrorism sanctions adopted within the framework of the United Nations, the European Union and other international organizations, including restrictive measures introduced by Croatia in accordance with other obligations that are in conformity with international law. Croatia has also continued its cooperation with INTERPOL and the European Union in the area of enhancing border security and control of lost and stolen travel documents. Croatia has to date signed numerous bilateral treaties on police cooperation with other States and international organizations, including with all of our neighbouring countries. Under the third pillar of the Strategy, Croatia supports the activities of the United Nations Counter- Terrorism Implementation Task Force (CTITF), which is responsible for ensuring a comprehensive and coordinated approach in implementing the Strategy, which has been comprehensively elaborated in the report of the Secretary-General (A/64/818). Croatia welcomes the progress made in the final stage of the institutionalization of the Task Force pursuant to resolution 64/235, adopted by this body in December 2009. We believe that providing funding from the regular budget for the CTITF’s core operations will positively contribute to the coordination and harmonization of United Nations system-wide counter- terrorism efforts, as well as to providing support for the efforts of Member States to implement the Strategy in all its aspects. Croatian authorities have enjoyed constructive cooperation with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime in Vienna and with its Terrorism Prevention Branch, as well as with the OSCE, by actively participating in their various counter-terrorism conferences, workshops and seminars. Similar events have also been organized at the national level for the purpose of educating law enforcement officials, state attorneys, judges and customs officers. With regard to the fourth pillar, Croatia believes that effective counter-terrorism measures and the protection of human rights are indeed complementary and mutually reinforcing. Croatia has ratified a large number of international treaties and set up the necessary domestic measures to ensure full respect for human rights and a rule-of-law-based national criminal justice system. The protection of the highest human rights standards is enshrined in the Croatian Constitution. In our national strategy for the prevention and suppression of terrorism, special attention has been focused on the protection of human rights. Any measures taken to combat terrorism fully comply with our obligations under international law, in particular human rights law, refugee law and international humanitarian law. Finally, I believe that this second review will confirm the commitment of all participants to the implementation of the Strategy and chart the way forward towards reinforcing the consensus of the international community in fighting this heinous scourge.

I, too, would like to thank Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon for his useful report (A/64/818), and the facilitator, Ambassador Abulkalam Abdul Momen, Permanent Representative of Bangladesh, and his co- facilitator, our colleague Mr. Muhammad Rafiuddin Shah of Pakistan, whose tireless and well-appreciated work contributed to facilitating the arduous negotiations in recent weeks. The General Assembly, which has a central role within the United Nations system, in 2006 adopted the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy and its four pillars, which have served as the framework for combating terrorism. It is up to us to implement the pillars in a balanced and equal manner, bearing in mind that this is an ongoing process subject to periodic review against the backdrop of the provisions of international law in their entirety. While we take note of the progress that has been made, as set out in the report of the Secretary-General, and fully associate ourselves with the statement delivered by the representative of Syria on behalf of the Organization of the Islamic Conference, my country nevertheless believes that the progress made does not yet amount to the implementation of the Strategy’s pillars. In fact, the implementation of the Strategy is still far from achieving the goals of the first pillar, namely, measures to address the conditions conducive to the spread of terrorism. The consensus we have reached to put aside justifications for terrorism should not obviate the need to define the phenomenon of terrorism and to carry out an objective assessment of the sources and conditions conducive to tension and the breeding of terrorism — for example, the illegal use of force, aggression, occupation, the denial of the right of peoples to resist foreign occupation, injustice and various forms of economic and political marginalization. We cannot continue to ignore these conditions and sources, to apply double standards, to resort to pre-prepared accusations and to link terrorism to a specific religion, nationality, culture, ethnic group or geographic area. With regard to the Strategy’s second pillar — measures to prevent and combat terrorism — there is still a need for more effective measures. Without going into detail as to the necessary measures, we believe that preventing the funding of terrorism in all its forms, including the taking of hostages for ransom, merits special attention at the national and international levels, and that political asylum should adhere to the noble humanitarian objectives for which it was established. Greater effort is also needed in strengthening State capacities and providing increased technical assistance to enable countries to prevent and combat terrorism, as clearly called for by the Strategy’s third pillar. All of this should be done without sidelining measures to ensure respect for human rights for all and the primacy of the rule of law as the cornerstone for combating terrorism, as set out in the Strategy’s fourth and last pillar. As the Security Council’s Counter-Terrorism Committee was able to see during its last visit, my country has adopted a series of steps aimed at implementing the Strategy. We call on all Member States, which have the primary responsibility for the implementation of the Strategy, to bolster their efforts in that regard. We also call for strengthening the role of the United Nations system. In that connection, we underscore the important role of the Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force (CTITF), chaired by Mr. Jean-Paul Laborde. We believe that the CTITF should play an effective role that involves all States in a clear and transparent manner. I also recall the importance of adhering to all existing international legal instruments and arrangements, which should be complemented by the comprehensive counter-terrorism convention currently being drafted and by the holding of a General Assembly session resulting in a clear definition of terrorism that distinguishes that phenomenon from the legitimate resistance to occupation. The ultimate purpose should be to achieve the goals of the international community to eliminate the causes and manifestations of terrorism and to establish a world in which everyone can enjoy peace and security.

Let me take this opportunity, at the very outset, to offer my congratulations to Ambassador Abulkalam Abdul Momen, Permanent Representative of Bangladesh, on his outstanding efforts in facilitating consultations on the draft resolution on the second review of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy (A/64/L.69). We also thank the Secretary-General for his report (A/64/818) on the activities of the United Nations system in implementing the Strategy, which highlights the efforts of the United Nations system in that regard. Terrorism is the most abhorrent and heinous crime against humanity as a whole; indeed, it is the scourge of our times. It continues to be a pervasive and insidious threat not only to global security but also to the core values of the United Nations. It is our firm conviction that no belief, justification, political cause or argument can be used to justify acts of terrorism. We condemn terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, irrespective of its motivations, as criminal and unjustifiable. We therefore reiterate that no cause, no matter how seemingly just, can excuse terrorism. As a victim of terrorism and as its worst sufferer for many recent decades, India has an abiding interest in greater and more meaningful international cooperation to counter and combat terrorism. The adoption of the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy in 2006 was a landmark in the fight against terrorism. The four pillars of the Strategy deal with the menace of terrorism in a balanced manner that addresses all aspects, contributing as well as preventive. The institutionalization of the Counter- Terrorism Implementation Task Force (CTITF) in 2009 contributed to strengthening United Nations efforts to counter terrorism by providing an umbrella under which different United Nations entities can effectively implement the Strategy in a coordinated and coherent manner. We are confident that the institutionalization of the CTITF will streamline the overall work of the United Nations system in countering terrorism. As the primary responsibility for the implementation of the Strategy rests with Member States, we hope that the institutionalization process will also provide a useful platform for the practical engagement of the CTITF with Member States, guided by their individual needs. The United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy is a unique, universally agreed strategic framework to counter terrorism. The Strategy is intended to play a pivotal role in guiding counter- terrorism efforts undertaken at the global, regional, subregional and national levels. The Strategy needs to be implemented in an integrated manner in all its four pillars. The various United Nations and other specialized agencies have to ensure that counter- terrorism approaches and measures cater to regional, national, international and functional specificities to facilitate multidimensional technical assistance needs. In that regard, the CTITF has to play a crucial role in ensuring coordinated and coherent efforts across the United Nations system to counter-terrorism. India has firmly put in place a policy, strategic, administrative, operational and legal framework to implement the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy in all its four pillars. We are willing to share our experiences in the implementation of the Strategy and to provide assistance, bilaterally or multilaterally, as necessary and needed in the larger efforts to counter the threat of terrorism at the global, regional, subregional and national levels. We are also willing to share relevant information with competent United Nations agencies as and when the need arises. The draft resolution on the second review of the implementation of the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy is an important step forward. Stressing the primary responsibility of States to implement the Strategy, it lays emphasis on the implementation of the Strategy by the United Nations system in a coordinated and coherent manner and on the need to avoid the duplication of efforts undertaken by various United Nations entities. We are happy to see that the draft resolution encourages Member States to get involved in the work of the CTITF, not merely to receive regular quarterly briefings from the Task Force on its work but also to provide the CTITF with policy guidance and feedback on its work. This interactive mechanism will be immensely beneficial both for Member States and for the United Nations system in their joint efforts to combat terrorism. We are also happy to note the plans of the CTITF to bring its work to a wider audience through the development of a comprehensive website. That is a significant effort, as the work of the CTITF is relevant not only to Member States and United Nations entities but also to civil society at large. Encouraging Member States to participate in the work of the CTITF will further add value to the legitimacy and credibility of United Nations efforts to counter terrorism. In paragraph 139 of his report, the Secretary- General has very aptly pointed out that “The comprehensiveness of implementing the Strategy will not be complete without the conclusion of a comprehensive convention on international terrorism. As committed in the Strategy, Member States should make every effort to reach an agreement on the text and conclude the convention in order to unite behind the global counter-terrorism effort.” In conclusion, I wish to reassure the General Assembly that we will actively engage with the CTITF and all other relevant entities of the United Nations in the efforts of the Organization to counter terrorism.

My delegation associates itself with the statement delivered by the Permanent Representative of the Syrian Arab Republic on behalf of the Organization of the Islamic Conference. I should now like to make some comments in my national capacity. I first wish to thank the President for his initiative to convene this important meeting on the second review of the implementation of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, which was adopted in September 2006. I would also like to express our gratitude to Ambassador Abulkalam Abdul Momen, Permanent Representative of Bangladesh, and to the working group he led for their efforts to produce a draft resolution on the second review of the Strategy (A/64/L.69). The Kingdom of Morocco fully condemns all acts of terrorism. We are convinced that nothing can justify terrorism, irrespective of its motivations and goals. The terrorist acts that have taken place in the past two years are evidence of the fact that the fight against terrorism is not yet over and that, despite all the efforts that have been made, terrorism continues to be one of the most serious threats to international peace and security. In that regard, the scope, diversity and severity of the terrorist threat leads us to conclude that, despite its importance, actions by individual States cannot replace an effective, continuous and collective commitment to putting an end to terrorism as a real cross-border threat that can strike any nation regardless of religion or culture or level of development. In that respect, we reject all attempts, whatever their sources, to link terrorism to any religious or ethnic group, culture or faith, since terrorism denies all religious, moral or humanitarian values. The United Nations is the appropriate and legitimate framework for Member States to fight collectively against terrorism. Member States are working within that multilateral framework to draw up collective legislative measures against terrorism. The United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy is one of the most noteworthy signs of the international community’s resolve to eliminate this dangerous scourge and improve the performance of the United Nations in that regard. However, four years after the adoption of the Strategy, its success will be assessed based on events and results on the ground. This General Assembly meeting is a real opportunity to take stock of the progress we have made in implementing the provisions of the Strategy. In that respect, we would like to express our satisfaction at the discussions on the provisions of the draft resolution before us today in the context of the second review. The draft resolution reaffirms the basic principles agreed in resolution 60/288, adopted in 2006. It also contains a new provision on interaction between Member States and the Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force, institutionalized through resolution 64/235 of 2009, to achieve greater transparency and enable Member States to assess actions to be undertaken by the Task Force and receive observations and guidance on the general policy on efforts made towards the implementation of the Counter-Terrorism Strategy. Moreover, we are satisfied with the contents of paragraph 11 of the draft resolution before us, which reaffirm the need for enhanced dialogue among the counter-terrorism officials of Member States. That provision is very encouraging with regard to the speedy and operational implementation of the important proposals submitted by Saudi Arabia on establishing a good basis for the promotion and enhancement of cooperation, national capacity- building and sharing of experiences on counter- terrorism. My country has been active whenever signs of terrorism have appeared and has worked with other countries to establish a comprehensive and multilateral national approach in line with the United Nations Strategy and its four pillars. My country’s approach in the political, legal, security, economic, social and cultural fields has succeeded only because all our citizens have totally rejected terrorism and are committed to the values of tolerance, coexistence and the culture of peace. However, despite its success, that national approach will be sufficient only in conjunction with unconditional regional and international commitment and efforts to counter all forms of terrorism, in particular its funding and root causes, especially in its new form as transnational organized crime, which is increasing its links with terrorist networks worldwide. We are very concerned about the ongoing terrorist activity in the corridor between the Arab Mahreb and the Sahel and the link between such activity and drug trafficking, the small arms trade and clandestine immigration. However, we believe that the approach to be adopted by countries concerned about the region’s security must be based on solidarity, constructive dialogue, indivisibility and comprehensiveness, and that all parties should shoulder their responsibilities and form partnerships with the international organizations, in particular the United Nations, that assist countries in building their national capacities to counter terrorism. In conclusion, as we participate in this important review of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, we call for the consideration of new ideas for the next review, in accordance with the spirit and letter of paragraphs 16 and 17 of the draft resolution before us, so as to uphold the credibility and vitality of the Strategy that we adopted four years ago.

In the interests of time, I would like to highlight some of the points in the written statement being distributed. While Slovenia aligns itself with the statement made by the representative of Belgium on behalf of the European Union, I would like to make a couple of general remarks from a national perspective and present some national activities undertaken in support of the implementation of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy since September 2008. The United Nations remains the main international forum for action against terrorism. The consensus that enabled the adoption of the Strategy four years ago remains strong. The implementation of the Strategy gained pace with a number of activities at the international, regional, subregional and national levels. We recognize that significant progress has been achieved, yet much remains to be done. A comprehensive, balanced approach to the four pillars and sustained implementation remain crucial. We agree that a regular review is necessary to compare notes, improve our capabilities and take a fresh look at the issues that we are dealing with. A two-year interval seems the right approach. While the main responsibility for implementation lies with Member States, we fully support the activities of the Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force to ensure United Nations system-wide coherence. The Strategy and its implementation should also be considered through the prism of our regular reporting to the counter-terrorism bodies of the Security Council in order to avoid duplication and so-called reporting fatigue. Slovenia is now party to 14 of the 16 United Nations conventions and protocols on counter- terrorism. In the fall of last year, we ratified the International Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism and the amendments to the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material. We have also initiated internal procedures on the ratification of the remaining two Protocols on the suppression of unlawful acts against the safety of maritime navigation. In the fall of last year, Slovenia also ratified the Council of Europe Convention on the Prevention of Terrorism, and this spring the Council of Europe Convention on Laundering, Search, Seizure and Confiscation of the Proceeds from Crime and on the Financing of Terrorism. These ratifications were made possible by relevant amendments to the penal code and to the Law on the Prevention of Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing. In regard to the first pillar, we should continue to focus on the promotion of and respect for human rights, the rule of law, good governance, democracy, tolerance, education and economic prosperity. This is important from the perspective of countering the issue of radicalization and recruitment, and for addressing conditions conducive to the spread of terrorism. In regard to the second and third pillars, we believe that national efforts to counter terrorism should be complemented by international cooperation, since no country can cope with this scourge on its own. It is a long-term effort that will bring added value if we enhance existing cooperation and offer technical assistance to those who need it, through bilateral or multilateral channels. I would also like to inform the Assembly that the Slovenian Parliament approved a new national security strategy this spring. The revision of the strategy is part of an ongoing general overhaul of our strategic documents. This overall strategic framework identifies threats and challenges to national security at the global, supranational and national levels, and defines policies and instruments for addressing them. The strategies also call specifically for work to be done in partnership, whether bilaterally or in a regional or multilateral arena. The national security strategy recognizes the threat of terrorism and envisages the Government’s adoption of a national counter-terrorism plan. There is also a need to enhance cooperation between law enforcement and judicial authorities, which is not always easy to achieve. It is very important not only to condemn the perpetrators of terrorist acts, but also to do everything we can to prosecute them, while ensuring respect for human rights. With that commitment, we contribute to essential principles shared by our societies, such as the importance of the rule of law. Slovenia has concluded a number of bilateral agreements with more than 20 States on cooperation between Governments, police authorities and financial intelligence units in suppressing crime, including terrorism. Slovenia’s activities are aimed particularly at cooperation with the countries of the Western Balkans. Following Slovenia’s initiative, cooperation is under way on the basis of an agreement on counter-terrorism cooperation between police authorities in the region. Another Slovenian initiative, in the form of a transfer of European Union best practices on counter-terrorism, is being carried out in the Western Balkans in an effort to improve national capabilities through a comprehensive and structured approach. Concerning the fourth pillar of the plan of action, I would like to express our firm belief that any measures we undertake must comply with our obligations under international law, in particular international human rights law, international refugee law and international humanitarian law. In this context, we welcome the adoption of Security Council resolution 1904 (2009) on procedural guarantees, as well as the appointment of an Ombudsperson. We also wish to extend our continued full support for the work of the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism. In conclusion, I would like to recall that Slovenia has announced its candidature for a non-permanent seat on the Security Council for the period 2012-2013, and in that process will promote the further implementation of counter-terrorism measures, with due regard for the rule of law and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, as terrorism remains one of the most serious threats to international peace and security.

At the outset, let me thank the Secretary-General for his report (S/2010/818) and for his efforts to strengthen the implementation of the United Nations Counter- Terrorism Strategy. Our thanks also go to the President of the General Assembly and to the Permanent Representative of Bangladesh for their efforts during the informal consultations to facilitate reaching a consensus draft resolution on the second review conference. As a country that has only recently emerged from a long and brutal terrorist conflict, Sri Lanka takes considerable interest in the United Nations Counter- Terrorism Strategy. Sri Lanka’s experience during those long, dark years makes us very sensitive to and encouraged by all the measures employed by the international community to counter terrorism. Although we succeeded in eliminating the terrorist threat domestically, we remain vigilant about the possibility of terrorism rearing its ugly head again through international machinations. In this context, we welcome the Strategy’s emphasis on further enhancing the capacity of the United Nations and other international organizations to deal with terrorism and to assist Member States in countering terrorism themselves. We also welcome the call on States to cooperate with each other. Terrorism can be defeated effectively only through international cooperation and pragmatic action. We endorse the call on Member States to consider becoming a party to the existing instruments that deal with terrorism. We also take this opportunity to encourage Member States to make every effort to conclude negotiations on the comprehensive convention on terrorism. While we adopt international instruments and commit to putting them into effect, we must also avoid creating the impression that terrorists can somehow gain their goals through other means. I note that the terrorist group that was defeated in Sri Lanka is now conducting a massive international campaign to grab a victory in a different way by vilifying Sri Lanka. It is also sad that this campaign has gained some acceptance among important entities globally, encouraging the rump of the terrorist group to find new energy and purpose for its continued existence. We feel that it is incumbent on all of us who object to terrorism to ensure that our acts do not contribute to encouraging it, directly or indirectly. We have also noted that terrorist groups have used the system of political asylum to enable their members to seek safe haven elsewhere. Political asylum should be granted only after every precaution has been taken to ensure that terrorism is not encouraged in the process. Finally, we strongly encourage further strengthening of United Nations institutional mechanisms aimed at dealing with terrorism, including the provision of additional funding and staff.

My delegation aligns itself with the statement made by the representative of Syria on behalf of the 57 States members of the Organization of the Islamic Conference. We also echo the expression of appreciation extended to Ambassador Abulkalam Abdul Momen, Permanent Representative of Bangladesh, who was the facilitator for this year’s biennial review of the Strategy. His calm demeanour and mediating experience were factors that managed to carry through the draft resolution before us (A/64/L.69) to its eventual conclusion. A lesser man, to say the least, would probably not have fared as well, which is why I would urge the President of the Assembly to appoint a facilitator for the negotiations on the draft resolution as early as possible in advance of the next review, which I understand will be even earlier, in June 2012. In reading the Secretary-General’s report (A/64/818), my delegation could go only so far as to take note of the information therein. We were uneasy as to how a United Nations document — which is supposed to be of the highest possible standard — could contain a number of glaring factual mistakes. The first mistake appears, surprisingly, in paragraph 3 of the report itself. In describing what we Member States were doing on 4 and 5 September two years ago, the drafters of the report took it upon themselves to declare that the General Assembly held its first review of the implementation of the Strategy. My delegation was one of the many delegations that argued that the exercise in 2008 was a review of the Strategy, while the review of the implementation of the Strategy fell within the ambit of what the Secretariat was entrusted to undertake. As Member States, we reaffirmed the primary responsibility of Member States towards the Strategy in resolution 62/272 of 2008. In fact, paragraph 4 of 62/272 clearly states that the exercise undertaken on 4 and 5 September 2008 was the first biennial review of the Strategy. In another paragraph, the report is less factually incorrect, but still incorrect in its perception. Paragraph 134 talks about how Member States should receive coordinated advice, in particular from the Counter- Terrorism Implementation Task Force (CTITF). This is an inversion of the way matters should be, since the purpose of institutionalizing the CTITF was to ensure that it became a part of the Secretariat and therefore another subject of the Member States. I believe, however, that this is merely an oversight on the part of the drafters of the report, rather than an attempt to ensure that Member States become subservient to the Task Force. I would like to take this opportunity to record my delegation’s appreciation of the spirit of compromise and flexibility that prevailed during the negotiations of the draft resolution that we are about to adopt (A/64/L.69). From the very beginning, all delegations brought with them the willingness to accommodate and hear differing viewpoints. I believe that this helped the negotiations to the degree required in order to achieve consensus. We understand that while important positions had to be upheld, delegations were willing to bring to the negotiations a kind of compromise solution that would satisfy all parties. In 2008, when we first started this process, the positions of delegations were worlds apart. Whatever else we may achieve with this review, at least it has brought a better understanding of each other. Speaking of reviews, when we adopted the Strategy in 2006 through resolution 60/288, it was never meant to be cast in stone, which is why a clause was added in the resolution to ensure that every two years Member States would embark on a process of examining the progress made and consider updating it to respond to changes. My delegation believes that the time has now come for us to discuss the Strategy itself. We should set a timetable in which we update the Strategy to ensure its relevance in today’s world, particularly by taking note of new terrorism methods and how different tools are used by terrorist entities. With the current advances in technology and the innovation being shown by terrorist entities to adapt to a changing world, we too must show that we can adapt and change to be a step ahead of them in their own game. We should not tie ourselves to a dead-letter document merely to avoid difficult discussions. If we are committed to tackling the problem of terrorism, we should be willing to explore all the possible solutions to its causes. Finally, I would be remiss if I did not mention the Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force and its institutionalization through resolution 64/235 last year. The CTITF provides much-needed coordination and coherence in the implementation of the Strategy by ensuring that there is one entity that can play a lead role in linking all counter-terrorism activities of the United Nations and other organizations. My delegation believes that the added value the CTITF provides to the effort in countering terrorism lies in its coordination capacity. Under the new draft resolution, the duplication of the work of counter-terrorism entities is to be avoided in order to ensure cost-effectiveness. In the same vein, we would urge the Task Force not to duplicate the excellent work already being carried out by other entities on the ground. For example, the Task Force would not need to spend precious time and resources in undertaking a field visit when one of the other entities could so easily undertake such a field visit within its own mandate and then report back to the Task Force. Let me end by saying that terrorism and terrorist activities are an evolving matter and one that has shown great resilience and adaptability. Our challenge lies not only in addressing these activities, but also in ensuring that our solution, while keeping within the boundaries of the rule of law, can also yield concrete results through our continued commitment to cooperation and dialogue.

The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela is firmly committed to fighting terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and whatever its origin or motivation, including State terrorism, which is one of the most abhorrent forms of terrorism. We reaffirm our conviction that the fight against terrorism must be conducted within the framework of multilateralism and through close international cooperation on the basis of respect for the sovereignty and non-interference in the internal affairs of States and in accordance with obligations under international law, the Charter of the United Nations and relevant conventions and international and regional protocols. Venezuela has strictly fulfilled all of its commitments and obligations stemming from its status as a State party to various international legal instruments in the field of counter-terrorism, as well as other instruments, such as resolutions of the General Assembly and the Security Council. In our hemisphere, Venezuela is party to the Inter-American Convention against Terrorism and the Organization of American States Convention to Prevent and Punish Acts of Terrorism Taking the Form of Crimes against Persons and Related Extortion that are of International Significance. At the international level, Venezuela is party to the Convention on Offences and Certain Other Acts Committed on Board Aircraft; the Convention for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts against the Safety of Civil Aviation; the Convention for the Suppression of Unlawful Seizure of Aircraft; the International Convention against the Taking of Hostages; the International Convention for the Suppression of Terrorist Bombings; the International Convention for the Suppression of the Financing of Terrorism and the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of Crimes against Internationally Protected Persons, including Diplomatic Agents. In the context of international efforts to prevent the acquisition of weapons of mass destruction by terrorist groups and in line with resolution 1540 (2004), Venezuela has developed a bill to facilitate the implementation of that judicial instrument in its capacity as a State party to the Chemical Weapons Convention. With regard to the Biological Weapons Convention, institutional consultations are taking place for the purpose of forming a coordinating body to develop policies to strengthen the activities of the national Government in implementing the Convention. The Bolivarian Government is also considering, among other legal instruments, the International Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism with a view to possible membership. Since 2008, Venezuela has implemented a comprehensive national security plan on the measures to be applied to nuclear physical safety and radiation and waste management security. Venezuela is contemplating acceding to other international instruments, such as the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material, the Code of Practice on the International Transboundary Movement of Radioactive Waste and the Convention on Nuclear Safety. I should also like to point out that Venezuela has already enacted a law of accession to the Convention on Early Notification of a Nuclear Accident. Similarly, our National Assembly will soon enact a new draft law on weapons and explosives to replace the legislation currently in force. With regard to the international norms referred to in the 40 recommendations on money-laundering and the nine special recommendations on the financing of terrorism of the Financial Action Task Force, Venezuela is a member of the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force, which was formed to implement joint measures to address the problem of money laundering. My country has rigorously abided by the provisions on mutual judicial assistance and the extradition of any person who has participated in the planning, preparation, financing or commission of terrorist acts. Some Member States have assumed for themselves the role of standard-bearer in the fight against terrorism while allowing and defending impunity for dangerous terrorists who have served them abroad by participating in covert operations. Today, as Venezuela expresses its support for draft resolution A/64/L.69, we reaffirm our commitment to the implementation of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. My country is concerned that confessed and convicted terrorists are being protected, such as the Cuban-Venezuelan national Luis Posada Carriles, who is responsible for numerous terrorist attacks, including the bombing of a Cubana de Aviación aircraft flying off the coast of Barbados, in which more than 73 innocent persons lost their lives. It is highly worrisome that the extradition to Venezuela of Luis Posada Carriles has been denied repeatedly and that, barring that, calls to retry him for his terrorists acts have also been rebuffed. In that regard, I recall Security Council resolutions 1373 (2001) and 1624 (2005), which, among other things, urge States not to facilitate safe haven for terrorists or resort to political pretexts for refusing requests for the extradition of terrorists. Lastly, my country takes this opportunity to call once again for the immediate release of the five innocent Cuban heroes who fought terrorism, as well as for the extradition to Venezuela or the immediate trial of the dangerous international terrorist Luis Posada Carriles.

At the outset, on behalf of Ambassador Ebner, I would like to thank Ambassador Abulkalam Abdul Momen and his team for their skilful efforts in facilitating the consultations on the draft resolution (A/64/L.69) on the second review of the implementation of the United Nations Global Counter- Terrorism Strategy. Austria fully supports the statement delivered this morning by the representative of Belgium on behalf of the European Union. I will therefore limit my intervention to highlighting the following three points. First, I would like to express Austria’s strong commitment to promoting the implementation of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. The Strategy constitutes the first universally agreed strategic framework to combat terrorism. Its adoption by consensus in 2006 was a landmark event. However, its success depends entirely on its implementation through concrete measures by the authorities of Member States. We therefore must increase our efforts to make the Strategy known worldwide and ensure that it is implemented globally in a holistic and integrated manner. Austria has taken several initiatives in order to advance knowledge about and global implementation of the Strategy. In May 2007, Austria, together with the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force (CTITF) and the Terrorism Prevention Branch of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), organized the Vienna terrorism workshop, which was the first meeting after the adoption of the Strategy that brought together Member States, the Task Force, regional and subregional organizations and civil society to discuss the Strategy’s implementation. In October 2009, together with Switzerland, Norway, Turkey and other like-minded countries, Austria co-organized and hosted in Vienna the first global workshop of national counter-terrorism focal points which, again for the first time, brought together national counter-terrorism coordinators from more than 100 Member States and representatives of 40 regional organizations. The results and findings of that meeting were presented at a side event today. Austria will also support the series of planned regional focal point workshops to be held as follow-up to the Vienna workshop. Secondly, my delegation would like to underline the pivotal role of the United Nations at the heart of our global counter-terrorism efforts. Terrorism is a global threat that can be effectively combated globally only in a multilateral framework. Austria strongly supports the important work of the CTITF under the leadership of its Chairman, Mr. Jean-Paul Laborde, and recalls its core mandate to ensure overall coordination and coherence in the counter-terrorism efforts of the United Nations system. We welcome the progress towards finalizing the institutionalization of the Task Force in accordance with resolution 64/235, which was introduced by Austria along with a group of like-minded countries and adopted by consensus in December last year. We hope that the secretariat of the Task Force will soon become fully operational to develop its full potential. We call on the Task Force, through its Chairman, to interact more regularly with Member States by organizing periodic briefings about the work of the CTITF and its working groups and by developing a comprehensive website and email newsletters in order to ensure that its work is made more transparent and accessible. Thirdly, it is Austria’s firm belief that respect for the rule of law is a fundamental basis of the fight against terrorism. We all must ensure that any measures taken to combat terrorism comply with our obligations under international law, in particular human rights law, refugee law and international humanitarian law. The strengthening of the rule of law and criminal justice systems is particularly highlighted in the fourth pillar of the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Strategy. We strongly support the work of UNODC in this area, which provides technical assistance to Member States to develop their capacity to implement the Strategy. Austria is one of the largest voluntary contributors to the Terrorism Prevention Branch of UNODC and its global project on strengthening the legal regime against terrorism. On our own part, we remain firmly committed to strengthening the legal framework to combat terrorism. Austria has ratified and implemented all 16 universal counter-terrorism instruments as well as all relevant Security Council resolutions. As a non-permanent member of the Security Council, Austria is also committed to strengthening the rule of law in the work of the Council’s counter- terrorism committees. In particular, as Chair of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1267 (1999) concerning Al-Qaida and the Taliban, Austria has worked tirelessly over the past years to enhance due process and fair and clear procedures. On 30 July, the 1267 Committee concluded its two-year review of its consolidated list of individuals and entities subject to sanctions measures pursuant to resolution 1822 (2008). Of the 488 entries examined, almost 10 per cent — a that is, 45 entries — were removed from the list as a direct result of the review. Moreover, the recent appointment of Ms. Kimberly Prost as first Ombudsperson to receive de-listing requests in accordance with Security Council resolution 1904 (2009) constitutes a further quantum leap forward. As my delegation has stated on previous occasions, there is more to our task at hand if we are to succeed in implementing the United Nations Counter- Terrorism Strategy globally and to achieve our common goal to overcome the global threat of terrorism. We must leave all our disputes and distrust behind and unite our strengths — all of us, not only States and international, regional or subregional organizations, but also civil society, victims’ organizations and the private sector — in short, all of humankind. That is our real challenge. Let me reassure the Assembly of Austria’s support in this joint endeavour.

The delegation of Cuba wishes to thank the Secretary- General for his report on the implementation of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy (A/64/818). We also wish to laud the efforts of the Permanent Representative of Bangladesh, Ambassador Abulkalam Abdul Momen, as facilitator of the informal consultations undertaken to negotiate the draft resolution on the second review of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy (A/64/L.69). The delegation of Cuba wishes to reaffirm the importance of the Strategy as a central instrument for guiding our global fight against the scourge of terrorism, which has claimed so many innocent lives throughout history. Aware of the great responsibility we all have in the fight against terrorism and committed to multilateral efforts to bring an end to the scourge, the delegation of Cuba participated in the consultation process for the preparation of the draft resolution on the review of the Strategy (A/64/L.69). Once again, Cuba expresses its firm commitment in the fight against terrorism and in defence of multilateralism. Cuba reiterates its deepest rejection and condemnation of all terrorist acts, methods and practices in all their forms and manifestations, by whomever and against whomever they are committed and for whatever motivation, including those in which States are directly or indirectly involved. State terrorism is one of the most abhorrent forms of terrorism. Measures to eliminate international terrorism must be based on strict respect for the Charter of the United Nations and principles of international law and international humanitarian law. Arbitrary and unilateral measures, acts of aggression, covert actions, unilateral sanctions or the drawing up of lists or certifications of countries for clearly political purposes can in no way be justified. Cuban has never permitted and will never permit the use of its national territory for the conduct, planning or financing of acts of terrorism against any other State. Our country was one of the first three States to ratify the 12 first international instruments against international terrorism and is a party to the 13 existing international instruments, having acceded to the International Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism last year. The Republic of Cuba has enacted a general law against acts of terrorism and adopted non-legislative domestic measures to fight the scourge. Likewise, it cooperates and strictly complies with the provisions of Security Council resolution 1373 (2001), providing comprehensive reports on this issue to the Counter-Terrorism Committee. We emphatically reject the inclusion of our country on the spurious list of those that supposedly sponsor international terrorism, drafted by the Government of the United States of America every year. Cuba firmly rejects its inclusion on that list, which is unilateral, politically motivated and comes from a country that lacks any moral authority whatsoever to judge others with respect to terrorism. In the United States, mainly in Miami, funds to carry out terrorist acts are provided and collected with complete impunity. Bank accounts are operated to finance terrorism, safe haven is provided and the use of national territory is permitted for those who finance, plan and commit acts of terrorism against Cuba. An long-standing example of this is the case of notorious terrorist Luis Posada Carriles, responsible for the 1976 downing of a Cubana de Aviación aircraft in flight with 73 persons on board. He is also responsible for attacks on tourist facilities in Havana in 1987 in which an Italian tourist was killed. In brief, he is responsible for many plans to physically eliminate the Commander-in- Chief, Fidel Castro. This individual remains at liberty although the Government of the United States has all the evidence needed, including that provided by Cuba. In contrast to the aforementioned, five Cuban youths, whose only crime was to fight terrorism in order to save the lives of Cuban and North American citizens, were sentenced to long terms in the United States, and in the days to come they will have been unjustly incarcerated for 12 years in prisons in that country. Cuba believes that impunity and double standards are unacceptable in the fight against terrorism. Terrorism must be rejected in all circumstances. There should be closer cooperation between States to fight that scourge on the basis of respect for sovereignty and non-interference in the internal affairs of States. Selectivity and the petty urge for territorial expansion to satisfy the insatiable appetite of the powerful for strategic resources must come to an end. Accordingly, Cuba completely rejects the exploitation of the fight against terrorism as a pretext to justify interference in the internal affairs of other States, aggression and the undermining of the national sovereignty of States. Finally, we reiterate the firm and unshakeable will of the Government and people of Cuba to cooperate in multilateral efforts to put an end to all acts, methods and practices of terrorism in whatever shape or form.

Montenegro aligns itself with the statement made by the representative of Belgium on behalf of the European Union. At the outset, let me thank the President for convening this important meeting. Terrorism represents a significant challenge in today’s world, and meetings such as this are always a good opportunity to discuss issues of importance so that we can explore and agree on solutions to deal better with the common threat we are facing. We would also like to thank Ambassador Momen of Bangladesh and Mr. Shah of Pakistan for facilitating the consultations that have resulted in a consensus draft text (A/64/L.69). Taking into account the fact that terrorism and the financing of terrorism represent a considerable threat to humankind at the global level, and in order to adequately address and face potential challenges from all forms of terrorism, Montenegro continues to develop and implement a comprehensive national policy in that regard. Recognizing the importance of international cooperation in successfully tackling terrorism, Montenegro is a State party to all relevant multilateral and bilateral conventions and arrangements dealing with this subject. We believe that regional cooperation and common projects – with support from United Nations agencies, such as the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, and from other international organizations – are of great importance in combating terrorism. At the national level, all forms of terrorist activity are treated as criminal acts under the revised criminal code of Montenegro, in accordance with ratified United Nations conventions. Aside from implementing measures mandated by our national legislature and by international arrangements, our relevant institutions also operate within the strategic framework to prevent terrorism further. In this context, our strategy for judicial reform for the period 2007-2012 defines combating organized crime, corruption, terrorism and war crimes as one of its primary goals, and, among other measures, prescribes more effective legal prosecution and the strengthening of the capacities of judicial institutions as means to achieve this goal. I would also like to take this opportunity to reiterate Montenegro’s unwavering commitment to the full implementation of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy and its plan of action. We welcome the spirit of consensus and unity that prevailed throughout the second review of the strategy. We believe that only if we are united and join our efforts can we put ourselves in the best possible position to respond appropriately to today’s challenges and discourage future terrorist activities. In this regard, Montenegro considers the conclusion of negotiations on a draft comprehensive convention on international terrorism to be of the utmost importance in stepping up the fight against terrorism. By strengthening its legislative and institutional framework through inter-sectoral as well as international cooperation, and by implementing international mechanisms, Montenegro will continue to contribute to global efforts to confront organized crime and terrorism in such a way that it constitutes a factor for stability in the region and a country that holds no place for terrorists and terrorist activities. In closing, I would like to reiterate Montenegro’s firm support and commitment to the actions and efforts of the United Nations and the international community in the field of terrorism.

I would like to express my delegation’s gratitude to Ambassador Momen of Bangladesh for the successful completion of his work and his efforts in facilitating the consultations on the draft resolution before us (A/64/L.69). I would also like to extend my sincere appreciation to Secretary- General Ban Ki-moon for his comprehensive report (A/64/818). My delegation believes that the adoption of the Strategy in 2006 was a paradigm shift in counter- terrorism action, for it contains a new approach that combines it with concerns for the protection of human rights. Humankind has continued to witness significant increases in the number of terrorist attacks in recent years. We in Africa have been among the hardest hit; last year alone, Africa recorded 6,177 casualties in 266 acts of terrorism, making it second only to Asia. Ethiopia has expressed its commitment to implementing the United Nations Global Counter- Terrorism Strategy by taking a broad range of measures, including the adoption of a new proclamation. As we are at the epicentre of the global terrorist network, my Government has been in the front line of the struggle against terrorism. The anarchy in Somalia, the belligerent nature of the regime in Eritrea, the changing political dynamics in the region and the symbiosis between domestic and regional negative forces have contributed to the expansion of the terror network. Ethiopia has been a target of international and domestic terrorists since the early 1990s, and the people of Ethiopia have paid dearly in the process. Hundreds have been killed and thousands maimed, and property worth millions of dollars has been destroyed. Ethiopia believes that in order to adequately fight terrorism, it is essential to implement the four pillars of the Strategy. We emphasize the importance of promoting tolerance, including between people of different religions, to combat the spread of terrorism. In organizing its national strategy, the Ethiopian Parliament has put in place appropriate legislative mechanisms that incorporate procedures for preventing, controlling and foiling terrorism, as outlined in the United Nations Global Strategy. The National Intelligence and Security Service Agency, which has been entrusted with the task of overseeing the management of counter-terrorism activities, is mandated to conduct intelligence, border security, and criminal investigation in order to prevent and control terrorist acts. The appropriate authorities are also mandated to gather and compile sufficient information and evidence in order to take action against suspected individuals and organizations for acts of terrorism. The Government has set up enhanced investigation and prosecution systems, granting domestic judicial organs jurisdiction over offences committed within and beyond our territories. In order to respond to terrorist incidents, the federal and regional police forces have been required to develop counter-terrorism capabilities. The National Bank of Ethiopia has developed financial investigation mechanisms to control foreign funding; the authorities are empowered to confiscate the proceeds of crimes such as money-laundering and the financing of terrorism. In its endeavour to curtail terrorist financing and counterfeiting, the Government has adopted directives for anti-money-laundering legislation, including the establishment of a financial intelligence unit. In accordance with the various conventions, the new law criminalizes and punishes the financing of terrorism and possessing or using property knowing or intending it to be used to commit or facilitate a terrorist act. The revised penal code criminalizes money-laundering and a number of other financial crimes. Those offences included in the international instruments to which Ethiopia is a party have been made part of the new counter-terrorism law. Ethiopia has been working in cooperation with Governments and organizations that uphold anti- terrorism objectives, particularly in the Horn of Africa, on the African continent and in other parts of the world. This indispensable notion of cooperation and collaboration has been explicitly set forth in the purpose clause of the new proclamation. My delegation believes that cooperation at the bilateral and multilateral levels are necessary to defeat both international and domestic terrorism. We would like to emphasize that no distinction should be drawn between these two brands of terrorism. Some partners in the cooperation framework are selective as a result of a failure to understand the complexity and fluidity of terrorism. We cannot have an effective counter- terrorism strategy when a selective approach is used. In the past five years, local terrorist organizations that maintain links to Al-Ittihad Al-Islamiya and Al-Shabaab have carried out several attacks on innocent civilians and property, a number of which have been directed at hotels, public transportation systems and public gatherings. It is morally unacceptable to ignore the plight of victims of so- called domestic terrorists. Ethiopia has been collaborating with neighbouring countries and other partners in the fight against terrorism, yet there are challenges to the regional cooperation framework owing to capacity gaps and vulnerabilities. The United Nations Counter- Terrorism Implementation Task Force has an important role to play in supporting Strategy implementation in our subregion. One aspect of that role is assisting States to implement their obligations and providing technical support to States and to regional and subregional bodies. In order to ensure compliance with international human rights obligations when taking counter-terrorism measures, the States of the region need assistance in capacity-building, the rule of law and related activities. Al-Shabaab remains the major threat to peace and stability not only in Somalia, but also in other countries of the region. Due to Al-Shabaab’s continued attacks on civilians and the Transitional Federal Government, Somalia has become more of a threat to regional and international security. Al-Shabaab has several hundred foreign fighters in its ranks and more continue to arrive from different parts of the world. While the Transitional Federal Government has been unable to compensate its troops, Al-Shabaab has regularly paid its militia with the help of its international partners. The Monitoring Group on Somalia reported recently that Eritrea is the main financier of terrorism in the region. It is a public secret that Eritrea supplies arms, training and finance to Al-Shabaab and other terrorist groups. Eritrean military advisers have been sent to Mogadishu to train combatants to help extremist groups in Somalia. It is important to note that domestic terrorist groups in Ethiopia have obtained training and arms largely from Eritrea. Eritrea has also been a conduit for logistical and financial support from a number of actors outside the region. The Government of Ethiopia has committed itself to enforcing agreements that have been entered into under the auspices of the United Nations and the African Union. Ethiopia has adopted the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime. Ethiopia has implemented the main elements of the Strategy, putting mechanisms into action within its new legislation. Ethiopia has been actively participating in African Union counter-terrorism efforts. My delegation supports international and regional cooperation and reaffirms its commitment to the full implementation of the United Nations Global Strategy.

In accordance with resolution 44/6 of 17 October 1989, I now call on the observer of the Council of Europe.

It is an honour for me to address the General Assembly on this important issue and to have the opportunity to present an overview of the Council of Europe’s approach to the fight against terrorism, and more specifically of the Council’s contribution to the implementation of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. The importance of a single, coherent and universally accepted framework for international action against terrorism cannot be overestimated. Let me emphasize its enormous significance and confirm the commitment of the Council of Europe — the oldest pan-European regional organization — to conducting its action against terrorism along the lines set out in the Strategy. Combating terrorism efficiently requires bringing forces together. That is why in 2007 the relevant Council of Europe entities working on counter- terrorism issues adopted a road map on the contribution of our organization to the implementation of the United Nations Strategy with a view to streamlining and coordinating our efforts on the four pillars of the Strategy. First of all, regarding the measures to address conditions conducive to the spread of terrorism, the Council of Europe is actively involved in education, youth and the media. It contributes to ensuring the protection of minorities and to fighting intolerance, racism and social exclusion in an attempt to weaken the sources of discontent that may fuel terrorism. For example, the Council of Europe drew up a white paper on intercultural dialogue that is currently being actively implemented after a large-scale consultation process between State and non-State actors. Moreover, through the Intercultural Cities project, the Council of Europe very recently tested a model of immigrant/ minority integration at the local level based on the principle of intercultural community-building. Secondly, regarding measures to prevent and combat terrorism, one of the priorities of the Council of Europe is to strengthen legal action against terrorism. As a standard-setting organization, the Council of Europe pays close attention to the development of counter-terrorism standards. One of the most prominent steps in this direction is the Council of Europe Convention on the Prevention of Terrorism, adopted in 2005, which constitutes the first international legally binding instrument on this subject. The Council of Europe has also prepared a set of recommendations on special investigation techniques, travel identity documents in the context of the fight against terrorism, the protection of witnesses and collaborators of justice, and cooperation with INTERPOL. In the fight against terrorism, the Council of Europe also promotes the use of existing standards contained in other Council of Europe conventions and instruments that foster the harmonization of national substantive and procedural law and international cooperation. For example, regarding assistance for victims of terrorism, the spectrum of Council of Europe standards is contained in some relevant Council of Europe conventions and in more than 12 resolutions and recommendations. I should also mention that the general mutual legal assistance instruments of the Council of Europe can be used to fight terrorism as a specific type of organized crime and that our Convention on Cybercrime already has a global reach. The main objective of the core body of our counter-terrorism action, the Committee of Experts on Terrorism of the Council of Europe, is to monitor the existing instruments, to identify gaps in international law and actions against terrorism, and to propose solutions to those gaps. In relation to the third pillar on measures to build States’ capacity to prevent and combat terrorism, the Council of Europe has set up a number of specific legal cooperation programmes that are open to the Council of Europe’s 47 member States. Finally, the measures to ensure respect for human rights for all and the rule of law as the fundamental basis of the fight against terrorism are perhaps the most vital — from the Council of Europe’s point of view — because they touch upon the very reason for the existence of our organization. All Council of Europe activities concerning the fight against terrorism are based on the statutory principles of our organization: human rights, the rule of law and democracy. These are prevalent throughout one of the main conventions of the Council of Europe, the European Convention on Human Rights, as interpreted by the European Court of Human Rights, which has already compiled important case law on the fight against terrorism. In fact, the Council of Europe strongly believes that the promotion and protection of human rights and respect for the rule of law must be at the core of any action to fight terrorism. To effectively fight terrorism while ensuring respect for human rights is not only possible, but indispensable. To sum up, terrorism is a complex phenomenon, and to fight it effectively we need a comprehensive approach and multidisciplinary expertise. We believe that regional organizations can make meaningful contributions to supporting the implementation of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. In this respect, I would very much like to thank the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force, and in particular its Chair, Mr. Laborde, for taking the regional organization perspective on board in the follow-up to the Global Strategy. With its rich background of standards, expertise, knowledge of the regional threat perception and field presence, the Council of Europe has already and will continue to serve as a strategic and useful partner for United Nations bodies, enhancing the effectiveness of the measures and impact of the Strategy.

In accordance with resolution 48/5 of 13 October 1993, I now call on the observer for the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe.

The United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy calls on regional organizations to support the Strategy’s implementation. Centralized visionary leadership and regional coordination of implementation efforts are an effective combination to combat terrorism. At the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), we are actively integrating the United Nations strategy into our counter-terrorism programmes. For those not familiar with my organization, let me briefly note that, with 56 States members from Europe, Central Asia and North America, the OSCE is the largest regional security organization in the world. The organization is a primary instrument for early warning, conflict prevention, crisis management and post- conflict rehabilitation. The OSCE’s comprehensive concept of security includes a political-military dimension, an economic-environmental dimension and a human dimension, which are all central in the fight against terrorism. Regional organizations are a powerful force multiplier in implementing the United Nations Strategy through tailored assistance and capacity-building. Activities at this intermediate geographic level provide cost-effective mechanisms for disseminating information, for sharing best practices and lessons learned, and for pioneering region-specific initiatives that complement global counter-terrorism objectives. Since the adoption of the United Nations Strategy, the OSCE has looked upon this important document as both providing the strategic framework and offering practical guidance for its counter- terrorism efforts. We also carry out our counter- terrorism programme in close cooperation with the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force (CTITF). We at the OSCE take a comprehensive approach to security, and hence our counter-terrorism activities embrace all four pillars of the United Nations Strategy. We build consensus and political support among participating States with the objective of preventing and combating terrorism in line with international legal instruments. We generate support for implementing the international conventions and protocols related to terrorism. We actively support the implementation of security standards, recommendations and good practices developed by specialized global organizations and agencies, and promote respect for human rights. We have an independent body dedicated to that. To cite some specific examples, we support and facilitate capacity-building programmes of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime on promoting the international legal framework against terrorism. We support the International Civil Aviation Organization on enhancing travel document security and the World Customs Organization on strengthening container supply chain security. In close coordination with international partners, we also work on enhancing cybersecurity and countering the use of the Internet for terrorist purposes, protecting critical energy infrastructures, and promoting public-private partnerships in countering terrorism. Regional organizations such as the OSCE enjoy comparative advantages in relation to the international response to terrorism and implementing the United Nations Strategy. Advantages include smaller membership and in-depth knowledge of the situation on the ground. Clearly, field mission presence, such as the 18 OSCE offices in South-East Europe, Eastern Europe, the Caucasus and Central Asia represent a significant organizational advantage. Moreover, the OSCE through its activities helps free up the counter- terrorism resources of other international organizations, enabling them to target resources in areas that do not overlap with, but instead extend beyond the OSCE sphere of responsibility. Unfortunately, time may be working against us with respect to the issue of terrorism. To some extent, terrorism has long been a self-sustaining process. Like an epidemic, it starts slowly, but once it has taken hold — whether as a world view, a tactical methodology or simply a sociological aberration — eradicating it is difficult and may take decades or even generations. Longer-term measures require cooperation and diplomacy, which in turn require mutual trust. Regional organizations provide a forum for the building of such multilateral trust, which takes a long time to develop and which grows as durable relationships emerge among diplomats and among nations. One must carefully weigh the trade-offs from costly or draconian counter-terrorism reactions that may abridge human rights or individual liberties against the putative protections they seek to achieve. No nation can remain mobilized on full alert indefinitely. In the modern world of asymmetric weapons, where a single individual can bring about widespread destruction, no policy can protect everything everywhere all the time. Human rights are difficult to regain once they have been lost or compromised by extreme protective measures, however well-intentioned. We must take the necessary precautions to stop terrorist attacks on our vital infrastructure and global economic underpinnings, but it is also necessary to ask ourselves where we should draw the line. How much protection is enough? That question is not easily answered, but one thing is clear — we must work together to achieve the level of protection against terrorism needed to promote peace and understanding both within and among nations. Implementing the United Nations Strategy is an important step in that direction. To conclude, effective counter-terrorism work requires a global and integrated response. In today’s increasingly interconnected world, no organization can operate effectively in isolation or in a vacuum. In order to succeed, we must cooperate and coordinate closely with each other. Further reinforcing the mechanisms within the United Nations framework to coordinate the activities of regional organizations, as well as strengthening the CTITF and its working groups, would greatly enhance the effectiveness of our joint efforts. The more closely we work together, the better our chances to spot terrorist trends and devise countermeasures. Our resources are limited, and we need to maximize what we get out of them.

We have heard the last speaker in the debate on this item. We shall now proceed to consider draft resolution A/64/L.69. Before giving the floor to speakers in explanation of vote or position, may I remind delegations that explanations of vote are limited to 10 minutes and should be made by delegations from their seats.

At the outset, I would like to thank the President of the General Assembly for entrusting me with the assignment of facilitator of the review of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. I highly value the Assembly’s trust in and continued support for me and for the Bangladesh Mission. Counter-terrorism is one of the most important and difficult items on the agenda of the United Nations. Although most Member States are willing to participate in the multilateral counter-terrorism engagements, they also have to support their national positions on both the law enforcement and security aspects of the counter-terrorism debate. I realized the intricacies of the issue in hand before undertaking this work, and I was guided by the need to promote and strengthen consensus, which had remained elusive before the adoption of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy in 2006. It was my considered view that, without building consensus and a constructive approach, we would not be able to straddle the gap between the national, regional and international views. In that regard, from day one I enjoyed the strong support and the spirit of consensus of the delegation of the European Union, led by Belgium, and the delegation of the Organization of the Islamic Conference, led by Syria. In addition, other delegations also played a constructive and positive role during the whole process. I am indebted to them for their spirit of cooperation, flexibility and sincerity. I thank them all most sincerely. I also received excellent support from the staff. I thank Ms. Angela Nworgu, Adviser of the Office of the President of the General Assembly, for her continued efforts to liaise between my office and the Office of the President. I especially commend the constructive role that Mr. Jean-Paul Laborde, Chairman of the Counter- Terrorism Implementation Task Force (CTITF), played during the process. Terrorism, in both its magnitude and its diversity, is one of the grave challenges facing the international community. It has affected all facets of our societies, including international security, the environment for domestic law enforcement, domestic legal structures, intercultural harmony, development aspects of our societies, international travel and the like. The United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy is the international community’s holistic response to that threat. It envisages measures to eliminate the conditions conducive to the spread of terrorism and to prevent and combat terrorism, as well as measures aimed at building and strengthening the capacity of the United Nations system and that of Member States’ responses, and at protecting human rights and the rule of law, even in the case of counter- terrorism. The holistic approach to developing the Strategy not only provided a comprehensive strategic framework to defeat terrorism, but also helped build the desperately needed, but often too elusive consensus on this sensitive issue. The holistic and consensus nature of the Strategy gives it a unique status as a document, but only through its effective and integrated implementation in all its aspects can we defeat terrorism. This second review of the Strategy has provided us with an excellent opportunity to carefully look into all aspects of its implementation, identify shortcomings and propose better ways and means to plug the gaps and strengthen its implementation. From the very beginning, we faced the challenge of limited time at our disposal. The earnest pursuit of the agreed timelines to complete the task was possible only thanks to the flexibility and spirit of cooperation that Member States showed during the negotiations. The final text of the draft resolution, I am pleased to say, is based on consensus and a balanced text. It reflects the spirit of the original 2006 resolution on the Strategy (resolution 60/288) and the 2008 resolution on the first review (resolution 62/272). It covers key issues that enjoy broad cross-regional support. Some of the issues put forward by regional groups or a specific Member State or their specific wording may not have been fully reflected in the text, but I can affirm that we left no stone unturned to achieve broad consensus and compromise. Thus, the text reflects a measured expression of pertinent ideas that enjoys broad support. It is a win-win situation for all. I attempted a fair deal for all stakeholders. The final text of the draft resolution, submitted as document A/64/L.69, unequivocally condemns terrorism and reaffirms the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy in all its aspects. It recognizes that international cooperation and all measures undertaken by Member States to prevent and combat terrorism must fully comply with their obligations under international law, including the Charter of the United Nations and relevant international conventions and protocols, in particular human rights, refugee and international humanitarian law. It welcomes the progress made towards finalizing the institutionalization of the CTITF, in accordance with resolution 64/235 of 24 December 2009. It underscores the need to enhance dialogue among the counter-terrorism officials of Member States to promote international, regional and subregional cooperation and the wider dissemination of knowledge of the Counter-Terrorism Strategy in order to counter terrorism. It also calls for the enhanced engagement of Member States in the work of the CTITF by increasing the interactive opportunities between the Task Force and Member States. The importance of transparency has also been highlighted; it also encourages the CTITF to develop a comprehensive website in order to ensure that its work is made more accessible to a wider audience. Every now and then, we have discussed the inadequacy of a review during the holiday season of August and the opening session preparatory season of September. That anomaly has been removed by the decision that the next review will be completed by June 2012. The CTITF’s mandate to develop limited cross- regional counter-terrorism programmes and to deliver one-window capacity-building assistance at the request of Member States has also been endorsed. The focus has remained primarily on implementation. The outcome of this consensus draft resolution will be a stronger CTITF that is enabled to promote international counter-terrorism efforts in a more effective, coordinated and coherent manner. With those brief comments, I would request all regional groups and Member States to support the consensus text under consideration. The consensus adoption of this text will cement the consensus that we have protected and built since the adoption of the Counter-Terrorism Strategy resolution in 2006. On other matters, I would like to formerly thank Mr. Muhammad Rafiuddin Shah, Counsellor of the Permanent Mission of Pakistan — who has vast experience on the subject matter, including excellent negotiating skills — for his tireless efforts to reach consensus on difficult issues concerning the final text of the draft resolution. My appreciation also goes to the General Assembly Affairs Branch for its continued secretarial support. Finally, I am thankful to colleagues from my own Mission who assisted me during the whole process. More important, I am thankful to my friends and colleagues, especially Permanent Representatives and experts from Member States, who trusted me and provided me with their support, wisdom and constant encouragement to complete this process.

I thank Ambassador Abulkalam Abdul Momen, Permanent Representative of Bangladesh and facilitator of the draft resolution on the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, for his excellent work on that task. We have heard the only speaker in explanation of vote before the voting. The General Assembly will now take action on draft resolution A/64/L.69. May I take it that the Assembly decides to adopt the draft resolution?

May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 115?