A/68/PV.95 General Assembly

Since the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy was adopted, Al-Qaida’s structure, methods and targets have changed. Al-Qaida no longer acts under the authority of a central command; instead, its affiliates carry out criminal attacks at the regional and local levels, very often in fragile or conflict-related situations. They sow fear and terror not only by killing and maiming people but also by taking hostages and spreading incitement to commit terrorist acts via the Internet. They do not hesitate to target the most vulnerable members of society, as we saw in the abduction of schoolgirls by Boko Haram in Nigeria, or places of symbolic significance, such as the Jewish Museum in Brussels. We are also very concerned about the latest developments in Iraq and Pakistan. And we should emphasize that terrorist attacks have spared neither the United Nations itself nor the International Committee of the Red Cross. Switzerland firmly condemns terrorism whatever its forms and manifestations. Our thoughts today go to the victims of such attacks and to their families. As States and members of international and regional organizations, we should all ask ourselves whether we are adapting our responses and reactions to these new challenges effectively. In recent weeks, the States Members of the United Nations negotiated a new draft resolution on the review of the Global Counter- Terrorism Strategy (A/68/L.50). Thanks to the Turkish delegation’s effective facilitation, we were able to reach consensus. We believe that result will be an important step in enabling Member States to adapt their responses to the challenges that the fight against terrorism is facing. That would not have been possible without the Secretary-General’s excellent report on the activities of the United Nations system concerning the implementation of the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy (A/68/841). The report’s analysis and its related observations and recommendations make it a valuable tool. In its contribution to ensuring that the threat of terrorism does not get a head start on us, Switzerland, as this year’s Chair of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), has made the fight against terrorism a major priority for the OSCE. A conference was held on the subject in Interlaken at the end of April with the aim of reinforcing the OSCE’s role in addressing current terrorist challenges. The conference outcomes are unquestionably relevant to United Nations counter-terrorism efforts. The written text of my statement summarizes the conference’s conclusions on the three subjects on its agenda — first, the financing of terrorism, particularly kidnappings for ransom; secondly, respect for the principles of legality, transparency and accountability; and thirdly, foreign fighters. We hope to firm up those recommendations at the OSCE Ministerial Council meeting to be held in Basel in December. Switzerland will thus pursue its commitment to a holistic implementation of the Strategy, with an emphasis on showing that the goals of applying effective measures to combat terrorism and protecting human rights are not incompatible but complementary. We fully support the initiative of the group of States that has submitted new proposals aimed at strengthening both the legitimacy of the sanctions regime of the Committee established pursuant to Security Council resolution 1267 (1999) and the purview of the Committee’s Ombudsperson, and at promoting the establishment of fair and transparent procedures. Switzerland will also support all measures to improve the coordination, effectiveness and legitimacy of the United Nations system’s response to terrorism. We would also like to mention a recent report from the Global Center on Cooperative Security, which produced just in time for the review of the Strategy is another excellent analysis on “Progress and Opportunities in Implementing the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy”. Switzerland and Norway have supported that analysis, and we would like to thank the delegations that provided valuable suggestions for the preparation of the report, which is referred to as Blue Sky II. Inspired, inter alia, by that report, I would like to conclude by making several suggestions to the United Nations and its Member States. First, on the tenth anniversary of the adoption of the Global Strategy, the United Nations could, with the participation of Member States, prepare a report on the global fight against terrorism that evaluates the risks and challenges posed by terrorism as well as the responsiveness and capacity of the United Nations and its States Members to deal with it appropriately. The report could serve as inspiration to the United Nations and its Members to develop goals and benchmarks for the global fight against terrorism in the coming years. Secondly, the Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force (CTITF) should establish a plan of action over two years for transparent and balanced implementation of the Global Strategy and the achievement of the objectives set. Thirdly, the United Nations and its Member States should coordinate their activities with other international organizations and bodies such as the Global Counterterrorism Forum, while building on their respective comparative assets. Fourthly, the United Nations and its Member States should further involve civil society and the private sector in their efforts aimed at establishing conditions that prevent radicalization and violent extremism. We welcome the establishment of the Global Fund for Community Engagement and Resilience (GCERF), in Geneva. Functioning as a public-private partnership, the GCERF will support initiatives and efforts to prevent radicalization and violent extremism in communities at risk. Fifthly, the United Nations and its Member States should continue to implement in a balanced manner the four pillars of the Global Strategy and to coordinate their efforts by directing them towards the preventive aspects of the fight against terrorism. To that end, in June 2013, the CTITF office organized, in partnership with Switzerland, a conference of the national coordinators of the fight against terrorism in Geneva to address the conditions conducive to the spread of terrorism. We would also like to congratulate the President of the General Assembly for organizing an interactive dialogue on that particular issue yesterday.

At the outset, I would like to thank the Secretary-General for the comprehensive report contained (A/68/841) and to express our sincere appreciation for the multilateral efforts undertaken in drawing up draft resolution A/68/L.50. We fully align ourselves with the statement delivered by the observer of the European Union (see A/68/PV.94). However, I would nevertheless like to make a statement in my national capacity. Terrorism has become one of the gravest threats to international peace and security in the modern world. Georgia opposes any form of terrorism and acknowledges the dangers caused by the growing threat of international terrorism, especially in its new forms. In line with the United Nations Global Counter- Terrorism Strategy and in accordance with the four pillars thereof, Georgia carries out all the measures needed to address the conditions conducive to the spread of terrorism, to prevent and combat terrorism and to build State capacity to fight terrorism, while ensuring full respect for human rights and the rule of law. Therefore, as a response to terrorist threats, Georgia actively cooperates with the relevant international and regional organizations. Georgia is an active member of the global anti-terrorist coalition and participates in multinational anti-terrorist, peacekeeping, search-and- rescue and humanitarian operations. Its participation in multinational counter-terrorism operations gives Georgia an opportunity to contribute to the activities of the counter-terrorist coalition. Within the frameworks of universal, regional, subregional and bilateral international instruments and on the basis of reciprocity, the Georgian Ministry of Internal Affairs closely cooperates with the corresponding agencies of partner countries to tackle international terrorism. Capacity-building in law enforcement agencies remains one of the Georgian Government’s top priorities in its daily activities. In 2013, the Georgian Ministry of Internal Affairs reorganized its counter-terrorist centre to strengthen the State’s counter-terrorism capability and established additional regional units to enhance its efficiency in different parts of our country. Thanks to all the necessary steps my Government has taken over the last few years, the territory of Georgia where the Georgian authorities exercise their full jurisdiction and effective control enjoys a low incidence of terrorism-related crimes. On the other hand, the Russian-occupied territories of Georgia continue to represent a major challenge for my Government in our efforts to combat terrorism. Those areas, like black holes, can serve as safe harbours for terrorist and other radical and extremist groups that have the potential to destabilize the security situation in the entire region. The Government of Georgia pays particular attention to the issues of radiation security. Our aim is to prevent any smuggling of radioactive materials across our borders. To date, all major highway and road systems are fully equipped with radiation detection equipment. In order to facilitate comprehensive management of chemical-, biological-, radiological- or nuclear-related (CBRN) risks, the Government of Georgia has created a national CBRN strategy, which was adopted in 2013. Its action plan will soon be completed. Georgia is party to 13 international anti-terrorism conventions and the European Convention on the Suppression of Terrorism and its amending Protocol. Provisions of the aforementioned conventions have already been incorporated into Georgian legislation; indeed, all the terrorism-related crimes set forth in those conventions have been made crimes under the Georgian criminal code. On 25 March 2013, Georgia signed the Council of Europe Convention on Laundering, Search, Seizure and Confiscation of the Proceeds from Crime and on the Financing of Terrorism. The Parliament of Georgia will soon ratify the Convention. Furthermore, we are also considering the possibility of ratifying the remaining five international legal instruments on anti-terrorism recently adopted by the United Nations. At the bilateral level, Georgia has to date concluded international agreements with 21 countries aimed at bolstering cooperation in the fight against serious crime, including terrorism. In addition, we are in the process of proposing similar draft agreements to other partner nations. The adoption of Georgia’s law on combating terrorism, the new criminal procedure code and the relevant changes to the criminal code have served as an effective legal basis for preventing and combating terrorism. In 2014, the Parliament of Georgia adopted the amendments to the criminal code of Georgia according to which certain acts of terrorism were criminalized and, for the already existing terrorism-related crimes, greater criminal responsibility was assigned. Those amendments are in line with the relevant United Nations and other international best practices. In March 2014, the Government of Georgia approved the national strategy for combating money laundering and terrorism financing, which provides strategic direction in the process of fighting the financing of terrorism. The strategy has its own action plan that defines proactive measures and the agencies responsible for them, together with the exact time frames necessary for implementing specific actions provided for by the strategy. The Government of Georgia remains committed to advancing the institutionalization of security policy planning. In 2014, in accordance with the most recent constitutional changes, the State Security and Crisis Management Council was established as an advisory body to the chief executive, namely, the Prime Minister. The Council is the national agency responsible for elaborating national security concept documents and monitoring the implementation process of tasks required by the relevant Georgian legislation. In the near future, the State Security and Crisis Management Council plans to elaborate a new counter- terrorism strategy and streamline concept documents related to counter-terrorism. For that purpose, the Council plans to establish ad hoc working groups. All the relevant stakeholders, including civil society representatives, will be involved in the process.

Liechtenstein strongly condemns all acts of terrorism, irrespective of their motivation, wherever and by whomever they are committed. We also reaffirm our commitment to contribute to the fullest extent to the international fight against terrorism in all its aspects, including through cooperation with the relevant United Nations bodies and the implementation of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. We would like to commend Ambassador Çevik of Turkey and his team for ably steering us toward consensus on the review of the Strategy. We strongly believe that the General Assembly must continue to play a key role in shaping the work of the United Nations to combat terrorism, along with the Security Council and the Human Rights Council. We appreciate that this biennial review again puts strong emphasis on the perspective of the victims. We hope that the new United Nations online portal will make a contribution to supporting victims of terrorism. In addition, victims must be given a stronger voice in our efforts. They are the ones who can send the most powerful message against terrorists’ destructive message of violence. Eight years after the adoption of the Strategy, the toll of deaths, injuries and destruction caused by terrorism continues to rise. Most recently, we received news of the brazen kidnapping at the Turkish Consulate in Mosul, Iraq. Our thoughts are with the victims and their families, and we hope for their speedy and safe release. The phenomenon of terrorism is rapidly evolving at the local, regional and international levels. The international community must act with greater resolve to fight that scourge. We note with satisfaction the increased capacity within the various parts of the United Nations system to assist Member States in that regard. Ultimately, however, it is primarily us States that must fully commit ourselves to implementing all four pillars of the Strategy. Our greatest challenge remains pillar I, or measures to address the conditions conducive to the spread of terrorism. Many such conditions are at the very core of what the Organization is supposed to address, whether in a counter-terrorism context or otherwise, including unresolved conflicts, the lack of the rule of law and violations of human rights, discrimination and exclusion, and socioeconomic marginalization. The state of our response to global terrorism therefore also reflects more generally on the state of the United Nations as a whole. If we want to do more than just fight the symptoms of terrorism, then we need true commitment by all Member States to cooperate fully in all the relevant United Nations organs. That requires in particular greater cooperation in the Security Council, which has been unable to effectively address a number of violent conflicts, partly due to the use or threat of use of the veto. It also requires a greater sense of urgency and willingness to take bold decisions in the General Assembly and the Human Rights Council. The draft resolution (A/68/L.50) on the review of the Strategy reaffirms that terrorism is aimed at, among other things, the destruction of human rights, fundamental freedoms and democracy. Governments actively involved in combating terrorism must ensure that they do not unwittingly contribute to the same outcome. Overly broad domestic definitions of terrorism may threaten the right to freedom of expression and association. Mass surveillance, both domestically and abroad, may undermine the right to privacy. Law enforcement and military operations often walk a fine line between the legitimate targeting of terrorists and unacceptable risks for innocent civilians. Governments must therefore scrupulously abide by the principles of legality, necessity and proportionality in their actions, principles that underpin both human rights law and international humanitarian law. That is also an important responsibility for the United Nations. As we move towards more effective assistance and capacity-building for States, thanks in part to the efforts of Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force and the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Centre, assistance providers must pay the utmost attention to ensuring that human rights are fully integrated into their activities. The importance of the human rights dimension also requires the United Nations to lead by example in areas where it undertakes concrete measures to prevent and combat terrorism. In that regard, we commend the progress made by the Security Council in improving fair and clear procedures for the Al-Qaida sanctions regime, thanks in particular to the valuable work of the Ombudsperson, Ms. Kimberly Prost. Given the positive experience gained in that particular context, it is now time for the Council to further improve listing and delisting procedures in other sanctions regimes as well.

I would like to express Colombia’s condemnation of the recent kidnapping of members of the Turkish Consulate in Mosul, Iraq. I express the deepest sympathy of the Government and people of Colombia to the hostages, their families and the Turkish authorities. Unfortunately, recent events such as those in Nigeria and Pakistan have attested once again to the brutality and inhumanity of those who resort to terrorism. Their increasingly cruel methods demonstrate their total disregard for any ethics or human value system. Colombia rejects and condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, as it cannot be justified under any circumstance. Colombia thanks Ambassador Halit Çevik of Turkey and his entire team for having led this review of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. Colombia associates itself with the statement made by the representative of Costa Rica on behalf of the member countries of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (see A/68/PV.94) and welcomes the presentation of the Secretary-General’s report (A/68/841). The report highlights the progress made and the challenges we must face in order to advance towards a full implementation of the Strategy. The diversity and complexity of this criminal activity, which knows no boundaries and has proven its capacity to have a profound affect on dissimilar States and societies, obliges us to take comprehensive actions that take into account the transformations and evolution in the nature of terrorist acts. Unfortunately, the many terrorist acts serve to demonstrate that it is counterproductive to associate terrorism with countries, regions, religions, cultures or specific social conditions. As we are reminded by the Secretary-General in his report (A/68/841), no area of the world is immune to terrorism, and the future course of the threat continues to be unpredictable. With the Global Strategy, the international community has a tool that makes it possible to adopt concrete actions to respond to this scourge, but its success depends upon its comprehensive and balanced implementation in the various pillars. The Secretary-General’s report calls our attention to the need to redouble our efforts in the implementation of pillar I of the Strategy, on the conditions conducive to the spread of terrorism. Colombia believes it is necessary for us to respond to that call and move its implementation forward, while always basing our actions on the acknowledgement that none of those conditions can excuse or justify acts of terrorism. As our deliberations on the draft resolution (A/68/L.50) that emerged from the fourth review have shown, one of the main points of the debate is related to the payment of rewards for kidnapping and extorsion as a means of financing. We need more information and analysis and we must avoid generalizations and measures that do not correspond to the particularities of the phenomenon in the different regions of the world. When considering the question, it is important to bear in mind that any victim of kidnapping runs the imminent risk of losing his life or at least temporarily losing his freedom, and human life and freedom are internationally recognized values ​and rights and must be respected and protected. Therefore, the State and the international community, in addressing kidnapping, should take measures that do not turn victims or those who are trying to defend them into a criminals. The fight against terrorism must be carried out in strict compliance with the obligations established under international law, including the various existing international instruments in the area of terrorism, international human rights law, international humanitarian law and international refugee law. That is a sine qua non condition for the global fight against terrorism to produce the results we want. As many before me have said, Colombia also considers care for the victims of terrorism and the rights of those victims as a fundamental pillar in the defence and promotion of human rights. Victims of terrorism must be heard, and States must have mechanisms to protect and promote their rights and to recognize those rights. I am convinced that by launching the United Nations portal on victims of terrorism we are making progress towards the visibility and care that victims call for. The fight against terrorism will not be entirely successful if we lack a general convention on international terrorism. True, it has taken us many years to adopt a convention. However, not only our discussions, but also increasingly the seriousness of international terrorism demands that we take definitive decisions, no matter how difficult they may be. While the primary responsibility for the implementation of the Strategy rests with States, strengthening national institutions and capabilities, generating and disseminating specialized knowledge, sharing among ourselves experiences and best practices and having efficient mechanisms to exchange information are some of the areas in which we must intensify international cooperation. In that context, Colombia, together with the United Nations, organized in Bogota an international conference on national and regional counter-terrorism strategies. At that conference, we were able to make considerable progress in the discussion on the development and implementation of counter-terrorism strategies with regard to their complementarity with the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy in order to achieve greater coordination and consistency in the activities carried out at all levels. At the same time, as an illustration of our commitment to the counter-terrorism legal infrastructure of the United Nations, on 30 September we deposited our instrument of ratification of the Convention on the Marking of Plastic Explosives for the Purpose of Detection. The struggle against terrorism will not be completely successful if we continue to lack a general convention on international terrorism. It has taken years of discussion to adopt such a convention, and the seriousness of terrorism has been critical for all of us. As I have said, I think that it is important that we continue in that effort and that we focus on achieving it. Based on a firm commitment and a political will that the tools be used and the standards be applied, all States, with the technical cooperation of international bodies and within the international counter-terrorism legal framework, must develop and strengthen national legislation, create institutions to provide financial information and intelligence, and have effective mechanisms to exchange financial information. It is crucial that we have effective frameworks of international cooperation that make it possible to deprive terrorists of their sources of financing and the economic infrastructure that makes it possible for them to operate and carry out their acts. One of Colombia’s biggest concerns is the diversion of weapons to non-State actors and their harmful impact on the global fight against terrorism. Weapons illegally traded and transferred do not merely have a negative effect on a population’s human rights, but they exacerbate conflicts, undermine the stability and security of States and have a very close connection with terrorism. In that respect, the Arms Trade Treaty is a very important step forward. With its early entry into force and full implementation, it will help us in carrying out activities aimed at preventing and eliminating terrorism. Dialogue, cooperation and concerted efforts are essential for civilized coexistence free from the scourge of terrorism.

At the outset, allow me to congratulate the President for presiding over our work during the fourth review of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy to combat the scourge of terrorism. I would also like to thank His Excellency Ambassador Halit Çevik, Permanent Representative of Turkey, for his efforts and professionalism in facilitating the consultations on the document (A/68/L.50) that will round out the work of our review meeting on the Strategy. I should like to take this opportunity to condemn in the strongest terms the kidnapping of the Consul- General of Turkey in Mosul, Iraq. Senseless acts of indiscriminate terrorism occur in various regions of the world, as was recently the case in Nigeria and Pakistan. At this painful time, on behalf of my country, I express my condolences to the families of the victims and to the Nigerian and Pakistani Governments. The Kingdom of Morocco reiterates its strong condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and underscores that nothing can justify a terrorist attack. Terrorism should not be associated with any religion, nationality, civilization or ethnic group. My delegation would like to thank the Secretary- General for his report (A/68/841), in which he shares his assessment, his vision and his recommendations, which deserve our full attention and which inspired comments from my delegation. We take this opportunity to welcome yesterday’s launch of the web portal on victims of terrorism, which will be a useful tool in raising awareness about the needs of victims and in preventing terrorist attacks. The adoption of the Strategy, in September 2006, was a watershed moment in focusing the international community’s efforts in combatting terrorism. The Strategy recognizes the importance of joining efforts based on an plan of action focused on four pillars. Terrorism has been exacerbated by several factors, including its links with transborder drug, weapons and human trafficking. Terrorist networks have found in such trafficking activities a source of funding for their actions to disrupt the peace of citizens and to destabilize States. That requires action at the national, subregional, regional and international levels. At the national level, Morocco first strengthened its legal toolkit and its penal code by amending existing laws and by enacting others in order to address the new scourge. We therefore adopted a comprehensive and proactive strategy, combining suppression through mobilization of the security and justice services and prevention by adopting political, economic, social, cultural, education and religious reforms. In that context, the Kingdom of Morocco continues to strengthen its legal toolkit and its institutional and operational provisions in order to effectively fight against the terrorist threat. Morocco’s experience in combating terrorism demonstrates that citizens’ respect for the steps taken by the national authorities and their complete condemnation of extremism and violence as a means to achieve political goals are fundamental to the success of any counter-terrorism strategy. Our strong commitment to continuing democratic reform, with human development as a central pillar, and to the principles of tolerance, dialogue and respect for human rights has enabled Morocco to develop an appropriate response to violent extremism. Morocco remains convinced that national efforts alone are not enough to deal with the comprehensive change in terrorism. In fact, terrorist groups continue to adapt their modus operandi and now have a more regional agenda. They are forging even closer ties with transnational organized crime networks and make malicious and greater use of information and communication technologies. Morocco believes that terrorism is a world phenomenon that requires a global response, coupled with and supported by robust subregional and regional cooperation. My delegation therefore welcomes with satisfaction the statement of the Secretary-General that progress has been made in implementing the Strategy and that countries are committed to helping others in their fight against terrorism, both bilaterally and multilaterally. We welcome the efforts of the Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force (CTITF), in particular the development of a matrix of projects so as to provide the necessary assistance and appropriate human resource training in cooperation with Member States. It is a practical tool for which appropriate and adequate financial resources must be ensured and made available. My country is ready to join the efforts of the CTITF to achieve that new guidance. On this occasion, we welcome the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s support for the Centre. Morocco also welcomes Saudi Arabia’s fruitful cooperation with the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate. In his report the Secretary-General notes that factions affiliated with Al-Qaida that aspire to establish a State stretching from the Atlantic to the Nile and other groups active in West Africa that are involved in destabilizing Mali have joined Al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb. That statement is of concern to my country and to the entire region of the Sahel and the Maghreb. That increasingly evident trend in the Sahel and Maghreb region, to which Morocco belongs, has allowed terrorist networks to acquire the financial and technological means to increase their area of operations to the point of threatening the sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of the States of the region. It is therefore not only necessary but also essential to step up cooperation and information-exchange efforts among the countries of the Sahel and the Maghreb so as to effectively fight together against the destabilizing activities of terrorists. The fight against that scourge in its new manifestation requires the sincere commitment of all States of the region to the global fight. We must continue to be vigilant, pay more attention to the issue and make use of every opportunity for coordination and concerted action to combat terrorism in the region. In that context, Morocco organized the international Workshop on Transnational Security Challenges in the South Atlantic in Rabat in October 2012 in the context of the Global Counterterrorism Forum. Moreover, in November 2013, we hosted the second regional ministerial conference on border security among the Sahel and Mahgreb States. The conference concluded with the adoption of the Rabat Declaration, whose recommendations seek to ensure border security in the countries of North Africa and the Sahel-Sahara region on the basis of a coordinated and comprehensive approach that takes the political, operational and development dimensions into account. Along the same lines, the Kingdom of the Morocco believes that the United Nations integrated strategy for the Sahel is of great relevance in overcoming the many challenges facing the Sahel. In the context of a coordinated response to the many scourges that threaten that area of Africa, Morocco participated actively in the first ministerial meeting for the establishment of a coordination platform of the United Nations integrated strategy for the Sahel, held in Bamako on 5 November. My country fully supports that strategy. As the report of the Secretary-General points out, since the previous review meeting, there has been malicious exploitation of the Internet and social networks by terrorists, who use them to glorify terrorism, to recruit and to incite and promote radicalization. That is likely to jeopardize international counter-terrorism efforts. Particular attention should therefore be paid to that new challenge. In addition, terrorists look for hotbeds of tensions and State and institutional fragility to establish themselves there, to spread terror, to proliferate, to propagate and, ultimately, to destabilize States and regions. In that regard, I would like to note that the Kingdom of Morocco held the first experts meeting on foreign terrorist fighters on 14 and 15 May in Marrakesh in the context of its joint initiative with the Netherlands within the Global Counterterrorism Forum. Its aim is to address that new situation by focusing on the police, border control, justice and information-exchange aspects. Similarly, Morocco has joined the Brussels plan of action for the establishment of a strategy to combat the movement of foreign terrorist fighters in Syria. Furthermore, the Kingdom of Morocco, which is committed to protecting religious and cultural expression and to strengthening the values of tolerance and moderation prescribed by Islam, condemns extremism and religious politicization. In order to respond to the spread of radical extremism and thwart those who support radicalism, terrorism, dissent, disintegration and misleading doctrines, the Kingdom of Morocco has undertaken religious cooperation with African countries since November 2013. It consists of training African Muslim leaders and of teaching them the norms and values of moderate Islam, promoting balance, moderation, tolerance, coexistence and acceptance of others. Six hundred Muslim leaders from Mali and the same number from Guinea and from Côte d’Ivoire have already benefited from that cooperation. The goal is to help African countries to develop their potential and to disseminate the values of tolerance, coexistence, harmony and unity among the various sectors of a society, as well as coexistence among religions. The Muslim leaders who have received training will, in turn, become trainers of other Muslim leaders in their countries. I will conclude by reaffirming that Morocco is ready to share its experience, and in particular to cooperate on the training of Muslim leaders of the other countries of the region. Such cooperation is part of our conviction that terrorism can be tackled only through cooperation and the joint efforts of all.

I would like to underscore the solidarity of the people and Government of Canada with the people and Government of Turkey in the situation they are experiencing concerning their citizens in Mosul, Iraq. (spoke in English) The kidnapping — and let us be clear that that is what this is — of 49 diplomatic representatives and their dependents, including children, as well as 39 other Turkish citizens, is a reprehensible act that deserves the condemnation of all 193 States of the United Nations. We call for the immediate release and safe return of those being held captive. We are gathered here this afternoon to renew our collective commitment to the multilateral fight against terrorism. Canada continues to believe in the value and importance of the United Nations Global Counter- Terrorism Strategy. We have been and continue to be closely involved in the United Nations effort to combat terror as an enemy we all face in common. No State in the Hall is immune to it. The Strategy has evolved and come a long way over the past seven or eight years. We salute the leadership shown by partner facilitators in the past as well as the present — Guatemala, Bangladesh and the current facilitator, Turkey — and thank them for their leadership in advancing the terms of reference of the Strategy, which has seen a positive evolution since the first facilitation in 2008. Canada was pleased to participate as a facilitator in 2012. We know from personal experience that the role of facilitator is a very difficult and challenging one and requires adroit handling of sensitive negotiations. That comes with the territory, but we must continue to move forward to a positive conclusion by expanding the foundations and depth of the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate and thank the Government of Turkey and its Permanent Mission to the United Nations for ably guiding the 2014 review. We have made strides towards better coordination in fighting terrorism here at the United Nations, and we have also done so in a variety of regional and other multilateral forums, including the Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force. But we in Canada believe we cannot be complacent but must redouble our efforts to confront this phenomenon wherever we find it. We must focus on greater coherence and coordination; we must avoid duplication and focus on how we can better work together, in our regions and multilaterally, to combat terror. I would again like to congratulate the current facilitator and all those who have worked on the text of today’s draft resolution (A/68/L.50). We salute them for their work and look forward to our ongoing collaboration with the United Nations system in making the fight against terrorism a successful one.

I would like to begin by expressing the solidarity of the Government of Peru with the people and Government of Turkey concerning the acts of terrorism and the suffering they have endured on Iraqi territory. The delegation of Peru associates itself with the statement delivered by the Permanent Representative of Costa Rica on behalf of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States. Peru considers the United Nations Global Counter- Terrorism Strategy to be vitally important. For us it represents a particularly concrete issue, owing to the fact that for more than two decades our country suffered from violence triggered by two terrorist groups that wreaked enormous human and material damage on it. Peru dealt with terrorism by implementing a policy geared towards eradicating violence and strengthening civic values and public safety — namely, the seventh policy under our national accord. It also committed us to strengthening public order, promoting a civic culture of respect for the law and for norms of coexistence and raising public awareness against violence in a context of social stability. That policy is consistent with the Strategy’s four pillars — first, in addressing conditions conducive to the spread of terrorism; secondly, in preventing and combating it; thirdly, in increasing our national capacity to fight it; and fourthly, in ensuring respect for human rights and the rule of law in the fight against this scourge. In that context, Peru has given its support to the victims of terrorism, in particular by developing a high-level multisectoral commission for reparations and national reconciliation for victims, specifically by launching programmes for victims in the areas of recognition of their civil rights, scholarships and training, and mental health care. The State also promotes collective reparations programmes that include improving community sanitation, restoring infrastructure and supporting resettlement and access to housing. We have also instituted symbolic and financial reparations for victims and their relatives with permanent physical or mental disabilities, including victims of sexual violation. However, we believe that by taking advantage of new information technologies in a global environment that is conducive to establishing transnational networks, some of those terrorists have been able to re-establish themselves. This is a new manifestation of a phenomenon that transcends borders, and in that regard we understand that the fight against terrorism requires strong, dynamic international cooperation in bilateral, regional and global arenas. In that regard, since the first Inter-American Specialized Conference on Terrorism, held in Lima in 1996, Peru has advocated for collective action in multilateral forums, particularly the Organization of American States. We are party to 17 international counter-terrorism instruments. And we have supported the General Assembly’s adoption of resolutions on the United Nations Global Counter- Terrorism Strategy, the rule of law at the national and international level and on measures to combat terrorism. We consider combating terrorist financing to be a major priority, which we work on through Peru’s financial intelligence unit. We should emphasize that in this particular area Peru has had access to international cooperation provided by the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate, with has enabled us to explore new possibilities for cooperation. Peru’s efforts in this area are aimed mainly at facilitating cooperation with countries in our region that have been affected by the presence of small terrorist groups similar to the kind we have suffered from in Peru. This in line with the the Strategy’s pillar I, which is specifically aimed at combating conditions conducive to the spread of this phenomenon. Since terrorism was defeated in Peru, a very small group of people has been trying to mislead public opinion, operating through sham organizations pretending to be genuine representatives with public influence that they do not possess. They say they want a general amnesty for terrorists who were sentenced in Peruvian courts in full respect for human rights and due process; yet they refuse to renounce their ideology, which is that of the Shining Path terrorist movement and which essentially justifies the crimes against human rights and humanity that they committed for more than two decades. Such groups linked to terrorism have exploited the rights and freedoms of association and expression, like other terrorists around the world. We therefore welcomed Security Council resolution 2129 (2013), which recognizes how important it is that States prevent the use of non-governmental, non-profit and charitable organizations by and for terrorists. We think it is vital that this be reflected in the current fourth biennial review of the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. In that regard, and thanks to the evidence produced through their skills in financial investigation, in the past few weeks the National Police of Peru, working with the Public Prosecutor’s Office and with strict respect for human rights and due process, has arrested various members of an organization that is a front for terrorists and who are now being legally investigated. I would conclude by pointing to the need counting on a Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy that, while safeguarding the balance among its four pillars, shows that the international community is capable of responding collectively to the challenges that the scourge of terrorism has brought through its various manifestations, many of them transnational in nature. The effectiveness of the Global Strategy is directly related to the ability to act multilaterally on the basis of international law to promptly address the conditions conducive to the spread of terrorism.

I thank the Secretary-General for his report (A/68/841) and the information contained therein. I would also like to take this opportunity to express my appreciation to the facilitator, the Permanent Representative of Turkey, for his work. China strongly condemns the recent kidnapping that took place in Mosul, Iraq. Diplomatic missions were attacked and diplomats were kidnapped. We ask that the hostages be released immediately. The Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy is a very important consensus document for Member States in the area of counter-terrorism in recent years. The international community has undertaken tremendous efforts in combatting terrorism and it has achieved a great deal. However, terrorism still poses a very serious threat to international peace and security. There have also emerged new means and ways of committing acts of terrorism. With regard to the how to implement the Strategy, I would like to make the following observations. First, we must have zero tolerance towards terrorism. Terrorism is the enemy of humankind. Any terrorist acts, for whatever purposes, based on whatever motivations, perpetrated by whomever, whenever and wherever, are serious criminal acts that can never be justified. The international community must take a clear stand against terrorism, separatism and extremism. No country should practice a double standard on the issue, using its self-interest to shift its positions or using political machinations to shelter terrorists or connive with them. Secondly, terrorist organizations and terrorists are taking advantage of information and communications technology, including the use of the Internet, to incite, recruit, fund or plot terrorist attacks. The international community should have a heightened awareness of that new trend. Resolution 2129 (2013) and subsequent United Nations resolutions have outlined clear requirements in that regard. States should fully implement such resolutions and enhance exchange of information and cooperation. Thirdly, combating terrorism should be done in line with the Charter of the United Nations, its purposes and principles and on the basis of other recognized norms of international relations. There should be respect for the independence, unity and territorial integrity of countries. We should advocate in favour of dialogue, understanding and exchange between different civilizations and religions. We should never link terrorism with a particular region, particular country or particular religion. Fourthly, in fighting terrorism, we need to take a holistic approach to combating both root causes and symptoms. We need to narrow the poverty gap in society, address social injustice, properly handle regional conflicts, fight against splittism and extremism and suppress the spread of hatred and intolerance. Those are all very important elements in fighting terrorism at the international level. The international community should attend to the root causes of terrorism and implement, in a holistic and balanced manner, implement the Global Strategy. Fifthly, the United Nations has a larger role to play. The United Nations should advocate in favour of a very clear-cut standard on what is right and what is wrong. We should build consensus and scale up cooperation in the areas of anti-terrorism and capacity-building. We support the General Assembly and the subsidiary bodies of the Security Council, based on their respective mandates, in stepping up cooperation and coordination and actively participating in the implementation of the Global Strategy. China is a victim of terrorism. The East Turkestan terrorist organization, spearheaded by the East Turkestan Islamic Movement, poses the most serious threat faced by the Chinese Government in terms of national security. We shall continue to take very firm measures to resolutely fight terrorism. We have the determination, confidence and capability to suppress the spread of terrorism. Whatever their purposes or motivations, those terrorists will never succeed. China will continue to proactively implement the Global Strategy. We will actively participate in international cooperation within the framework of the United Nations. We are ready and willing to engage with the relevant countries to exchange information in the areas of legislation and enforcement, information sharing, and the extradition and repatriation of terrorist suspects. Let us join hands and work together to fight the global scourge of terrorism.

I wish to extend my sincere appreciation to the President of the General Assembly for convening this important set of meetings to assess the progress made in the implementation of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy since its third review, in 2012. I would also like to commend Ambassador Halit Çevik for his leadership during the review process, including his efforts to develop the draft resolution (A/68/L.50). At the outset, we would like to express our solidarity with the Government and people of Turkey in the light of the recent terrorist attacks committed by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant in Iraq. We strongly condemn all acts of terrorism and stress that all hostages must be released safely and immediately. As noted in the Secretary-General’s report (A/68/841), terrorism is bred from poor governance, discrimination, political exclusion and inequitable economic development. As is often said, a complex problem requires a comprehensive approach. In that regard, my delegation concurs with the Secretary- General’s observations that the most effective means for combating terrorism is to achieve the United Nations core goals of strengthening peace and security, promoting human development, adhering to human rights and the rule of law and implementing the Strategy’s four pillars in a balanced manner. To that end, effective coordination and cooperation during that ongoing process is essential. We therefore support the three-pronged approach of the Counter- Terrorism Implementation Task Force (CTITF) to enhance cooperation and coherence of the counter- terrorism efforts of the United Nations system. Effective measures should be taken to address the key components of terrorism, namely, terrorists, weapons, funding and networks. First, a range of efforts are needed in order to address the conditions conducive to the spread of terrorism. In particular, investing in youth, education and human rights is critical. The Republic of Korea therefore strongly supports the Secretary-General’s Global Education First and Rights Up Front initiatives. The Republic of Korea, for its part, has doubled its official development assistance since 2007, including in the areas of poverty reduction, human resources development and sustainable development. Secondly, deterring the illicit flow of weapons and terrorist financing is another important task. As such, the Republic of Korea looks forward to the pivotal role of the Arms Trade Treaty. We are also planning to submit a biennial resolution on combating illicit brokering activities, alongside Australia, during the next session of the General Assembly. It is also crucial that all the relevant recommendations of the Financial Action Task Force be fully implemented. Thirdly, defending porous borders and breaking regional and global terrorist networks requires concerted, transnational efforts. In particular, fostering and institutionalizing operational and intelligence cooperation among regional countries is key to counter- terrorism. As the Chair of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004), the Republic of Korea is of the view that denying access to weapons of mass destruction to terrorists should be an integral part of our collective counter-terrorism strategy. The high-level Security Council open debate (see S/PV.7169), held on 7 May, and the presidential statement (S/PRST/2014/7) adopted provided the momentum to further strengthen international efforts in that area. We will continue to build on the constructive suggestions by Member States to contribute to the development of a comprehensive strategy to realize the full implementation of Security Council resolution 1540 (2004). Secondly, as the host of the Seoul Conference on Cyberspace last year, the Republic of Korea has been making sustained efforts to effectively address the emerging threats stemming from the malicious use of information and communication technology. Taking advantage of the high connectivity, terrorists are learning to make bombs, recruit new members and wage propaganda wars through the Internet. At the Nuclear Security Summit held in The Hague last March, the Republic of Korea, proposed joint efforts to tackle the emerging threat of cyber terrorism against nuclear facilities. We are also currently working closely with CTITF to develop a project that will strengthen the cyber security of developing countries to combat potential cyber terrorism. We look forward to working with interested Member States on that matter. As Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has stressed, terrorism has no nationality and respects no borders. Our response must also reflect the amorphous and ubiquitous nature of terrorism today. The Republic of Korea will continue to play its part in promoting the full implementation of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy.

At the outset, I would like to thank the Secretary-General for his comprehensive report (A/68/841) on the progress made on the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, the Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force for organizing this event and for its continuing efforts aimed at strengthening cooperation among Member States, as well as the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (CTED) for the constructive dialogue it has maintained with my country, especially after the review visit to Argentina in November 2012. In line with the decisions adopted by the General Assembly and the Security Council and the commitments made in this context, Argentina condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. Acts of terrorism are a threat not only to international peace and security, but also to human life, and endanger the stability, consolidation of democracy and socioeconomic development of nations. The Republic of Argentina was a victim of international terrorism on two occasions — in 1992 and 1994. Within a few days, on 18 July, it will be 20 years since the second attack against the headquarters of the Argentine Israelite Mutual Association. For that reason, our country was one of the first to draw attention to the need for the international community to establish clear definitions to lay the foundation for a policy of cooperation and coordination in the fight against terrorism. The deplorable events of 11 September 2001 not only undermined the values ​and principles of States — democracy and freedoms — but they led us to recognize that the fight against terrorism required an integrated and multidimensional approach to act on the broadest level possible of cooperation in order to address the threat in all its forms and manifestations. Argentina believes that multilateral frameworks, especially the United Nations, the Secretariat and the Task Force, the Security Council, the Counter- Terrorism Committee and its Executive Directorate, as well as regional and subregional bodies, are the most appropriate forums to coordinate the necessary collaboration and cooperation among States to prevent and eradicate terrorism. Therefore, although we support the initiatives of other multilateral forums to combat terrorism, we do so only to the extent that their actions and principles contribute to strengthening those that guide the work of the United Nations, as the basis of a global governance based on genuine multilateralism. We must make sure that all the actors committed to the struggle against terrorism act effectively with each other, not in a competitive way but with mutual respect, cooperation and in recognition of their respective capacities. Argentina’s efforts to prevent and eradicate terrorism is based on full respect for the rule of law, the fundamental guarantees of the various branches of international law and the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations. My country’s experience since the emergence of State terrorism has made Argentina a very active player in the promotion of human rights. It is therefore not acceptable for us to think that human rights violations can be accepted under certain circumstances. To the extent that efforts to combat terrorism are based on an efficient criminal justice process that respects the principles of the rule of law and human rights, ensuring that justice and defendants’ rights are protected, it can provide a peaceful, responsible and legitimate response to the phenomenon of terrorism. In that way, under pillar IV of the Global Strategy, we can contribute to avoiding an escalation of violence and the use of force in a way that runs counter to the protection of the individual and due process and we can strengthen society’s commitment to the rule of law and human rights and to the essential understanding and support required by victims of terrorism. Argentina believes that policies that promote full respect for human rights and policies of social inclusion for the most vulnerable segments of the population are the essential cement to address the conditions that lead to the spread of terrorism, as stated under pillar I of the Global Strategy. No transnational crime or terrorist group will find fertile ground in societies that incorporate high levels of peaceful coexistence and social justice in their development. In that connection, Argentina supports the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations as an initiative designed to promote dialogue, tolerance and understanding among civilizations, cultures, peoples and religions. A phenomenon such as terrorism, owing to its complexity and transnational nature, requires that there be agreement among countries in the area of criminal justice and counter-terrorism measures to ensure that there is no impunity, that there is full respect for human rights in the fight against terrorism and so that we may help to compensate the victims of terrorist acts. However, faced with the lamentable acts that occurred in Pakistan and Iraq in recent days, we must conclude that emphasis should be placed on facilitating the factors necessary for each country’s development of its own capabilities to create its own model to confront the threat of terrorism. Each culture and each country must develop its own experience, with the support of the entire international community. We think that this is where the full development of the pillar I of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy becomes crucial.

I thank Ambassador Y. Halit Çevik and his team for leading this important review to a strong consensus outcome. Australia condemns the terrorist attacks by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) in Iraq and the taking hostage of the Turkish Consulate staff. We urge ISIL to release the hostages immediately. The international community should cooperate to secure their safe release. We also express our solidarity with the people and the Governments of Pakistan and Nigeria for the recent deplorable attacks by terrorists in those countries. Those events show that the threat of terrorism today is more complex than ever before. Terrorist organizations are dynamic — they are able to move and recruit quickly, communicate ideas and methods instantaneously and mobilize resources globally. Terrorist and violent extremist groups have shown the intent and ability to exploit vulnerabilities in some societies — namely, intercommunal tension, illiteracy and weak governance — to radicalize those societies for their own ideological and financial gains. The comprehensive approach in the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy is more important than ever in tackling those evolving challenges. Since 2006, we have seen significant global successes in law enforcement, including prosecution and convictions. We must continue to strengthen criminal justice systems and international legal cooperation while protecting human rights and, at the same time, we need to focus more on prevention. The fourth review of the Global Strategy importantly identifies preventive steps to address the aforementioned emerging challenges. The rapid growth in kidnap for ransom and hostage-taking by terrorist groups to finance their operations or to gain concessions is one of the most serious global challenges. There is good and growing evidence that the payment of ransoms by States both dramatically increases the amount in ransom that is demanded and results in further targeting of the citizens of those States, thus perpetuating the problem. The safety and welfare of the victim is naturally a paramount concern. However, ransoms are financing terrorism, and we need international solidarity to suppress the practice. The Counter-Terrorism Committee special meeting later this year will be an important opportunity to share experiences in preventing kidnap for ransom by terrorists. The review of the Global Strategy this year has put the spotlight on measures to address the conditions conducive to terrorism. There is increasing recognition that Governments can do better to counter the violent extremism that can lead to terrorism. National strategies countering violent extremism are important. Australia’s strategy leverages community policing and strong partnerships with community leaders and civil society to build social cohesion and community resilience. We have heard a lot today about the challenge posed by foreign fighters, including about law enforcement measures that we can take in response to the threat. In tackling the phenomenon, countering violent extremism in communities must complement law enforce efforts. States and communities can marginalize the appeal of fighting in a foreign country, including by improving understanding of the consequences of joining conflict and by encouraging people to pursue alternative non-violent avenues to assist affected populations in those countries, such as the humanitarian effort. The international community must work together urgently to address the threat posed by foreign fighters. If we do not tackle that together and head on, it will have unquantifiable consequences on global security and development. A crucial preventive tool in the global tool box is the Al-Qaida sanctions regime. Several delegations today have made the point that, while Al-Qaida’s senior leadership and central structure may be weaker, its motivational appeal is as strong as ever. We see that in the proliferation of dispersed Al-Qaida affiliates and splinter groups that take advantage of local conflicts or situations of limited State control. The Al-Qaida Sanctions Committee continues to ensure its sanctions list targets the contemporary nature of the threat, as seen in its recent actions in adding Boko Haram and three splinter groups of Al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb to the list. Those actions demonstrate, too, how the sanctions regime supports States in preventing Al-Qaida-linked terrorists from posing a threat within their borders and regions. But the full potential of the regime to target and counter the Al-Qaida network will be realized only if Member States work with the Committee to identify who are the key enablers within the network that should be subject to the sanctions. The Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, sanctions and other international measures can be effective only if they are implemented widely. Many States continue to require technical assistance to implement their obligations. Australia will continue to work to strengthen the capacity of partners in South-East Asia, South Asia and Africa. As the Deputy Foreign Minister of Indonesia said this morning, the Jakarta Centre for Law Enforcement Cooperation, established after the terrorist bombings in Bali in 2002, has now trained over 15,000 officers. Dedicated regional facilities are vital to implementing the Global Strategy. The Global Counterterrorism Forum (GCTF) also plays a substantial role by working with the United Nations to promote the Global Counter- Terrorism Strategy and facilitating capacity-building in a practical, responsive and dynamic way. Australia co-chair with Indonesia the new GCTF Working Group on Detention and Reintegration, which was established in April to address the challenge of terrorist prisoners during detention and their reintegration into society after their release. But more than any other organization, the United Nations plays a unique and leading role in strengthening awareness and implementation of international norms and standards in countering terrorism and in mobilizing the technical assistance necessary for global efforts to be effective. We welcome the Secretary-General’s steps to integrate peace and security issues, including counter- terrorism, with activities to promote social and economic development. The United Nations must adapt to the contemporary threat posed by terrorism through such a strategic and coordinated approach. The fourth biennial review of the implementation of the Strategy will support the United Nations in that endeavour.

At the outset, let me express Brazil’s sympathy for all victims of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. We are deeply concerned with the latest developments in Iraq and hope that calm will be restored promptly in that country. We wish to express our solidarity with the Turkish people and the Turkish diplomatic corps, given the recent abductions that have taken place in Mosul. I wish to congratulate the President and the facilitator of the discussions on the draft resolution before us (A/68/L.50), Ambassador Y. Halit Çevik, Permanent Representative of Turkey, and his diligent team, for the successful conclusion of the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Strategy review. I would also like to align ourselves with the statement delivered by the representative of Costa Rica, who spoke on behalf of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) (see A/68/PV.94). We welcome the draft resolution as an opportunity for the United Nations to keep the Global Counter- Terrorism Strategy “relevant and contemporary in the light of emerging new threats and evolving trends of international terrorism”, as stated in paragraph 3. The draft resolution reaffirms the importance of the Strategy and its four pillars and the central role of the General Assembly in addressing the issue. Brazil fully supports the Strategy’s comprehensive and integrated perspective in preventing and fighting terrorism. We reaffirm our commitment to a holistic approach to fighting terrorism, which is a multidimensional threat that must be combated, taking into account the diversity of its underlying causes. Brazil emphasizes that the fight against terrorism should make use of all means compatible with the Charter of the United Nations and other norms of international law and must not take place at the expense of due process, human rights, international humanitarian law and civil liberties. Violent extremism, radicalism and violence often stem from protracted social, political, economic and cultural exclusion, amidst which intolerance may thrive. Brazil was an active participant in the negotiations of the draft resolution. I would now like to briefly comment on some of the issues addressed by the present draft resolution. As a general comment, I would like to point out the fact that the draft resolution is significantly longer than the previous one (resolution 66/282). One of its merits is bringing to the fore elements of contemporary relevance to the United Nations, while reiterating the centrality of the General Assembly in fighting terrorism. An important number of new paragraphs deal with measures to address the conditions conducive to the spread of terrorism. In that regard, the draft resolution stresses that the threat will not be defeated by military force, law enforcement measures and intelligence operations alone. In that regard, let us emphasize that terrorism will be defeated only when the international community and the United Nations forgo a culture of reaction for a culture of prevention that is able to take into account the structural causes of exclusion, marginalization and discrimination. As we have observed on a number of occasions, prevention is always the best policy. Such a paradigm shift should focus on an integrated approach that addresses the interdependence among peace, security and development in a comprehensive manner. By doing so, the Organization and its Member States would be capable of addressing the core conditions conducive to terrorism and would promote democratic values, international cooperation for social and economic development and political, ethnic and religious tolerance more coherently and efficiently. The structure of the Strategy in pillars reminds us of the importance of cooperation, technical assistance and capacity-building among States and the responsibility of the United Nations system to create the means for such initiatives to take place. The Strategy also reaffirms, in unmistakable terms, that the promotion and protection of human rights for all and the rule of law are essential to all components of the Strategy, while recognizing that effective counter- terrorism measures and the protection of human rights are not conflicting goals but are complementary and mutually reinforcing. In that context, we welcome an important addition to the draft resolution, namely, the inclusion of the right to privacy, which, as already emphasized by the CELAC countries, is essential to human dignity and a fundamental human right, whose protection is crucial to safeguarding individuals against the abuse of power. The legitimate concerns about security must be addressed in a manner consistent with Members’ obligations under international law and international human rights law. In the absence of respect for and protection of the right to privacy, including while countering terrorism, there can be no true freedom of opinion and expression and no effective democracy. We hope that the inclusion of the need to respect and protect the right to privacy in the draft resolution will help to shed light on the need for States to adopt a balanced approach, through the prisms of both security and human rights and fundamental freedoms, when addressing the current challenges with regard to information and communications technologies. Another issue touched upon by the draft resolution that merits being mentioned is the need for States to ensure that any measures taken or means employed to counter terrorism, including the use of remotely piloted aircraft, comply with their obligations under international law, including the Charter of the United Nations, human rights law and international humanitarian law. That is an issue of the utmost importance, which, surprisingly, did not find its way into the Secretary-General’s report on the implementation of the Strategy (A/68/841). The Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism has referred to the urgent and imperative need to seek agreement among Member States on legal questions pertaining to remotely piloted aircraft operations. We reiterate that the complexities that arise from the use of new remote-controlled killing technologies and their extraterritorial deployment by a few very powerful countries in a position to do so, usually in violation of airspace sovereignty and in areas not necessarily at war, in operations tantamount to extrajudicial executions should not be underestimated. All the above issues converge with the idea expressed by the Secretary-General that efforts to “prevent and combat terrorism will fail if the international community creates more terrorists than it defeats by its actions” (A/68/841, para. 112). Such a statement embodies the “do no harm” idea, which is central to Brazil’s foreign policy. Brazil reiterates once again that there are no excuses for terrorist acts. The repudiation of terrorism is a tenet enshrined in the Brazilian Constitution and a guiding principle of our external relations. As a country with no history of terrorist acts, Brazil has been making efforts to prevent them, including at the regional and subregional levels. We reaffirm our strong commitment to a coordinated and multidimensional response to the challenges posed by the phenomenon and once again pledge our full support to the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. We remain convinced that the review of the implementation of the Strategy offers us an important opportunity to deepen our comprehension of terrorism in all its complexity. Let us not lose sight of the fact that our guiding principle in fighting terrorism is to save innocent lives from that scourge and to make the world a safer place.

I thank the President for giving us the opportunity to participate in this debate. The upsurge in acts of terrorism globally reaffirms that terrorism continues to be a threat not only to international peace and security but also to human rights. My delegation supports the role of the United Nations at the centre of multilateral efforts to counter terrorism. We remain firm in our belief that no country can address that challenging and complex threat on its own. We continue to align ourselves with the view that terrorism will not be and cannot be defeated by military means. The United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy remains the most credible and relevant international counter-terrorism mechanism and continues to enjoy the political support of all Member States. Its strength lies in the fact that it is the product of the collective effort of States Members of the United Nations to counter the scourge in a holistic manner. South Africa supports the implementation of the four pillars of the Strategy in a balanced and integrated manner. A balanced approach would imply that, in addition to the steps being taken to prevent and to counter terrorism, the international community maintains its commitment to ensuring the timely and full realization of the development goals and objectives to eradicate poverty and to promote sustained economic growth, as well as sustainable development and prosperity for all. South Africa supports the adoption of the consensus draft resolution (A/68/L.50) following this fourth biennial review process. We view such a decision as one that ensures a dynamic, holistic and multifaceted approach to countering the scourge within the framework of international law. The Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force (CTITF) and its working groups contribute to the attainment of the objectives outlined in the Strategy. We concur with the Secretary-General’s view that the true test of the value of the United Nations Counter- Terrorism Implementation Task Force will be the impact of its work on the ground. That is especially relevant to developing countries with their limited resources. In that context, we commend the Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force for its efforts to enhance coordination and coherence. The comprehensive matrix of all the projects and activities being carried out by the 31 Task Force entities is a welcome contribution, which will allow resources to be allocated where they are most needed. Enhanced effectiveness will help to strengthen the institutional framework of the United Nations and will support the Secretary-General’s vision of one United Nations, enabling the Organization to better assist and support Member States in the implementation of the Strategy. We also commend the CTITF for hosting the Global Experts’ Meeting on Building Capacity for Terrorist Designations and Asset-Freezing. The strengthening of the international legal architecture, the rule of law and the criminal justice system comprises the basis of our common approach to fighting terrorism. In that context, the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms for all are essential to all components of the Strategy, and that approach is complementary and reinforcing. At the national level, we have put in place awareness- raising programmes to familiarize Government and civil society with the Strategy and have continued working on the implementation of the four pillars. Since the last review of the Strategy in June 2012 (see A/66/PV.118), South Africa has adopted its own national counter- terrorism strategy. Our national strategy provides a comprehensive and proportionate response to the threat of international terrorism and extremism, taking into account both local and international best practices, while upholding human rights and the rule of law. The South African counter-terrorism strategy consists of the following five pillars, which are expressed as objectives, with each containing a set of key priorities to be addressed: first, to understand the phenomenon of international terrorism and domestic extremism; secondly, to prevent new recruits from joining terrorist groups and perpetrating terrorist attacks; thirdly, to mitigate such threats and better protect potential targets; fourthly, to pursue and investigate members of existing networks; and fifthly, to improve South Africa’s capability to respond to and manage the consequences of terrorist acts. One of the outstanding matters in the normative framework of the United Nations remains the adoption of a comprehensive convention on terrorism. In the action plan adopted in 2006, Member States undertook to make every effort to conclude that convention, which would also address gaps in the current international legal arena, while encouraging Member States to become parties to existing international conventions and protocols. South Africa believes that the adoption of the convention would enhance the implementation of the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. In the run-up to the tenth anniversary of the adoption of the Strategy, every effort should be made by Member States to break the current deadlock.

My delegation joins the condemnation of the acts committed against the staff of the Turkish consulate in Mosul, Iraq, and we call for their immediate release. Likewise, my delegation aligns itself with the statement made on behalf of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (see A/68/PV.94). Since its adoption in 2006, the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy has become a genuine instrument for coordinating an integrated response to the scourge of terrorism. United Nations Member States have benefited from it through new and stronger capacities and improved practices. Despite such efforts, we know there is not a single region in the world that can be said to be immune to the scourge. Over the past few years, we have witnessed the persistent proliferation of terrorist groups and their adapation to the efforts of the international community to eliminate their operations. At the same time, we are concerned about the diversification and dissemination of those groups through the use of new technologies, including the Internet and its offshoots, which have been used to influence communities and groups susceptible to radicalization. Mexico believes that efforts to address the underlying causes of the proliferation of terrorism must be strengthened, including the social and development factors exploited by terrorist groups in recruiting young people to advance their aims. Addressing governance gaps in generating preventive social strategies at the community level could be of direct assistance to international efforts to counter terrorism. As a result of coordinated action among the three levels of Government, Mexico has made significant progress in addressing social and development factors that promote social equity and inclusion and discourage criminal activity. These factors include the elimination of extreme poverty, improved access to education and universal health care, and the promotion of anti-violence actions, gender equality and sustainable development. Such efforts are integrated into the activities of a special unit for the investigation of terrorism, arms stockpiling and trafficking of the Federal Attorney-General’s Office, which has established an implementation protocol to address terrorist attacks, including close cooperation with other Government actors in charge of community security, under Mexican authority. The conjunction of security and development cannot and should not impede respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms in the fight against terrorism, independently of any measures taken to that end. In that context, my country reiterates its concern over the use of remote technologies in the fight against terrorism. We support the investigation launched by the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism, and his opinion regarding the use of drones and their impact on human rights. Morevoer, Mexico reiterates its support and solidarity with the victims of terrorism. We support the efforts of the United Nations in launching the Victims of Terrorism Support Portal as an important step forward in creating general awareness of the direct impact of acts of terrorism on civilian populations and in promoting community resilience. We also recognize the work of the United Nations Centre for Counter-Terrorism, and in particular its catalytic role in promoting transparency and coordination in building capacity against the scourge. In particular, we emphasize the practical function of the summary matrix of counter-terrorism projects and inputs from the Task Force regarding the fight against drug-trafficking and terrorism, and we encourage those who have not yet done so to participate in that effort. Almost 10 years after the adoption of the Global Strategy, the international community has made solid progress in the fight against terrorism. However, no effort will suffice without international cooperation, comprehensive measures to ensure accountability and compensation for the victims of the scourge, and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms.

At the outset, I wish to join others in extending our appreciation to the President, for convening this important meeting allowing the Assembly to take stock of the progress made in implementing the United Nations Global Counter- Terrorism Strategy of 2006. I wish to thank Secretary- General Ban Ki-moon for his report (A/68/841) on the ongoing implementation of the Strategy. We are especially appreciative of the new summary matrix of counter-terrorism projects implemented by United Nations entities on countering terrorism. I also wish to pay tribute to Mr. Halit Çevik, Permanent Representative of Turkey, and members of his Mission for the excellent manner in which they have facilitated consultations on draft resolution A/68/L.50 on the fourth review of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. I also wish to join others in expressing solidarity with the Government and people of Turkey regarding the kidnapping of Turkish diplomatic personnel in Mosul, Iraq, and in expressing our desire to see their immediate and safe release. At this juncture, allow me to align my statement with that delivered by the Permanent Representative of Egypt on behalf of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (see A/68/PV.94). The United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy is indeed a landmark document. It marked the first time the international community agreed, with one voice, on a common strategy to address and combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, irrespective of where, when or by whomever it is committed and whatever reasons may be behind it. The four pillars outlined in the Strategy enable us to deal with terrorism in an integrated manner. In that regard, my delegation cannot emphasize enough the importance of giving equal attention to all four of those pillars, something we have always remained committed to and that is reflected in Malaysia’s multifaceted approach to combating terrorism. Malaysia has ratified nine of the 13 international conventions and protocols and has taken various steps to meet its obligations as laid down by the General Assembly and Security Council. We are in the midst of taking the necessary legislative measures to enable us to accede to the remaining conventions and protocols. Malaysia has also continued to work on enhancing its domestic legal framework so as to ensure that we uphold the people’s rights while remaining committed to safeguarding the country’s security. This is evident in our application of our Security Offences (Special Measures) Act, which came into force on 31 July 2012 and replaces our Internal Security Act of 1960. This law establishes special measures for security offences, with the purpose of maintaining public order and security. It also provides for a procedural and evidential rule, pertaining to subversive offences under our penal code, that specifically criminalizes terrorist acts. Last year, we also amended and renamed our 2001 anti-money- laundering act to include measures combating terrorism financing. The amended legislation makes comprehensive provision for freezing terrorist funds, implementing Security Council resolution 1267 (1999) and increasing our implementation of resolution 1373 (2001). Regarding the area of capacity-building, in 2003 Malaysia established the Southeast Asia Regional Centre for Counter-Terrorism with the sole purpose of enhancing capacity-building and expanding technical assistance at the international level. Since then, the Centre has conducted 137 capacity-building programmes attended by 2,861 local and 1,256 foreign participants. It works closely with many other countries on various aspects of counter-terrorism, as well as with international organizations such as the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Executive Directorate and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. In our region, cooperation in combating terrorism takes place primarily within the framework of the Ministerial Meeting on Transnational Crime of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). The Ministerial Meeting discusses the framework for cooperation and oversees implementation of activities aimed at combating terrorism, including sharing intelligence and working with external partners to counter threats. In addition, the annual ASEAN Senior Officials Meeting on Transnational Crime implements and reviews the decisions made at the Ministerial Meeting, as well as recommending new projects and exploring further areas for cooperation. The 2007 signing in Manila by all ASEAN member countries of the ASEAN Convention on Counter-Terrorism has made it the primary framework for ASEAN cooperation in combating terrorism. All our member countries have ratified the Convention, which not only serves as a regional framework for counter-terrorism but also complements the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, international conventions on counter-terrorism and relevant United Nations resolutions. Malaysia welcomes some additional elements included in this year’s biennial review, including greater emphasis on pillar I of the Strategy. While we urge that equal attention be given to each of the four pillars, there is no doubt that we should increase the focus on conditions conducive to the spread of terrorism. As the saying goes, prevention is better than cure. In that regard, Malaysia continues to take various measures to eradicate hard-core poverty and ensure that our people enjoy equitable economic growth. We have also ensured that our expenditure on education continues to exceed 20 per cent of the annual national budget. Malaysia believes in the vital importance of allowing those who live under oppression their most fundamental right — the right to life and liberty accompanied by dignity and hope. Terrorism should not be equated with any religion, nationality, civilization or ethnic group. Indeed, too often we have witnessed violent extremists dressing up their causes and hiding their political goals behind a mask of religion in order to make them seem more appealing and legitimate. When that happens, it is the duty of all peace-loving people, including those of the same faith that is being exploited, to discredit them. When extremists who kill innocent civilians misuse their faith in this manner, it is our duty to challenge and expose them for what they truly are — violent extremists or terrorists. It was in that realization that Malaysia’s Prime Minister, speaking in the general debate at the General Assembly’s sixty-fifth session, called for a global movement of moderates (see A/65/PV.19). He repeated his call in this year’s general debate for the silent majority of moderates who are appalled by extremists and terrorists’ despicable acts to occupy the mainstream (see A/68/PV.18). It is a clarion call to rational, peace-loving people of all races, cultures and beliefs to raise our voices, reclaim the centre stage and drown out the talk of hate and extremism that has been voiced by a mere handful of people. It is a direction that supports the voices of reason, understanding, tolerance and respect. We believe it would contribute significantly to our common effort to defeat terrorism. While we take a step back and examine the progress that has been made, we should also look forward to what lies ahead. In that regard, my delegation appreciates the additional aspects to counter-terrorism efforts included in the biennial review. We support, among other aspects, the language on kidnapping for ransom and the strengthened language on the importance of fighting the financing of terrorism and on terrorists’ misuse of information and communications technologies. Without a doubt, the fourth biennial review of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy has brought the international community one step closer to achieving our noble intention of eradicating that ugly scourge. Having said that, we realize that the road ahead is long and winding. The Assembly may rest assured of Malaysia’s firm commitment to the journey that would eventually see a world free from terrorism.

I congratulate the President of the General Assembly on the successful completion of the fourth review of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. We thank the Mission of Turkey for its able facilitation of the review and express our profound solidarity with Turkey after the kidnapping of their nationals by the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant. It was an act of despicable cowardice, which has been roundly condemned by the world, including by the Security Council unanimously in its statement yesterday. As the Secretary-General notes in his report (A/68/841), the international community’s response to terrorism must remain anchored in preventative measures, respect for human rights and respect for the rule of law. Political instability, conflict and economic strife can create conditions that foment terrorist tendencies. That is why countering violent extremism and pursuing development opportunities are essential for tackling the scourge of terrorism. The international terrorist threat is evolving. Since the most recent review of the Strategy in 2012, the threat has become both more fragmented and more diverse. The Strategy is an important element in the international response to terrorism because it demonstrates the international community’s fundamental principles and clear direction. This year’s review focuses on two worrying trends. First, the payment of ransoms to terrorist groups that carry out kidnapping to finance their operations has become a predominant funding activity for many terrorist groups. We now have a vicious cycle in which ransom payments strengthen terrorist groups and incentivize future incidents of kidnapping. That cycle must be broken. The recent abduction of schoolgirls in Nigeria by Boko Haram is a tragic demonstration of the horror that powerful and well-funded terrorist groups can inflict. Secondly, an unprecedented number of individuals are travelling to conflict zones, such as Syria, to fight alongside terrorist groups. Those individuals may pose a threat to their home countries when they return. They also pose an international threat, as they are prone to commit random terrorist attacks across the globe. The recent attack at the Jewish Museum of Belgium in Brussels is a manifestation of that trend. In the face of that threat, our shared priority should be to dissuade individuals from travelling to areas of conflict and instead give them safe and effective channels to make positive humanitarian contributions to people directly affected by conflict. The Syrian people have been clear that they want a political solution to the conflict and humanitarian assistance, not foreign fighters. But foreign fighters continue to head for Syria. We cannot rely on prevention alone. The international community must be ready to disrupt the flow of foreign fighters by enhancing cooperation in areas such as information sharing and border management. Disruption also needs to be backed by an appropriate criminal justice response. The United Nations system itself and its instruments have an important role to play in tackling terrorist threats. In order to fulfil that role, the United Nations entities must improve their coordination and sharing of information. There are excellent resources to draw upon. The Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate is a centre of analytical expertise and the Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force is a centre of capacity-building expertise. If those two centres agree on common priorities and action plans, the United Nations system has the potential to have a real impact on and deliver support for the regions and countries most vulnerable to the threat of terrorism. In particular, the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Centre has the potential to play a significant role in the implementation of capacity-building programmes. United Nations entities must also continue to work with partners in the global struggle against terrorism. The Global Counterterrorism Forum is a key partner that has made significant contributions to countering violent extremism and strengthening criminal justice institutions, and it continues to work closely with the United Nations counter-terrorism bodies. The work of the Forum and other partners is important to multiply the efforts of the United Nations and mobilize resources for their implementation. We cannot afford to file away the issue of counter- terrorism until the next review, in 2016. We must remain agile, responsive and collaborative in the face of the threat. At that point, 10 years after it was agreed upon, we should evaluate the contribution of the Strategy and use that opportunity to plan for the future.

Cuba would like to align itself with the statement made by the representative Costa Rica on behalf of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (see A/68/PV.94). We strongly support the collective efforts of the United Nations in its fight against terrorism. The United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy is a milestone in international efforts to deal with that scourge and gives the General Assembly the central role in those efforts. We would also like to thank the representative of Turkey for coordinating the process on this complex issue and thank those delegations who demonstrated the political will to make progress in the fight against this scourge. This process is taking place at a particularly significant moment for our country. Recently, the United States Department of State published its Country Reports on Terrorism 2013. It repeated its arbitrary designation of Cuba as a State sponsor of terrorism for the thirty-second time. That unilateral act violates the principles of international law. It is an affront to the Cuban people and discredits the Government of the United States itself. My country vigorously rejects the manipulation of such a sensitive issue as international terrorism and its use as a policy tool against Cuba to justify the economic, commercial and financial blockade that has been imposed against us for over 50 years now. The Government of Cuba reiterates that our national territory has never been and never will be used to welcome terrorists, regardless of their origin, nor to organize, finance or perpetrate acts of terrorism against any country in the world, including the United States. Similarly, we reject and unequivocally condemn any act of terrorism, regardless of the place or circumstances in which it takes place or the motivations behind it. Cuba is a country that, in defending its independence and unity, has suffered for decades from the consequences of terrible terrorist acts that were organized and financed by and executed from the territory of the United States and that have caused the deaths of 3,478 persons and disabled 2,099 more. Cuba reiterates its unwavering determination to fight terrorism and our fundamental rejection and condemnation of all methods, acts and practices of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, regardless of who committed such acts, who they were committed against and where they were committed and regardless of the motivations behind them, including those in which a State was directly or indirectly involved. The international community must not accept that, under the banner of the supposed fight against terrorism, any State commit acts of aggression, interfere in the internal affairs of other States, commit or allow flagrant violations of human rights and humanitarian law, such as torture, kidnapping, illegal detention, disappearance or extrajudicial execution. Such double standards and unilateral acts are contrary to the Charter of the United Nations and the norms and principles of international law. Wherever those legal and ethical principles are violated, we are laying the ground for extremist ideologies to undermine the legitimacy of our fight against international terrorism and the principles of the humanist culture that we are defending from hatred, vengeance and terror. The Secretary-General’s proposal to create the post of a counter-terrorism coordinator has been discussed. It is clear that there are doubts regarding this subject and that more information is needed before States are able to consider that question in an appropriate manner. Clearly, a decision of such magnitude can be decided only — and I repeat, only — upon by consensus and in the General Assembly. Some matters of major importance have been included this year’s draft resolution (A/68/L.50), whereas others should be included in the future. The issue of support for the rights of victims of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations has been included. Cuba supports the efforts of the Secretariat to create the United Nations Victims of Terrorism Support Portal. In that connection, we must emphasize that States must comply with their international obligations, without resorting to double standards, to ensure that the rights of all victims are respected. That should unequivocally include the many victims of State terrorism. States must abide by their obligations to try and extradite all terrorists without exception, including the well-known and unfortunate case of Luis Posada Cariles, a terrorist who was the mastermind of the first terrorist act against civilian air travel in the western hemisphere. That attack caused a mid-flight explosion onboard a Cubana de Aviación aircraft near the coast of Barbados, on 6 October 1976, and the death of its 73 passengers. Paradoxically, in the same country that gave refuge to that terrorist, Gerardo Hernández, Ramón Labañino and Antonio Guerrero, who were actually anti-terror fighters, are being kept in prolonged and unjust imprisonment for crimes that they did not commit. The draft resolution recognizes the efforts made by States and international organizations in the context of their differing national and regional circumstances. Nevertheless, there is no clear condemnation of all unilateral acts undertaken by certain States that, contrary to international law, have illegitimately asserted the right to certify behaviours and make politically motivated lists. We must continue to condemn those harmful practices and any act to undermine the central authority of the General Assembly in this area. The draft resolution clearly emphasizes the need for greater dialogue and understanding between cultures and civilizations and expresses concern over the increase in kidnappings and the use of modern information and communication technologies to promote terrorist acts. The international community must focus more on the unlawful use of such technologies to promote subversive plans against countries. It is a phenomenon that has been on the rise as part of so- called soft tactics to overthrow Governments without recourse to military forces. In that respect, we should highlight the harmful practice by certain States to finance, support and promote, through the Internet, radio or television, messages of intolerance and hatred against other peoples, cultures and political systems, thereby violating the most fundamental principles of the Charter of the United Nations and international law. As the Assembly knows, some progress has been made during this review, but much remains to be done. We would reiterate our unswerving commitment to fight this scourge in all its forms and manifestations. Cuba stands ready to cooperate with all Member States in order to agree on concerted actions to eradicate terrorism. We support multilateral efforts directed at strengthening the central role of the General Assembly in the full implementation of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy.

Before I begin, I would like to say that the thoughts of the Israeli people are with the abducted members of the Turkish consulate and their families. We pray for their safety and speedy release. Allow me to thank the President of the General Assembly for convening the fourth review of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. I would like to thank Ambassador Çevik personally and his team for their skilful facilitation of the negotiations on the draft resolution (A/68/L.50). Every morning, as we flip on the television or scroll through the headlines, we are overwhelmed by stories of terrorism: 49 people taken hostage in Mosul, Iraq; the gunman who opened fire at the Jewish Museum of Belgium, in Brussels; hundreds of girls kidnapped from their school in northern Nigeria; a mall overrun by militants in Nairobi; tourists targeted by a suicide bomber in Bulgaria; and the list goes on and on. When our children are not safe in their schools and our families are not safe in malls and museums, then we — all of us, as an international community — have failed. We have failed to stand up to terrorism and failed to fight the plague that threatens to overwhelm entire nations. From the Nigerian delta to the Bay of Bangkok, nations are confronting an epidemic of terrorism that is as dangerous as the most lethal virus. Terror groups prey on unsuspecting hosts, in particular those nations already weakened by instability and intolerance. Sleeper cells spread quietly, gaining strength and waiting for an opportune time to strike. Terrorist groups are determined enemies, adapting and mutating to avoid detection. Left untreated, they attack their host from within, destroying individuals, devastating families and shattering communities. In Iraq, militants have taken control of Fallujah and parts of Ramadi. Just this week, they overran the northern city of Tikrit and Iraq’s second-largest city, Mosul. Iraq is on the brink of collapse, and violence threatens to engulf the entire region. In Syria, terrorists groups have created the worst humanitarian disaster of this generation. What began as peaceful protests against an authoritarian regime has transformed into a brutal and protracted conflict that has claimed, to date, over 160,000 lives and displaced millions of people. Fundamentalist groups are taking advantage of the bloody instability to advance their own radical strain of terrorism. Sunni and Shiite fighters have poured into Syria and are fighting Iran-backed Hizbullah guerrillas. More than 10,000 foreign terrorist fighters have joined the fighting, and some have already returned back to their homes infected by radical ideologies. Mehdi Nemmouche, who was recently arrested in connection with the Brussels museum shooting, is a veteran of the Syrian jihad. The bloody conflict in Syria is fuelled by the world’s primary sponsor of terrorism, Iran. Qasem Soleimani, who oversees the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps’ Qods Force, is the conflict’s chief genetic engineer, breeding new, virulent strains of terrorism that threaten to further aggravate sectarian tensions and inflame the region. Since its rebirth 66 years ago, Israel has found itself under constant threat from terrorist organizations. In the south, Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad and other terrorist groups rain rockets on our cities and towns. In the north, Hizbullah has amassed over 100,000 rockets and missiles capable of striking at the very heart of Israel. Israelis are also the targets of a terror campaign directed by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard and Hizbullah. Iran’s fingerprints can be seen on attacks from Bulgaria to Kenya to Thailand, where just a few weeks ago, authorities foiled a plan by Hizbullah agents to attack Israeli tourists. Out of this persistent need to defend our citizens, Israel has become a specialist in the field of counter- terrorism, with technologies and tools unmatched by any other country. Every day, we are using our expertise to keep our citizens safe from the threats that surround us. Over the years, terrorists have become increasingly sophisticated, and Israel has been forced to evolve its counter-terrorism efforts to always stay one step ahead. At the same time, Israel’s legal system has evolved to uphold the freedoms enshrined in our declaration of independence. We have matched our commitment to respect the rule of law with our determination to combat terrorism. As the former Israeli Chief Justice, Aharon Barak, said, “A democracy must sometimes fight with one hand tied behind its back. Even so, the democracy has the upper hand.” In too many parts of the world, all of the elements are in place for extremism to infect the next generation of terrorism. No nation is immune, and no nation should face that epidemic alone. The prescription is very clear. We must denounce all those who spread hatred and fear. We must isolate terrorist groups by cutting off their funding and dismantling their networks, and we must strive to produce an antidote so that all of us can eradicate the virus of terrorism before it eradicates us.

Before exploring some specific concerns about the overall issue of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, I would like to state that Senegal aligns itself with the statement made by the representative of Egypt on behalf of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (see A/68/PV.94). I would also like to congratulate the Secretary- General for his report (A/68/841) and its significant recommendations. I thank the representative of Turkey, who led the negotiations leading to draft resolution A/68/L.50 with such professionalism. Senegal firmly condemns the kidnapping of the Turkish diplomatic personnel in Mosul, Iraq, and is concerned for their families’ suffering. Senegal also condemns the kidnapping of the young schoolgirls in Nigeria. At the 2005 World Summit, Member States solemnly expressed their condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, regardless of its authors, site and objects, as it is one of the most serious threats to international peace and security. The foundations for strengthened and targeted international cooperation had thus been laid in the fight against this scourge, which had become a global threat. The need to establish a comprehensive and effective strategy to provide a common framework for efforts to fight terrorism was thus established. The review of the implementation of the Strategy’s four pillars in recent years, however, had mixed results. Of the four pillars of the Strategy, the pillar on the measures to address the conditions conducive to the spread of terrorism deserves special attention, as it determines the efficiency sought through synergies in counter-terrorism efforts. As regards Africa, we must recognize that terrorism in its jihadist-Salafist form has become one of the most pernicious threats to our continent, as it attacks the underpinnings of our social structures and the foundations of our States. Avoiding the spread of terrorism through prevention involves, in those specific cases, adopting effective measures that target discrimination of all kinds, endemic corruption, political exclusion and poverty, which an element giving rise to socio-economic marginalization. Moreover, it is clear that the activities of terrorist groups in Africa also promote the development of cross-border crime, in particular in the Sahel, ​drug trafficking, the illicit arms trade and, sometimes, human trafficking. In the same vein, the lack of appropriate mechanisms to monitor illicit financial flows arising from terrorist activities remains a major challenge to subregional cooperation in this field. We should also highlight the urgent need, beyond Africa, to encourage the implementation of effective public policies to fight poverty and place this question at the heart of the post- 2015 development agenda. The Strategy that we have all adopted commits us to creating initiatives and programmes that promote dialogue, tolerance and understanding among civilizations, cultures, peoples and religions and promoting mutual respect and preventing the defamation of religions, religious values​, beliefs and cultures. The approach developed by Senegal in that regard in its national efforts to implement the Strategy rests on three main areas, namely, prevention, cooperation and quick reaction. First, on prevention, we have established an early warning and coordination system resulting from proactive work by the security forces and intelligence services. The idea is to deny terrorists the means, space and capacity to do harm. Our prevention is supplemented by the legal suppression of any act, gesture or word aimed at discrediting a religion or other belief system and by the development of a strategic and educational dialogue involving religious leaders. In that regard, in order to strengthen its legal framework for the fight against terrorism, in 2007, Senegal adopted two laws amending the criminal code and the criminal procedural code, respectively, in order to counter the phenomenon more efficiently. The second principle is cooperation, which includes all measures and mechanisms implemented to ensure a collective, effective and timely response to the terrorist threat. In that context, Senegal ratified 13 of the 16 United Nations conventions on the fight against terrorism, that of the Organization of African States of 1999 on the prevention and the fight against terrorism and the 2004 Protocol thereto, and endorsed the various relevant decisions of West African Economic and Monetary Union and the Economic Community of West African States, including the Inter-Governmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa 2007 framework law on anti-terrorist financing. Similarly, our country actively participates in international cooperation in criminal justice against terrorism, land, sea and air border monitoring, mutual legal assistance in money laundering and terrorist financing. Finally, our third principle is rapid reaction, with a view to prosecuting and punishing the perpetrators of terrorist acts and to ensuring maximum protection for people and appropriate assistance for victims of terrorism. The geostrategic changes in the world and the paradigm shift related to the emergence of new conflicts with complex, multidimensional contours have led terrorist movements to change and refine their methods of action. Today we are witnessing the emergence of a new type of terrorism difficult to combat because it leverages the potential flaws in international cooperation and uses modern communication tools to expand its range of action and propaganda targets. It is therefore necessary for the United Nations, which is responsible for the coordination of international cooperation in the fight against terrorism, to strengthen its means of action and encourage a constant dynamic to combat a scourge that transcends borders. In that context, my delegation wishes to encourage the Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force, through its integrated technical assistance delivery initiative, to strengthen its efforts in coordinating the activities of the entities, offices and programmes undertaken to support States in their national efforts to implement comprehensive and balanced Strategy, in accordance with the fundamental principles of the international law of human rights and international humanitarian law. In conclusion, my delegation would like to reiterate Senegal’s unwavering commitment to continuing to work for strengthening the Strategy as a shared response to the scourge of terrorism.

At the outset, let me thank the President of the General Assembly for convening the fourth review of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. I would also like to commend the tireless efforts of Ambassador Y. Halit Çevik, Permanent Representative of Turkey, who has led the review process and the preparation of the draft resolution before us (A/68/L.50). I would like to take this opportunity to condemn the terrorist attack on the Turkish Consulate General in Mosul and the capture of its diplomatic staff and their families. We call for their immediate and safe release and the bringing of the perpetrators to justice. A terrorist attack against diplomatic missions and their officers is totally unacceptable. Terrorism is a serious threat to international peace and security. Kyrgyzstan strongly condemns all acts of terrorism, regardless of their motivation, wherever and by whomsoever committed. It must not be associated with any religion, nationality, civilization or ethnic group. As a global and transnational phenomenon, terrorism can be successfully fought only through international cooperation. But despite our common efforts, it remains a persistent, evolving and long-term threat to the stability and socioeconomic development of all countries. In that regard, Kyrgyzstan reiterates its resolute support for all measures adopted within the framework of the United Nations to combat international terrorism. Such measures must be implemented in accordance with the principles of the Charter of the United Nations, international law and the relevant international conventions. We believe that the United Nations is the one and only multilateral structure with a truly global mandate capable of consolidating international efforts in the fight against that global menace. Kyrgyzstan firmly supports the Global Counter- Terrorism Strategy. It provide a solid foundation for an effective and comprehensive response to international terrorism at all levels. Undoubtedly, some progress has been made since the Strategy’s adoption in 2006 and its third review by the General Assembly held in 2012. But the undiminished number of incidents of terrorism serves as a constant reminder that further efforts are needed. In that regard, we support the work of the Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force aimed at ensuring overall coordination and coherence in the counter-terrorism efforts of the United Nations system. We also welcome the United Nations Counter- Terrorism Centre that has made great progress in its activities in recent months. Kyrgyzstan has established constructive interaction with the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate and stands ready for further cooperation. My country continues to conduct activities designed to implement the United Nations Counter- Terrorism Strategy, especially on addressing conditions conducive to the spread of terrorism. We clearly understand that one cannot overcome terrorism through the use of force. Coercive methods have only a temporary effect, generate negative results and thus are clearly insufficient. The hard socioeconomic situation and lack of good governance, low literacy and frail moral standards among youth, absence of rule of law and violations of human rights together with political, demographic, ethnic and environmental problems, contribute to the spread of terrorism. In that regard, the Government of Kyrgyzstan is actively using the tools of soft power to counter conditions conducive to the spread of terrorism, including improving the socioeconomic situation in the country, poverty eradication, creation of jobs, the fight against corruption, reform of law enforcement and judicial systems. Special attention is paid to the improvement of the overall education of the population and close engagement with youth. All those measures are reflected in the Kyrgyz Republic’s national strategy for sustainable development for the period 2013-2017. Let me also underline that low capacity, particularly in terms of expertise and resources, constitutes the greatest challenge for many countries, including Kyrgyzstan. It is important to help Member States build and enhance their counter-terrorism capacities through various assistance programmes, as is foreseen in pillar IV of the Strategy. Fully cognizant of the fact that national actions no matter how effective can never be sufficient, Kyrgyzstan attaches great importance to cooperation with other countries and with relevant regional and international organizations. The issues of regional stability and security are of particular importance to us in the light of the withdrawal of the International Security Assistance Forces from Afghanistan. Thus, Kyrgyzstan is actively engaged with the anti-terrorist structures of the Collective Security Treaty Organization, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe and the Commonwealth of Independent States. We consider it important to interact with the United Nations Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia. With the collaboration of the Regional Centre, in December 2011 a joint action plan for implementing the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy in Central Asia was adopted at the regional level for the first time. We hope that the Centre will be proactive in implementing the action plan. In conclusion, I would like to reaffirm Kyrgyzstan’s determination to continue contributing to international efforts to counter terrorism and to implement the Strategy in a comprehensive and timely manner.

I would like to thank the representative of Turkey for his work in facilitating the consultations leading to this meeting. We also condemn the kidnapping of Turkish diplomats in Mosul. Combating terrorism is one of the international community’s greatest concerns, since this dangerous phenomenon has affected every country in the world in the past few decades, and we must therefore make every effort to counter it in every area  — political, economic and security. Since the adoption in 2006 of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy under resolution 60/288, my country has implemented all of its provisions on preventing the dissemination of terrorism, aimed at strengthening States’ capacities while respecting human rights as an essential pillar in the fight against terrorism. In that regard, we have developed domestic legislation that criminalizes terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, as well as participating actively at the international level through our accession to the relevant conventions and by establishing bilateral agreements with brother countries. We have implemented all Security Council resolutions pertaining to counter- terrorism at both the international and regional level, including those concerning travel bans and weapons for all those on the consolidated lists of the Sanctions Committees. Beyond such actions, we have also worked with the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate, which visited Doha in January 2013, led by then-Executive Director Mike Smith. That visit led to a seminar held between 10 and 12 December 2013 on the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, with the participation of experts from the Executive Directorate, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and INTERPOL. The seminar produced recommendations for combating terrorism. We are currently preparing a comprehensive strategy focusing on various areas — judicial, economic, social and legal — since we are convinced that focusing on security issues alone will not enable us to combat terrorism successfully. I should note that my country is focusing its foreign policy on eliminating armed conflicts and resolving such conflict peacefully. In 2007, we established a centre in Doha aimed at promoting religious dialogue, peaceful co-existence and tolerance of others. We have also funded a committee as part of the Alliance of Civilizations. In regard to guarantees of human rights as one of the essential pillars in countering terrorism, our country’s Constitution includes many such guarantees of human rights and respects international human rights conventions and international humanitarian law. Finally, I would like to thank everyone here for participating in this meeting, which I hope will be crowned with success.

We condemn the kidnapping of the Turkish Consul and other diplomatic personnel in Iraq and would like to express our profound sympathy and solidarity with the people and Government of Turkey. I will read out an abridged version of my statement, the full text of which should be available on the PaperSmart portal. We greatly appreciate the efforts of Ambassador Halit Çevik of Turkey to facilitate and steer the consultations for the review of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy (resolution 60/288). The draft resolution agreed on (A/68/L.50) is the result of his efforts and of the resolve of States to reach consensus. We also pay tribute to Deputy Secretary- General Jan Eliasson for his leadership on this issue. The delegation of Pakistan associates itself with the statement made by the representative of Egypt on behalf of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (see A/68/PV.94). The scourge of terrorism continues to threaten the world. Our task in countering it is thus unfinished. The revised and updated Strategy reflects our collective determination to continue to pursue our recommendations in four key areas. We must intensify our efforts to tackle the conditions conducive to the spread of terrorism, prevent and combat terrorism, build capacities, and ensure respect for human rights while countering terrorism. We welcome the new elements incorporated in the draft resolution, which include States’ compliance, where any use of remotely piloted aircraft, commonly known as armed drones, is concerned, with their obligations under the Charter of the United Nations, international law and international humanitarian law, in particular the principles of distinction and proportionality. The new elements also include protection of the right to privacy in the context of digital communications and the challenges posed by the use of communication technology by terrorists and self- radicalized individuals or lone terrorists. We are glad that the important element of armed drones is reflected in the Strategy for the first time. The complex challenge of terrorism defies simplified solutions and requires a comprehensive approach. A piecemeal effort will not eliminate this scourge. Similarly, a one-dimensional approach focused exclusively on operational or political measures will not produce the desired results. In Pakistan, we are pursuing a comprehensive approach. That is why we deter terrorists primarily by military means. We have also allocated resources for the development of the areas that have been hit hardest by terrorist acts. We have also pursued dialogue to stop the carnage and bring stability, after making it clear to our interlocutors that dialogue should not be seen as a sign of weakness or appeasement. In the past 12 years, Pakistan has made huge sacrifices in blood and resources. We have lost more than 49,000 precious lives of men, women and children, which include more than 9,000 defence and security personnel. Our social and physical infrastructure has suffered colossal damages and the full potential of our economy has been stunted. Pakistan has deployed more than 158,000 troops along its border with Afghanistan. We have set up 1,707 border posts to interdict Al-Qaida and Taliban operatives. Pakistan is committed to intensifying international cooperation in the security, police, financial and other aspects of the ongoing campaign to prevent and combat terrorism. Our Government has condemned the recent drone strikes in North Waziristan, which are a violation of Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Those strikes have an adverse impact on the Government’s efforts to bring peace and stability to Pakistan and the region. We thank the Member States in this Hall and the Secretary-General for the condemnation of the dastardly terrorist attacks in Karachi and Baluchistan. The foreign hand that masterminds and guides such attacks must also be exposed in order to disrupt, degrade and dismantle the terrorist networks targeting Pakistani civilians and installations. Terrorism has no appeal. It has been condemned and denounced by the United Nations, world parliaments and Governments and citizens of the world. There is no organization and entity that has endorsed the distorted and twisted philosophy of terrorists and their murderous acts and tactics. Killing innocent civilians is not a doctrine. It is a crime plain and simple. That is why it should not be sublimated by associating it with religion, nationality, race or ethnicity. There is no appeal in the terrorists’ narrative. First, theirs is not a monolithic or uniform terrorist narrative. Secondly, terrorists are using and inciting hatred to justify their acts. Their hallmark is that they target civilians, businesses and State institutions to create terror. In different parts of the world, they pedal different stories after committing heinous crimes. To devalue the criminal narratives of terrorists, we should make our own narrative  — the narrative of our global civilization, with its rich and diverse mosaic — the central narrative. The terrorists’ narrative should be the counter-narrative; not ours. In that context, there should be no impunity for terrorist acts; the criminality of terrorist acts should be highlighted in its entire context; the theories of violent extremism in any part of the world should be debunked to deny space to the proponents and conspirators behind them; education and the media should be used as a powerful tool to banish the darkness in which terrorism and violent extremism flourish; and finally heart-rending stories of the victims and survivors should be used to expose the atrocities of the terrorists. Pakistan reaffirms its commitment to strengthen mutual cooperation in the fight against terrorism. To achieve that objective, Pakistan supports a rigorous implementation of a comprehensive and coherent strategy in order to address the root causes of terrorism, including unresolved conflicts, political and economic injustices and marginalization and alienation.

My delegation is pleased to take part, on this occasion, in the fourth biennial review of the United Nations Global Counter- Terrorism Strategy. The adoption of draft resolution A/68/L.50 through a process of negotiations reaffirms Member States’ commitment to the Global Counter- Terrorism Strategy. We congratulate the delegation of Turkey for successfully facilitating the negotiations of the draft resolution. Terrorism remains a stubborn scourge that brutally preys on the innocent and leaves widespread chaos. Not a day passes without dead bodies, broken limbs and weeping relatives crowding the television screens. Our heartfelt sympathies go out to the victims of the recent terrorist attacks in Karachi, Pakistam, Iraq and elsewhere. Sri Lanka firmly reaffirms its commitment to the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. Sri Lanka is a party to 13 multilateral conventions on countering terrorism and the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation instruments on mutual assistance on criminal matters. We support coordination in the United Nations system of counter-terrorism efforts, which aim to stop various aspects of terrorism, including the raising of funds, related international organized criminal activity, the propagation of terrorist ideology and the recruitment of new members. We appreciate the Counter-Terrorism Executive Directorate’s organization of several workshops in South Asia on countering terrorism and strengthening criminal justice, which benefit police officers, judges and prosecutors. It is also important that we reach finality in our negotiations on the comprehensive convention on terrorism. We note the discussions that have been taking place since the adoption of resolution 51/210 in 1996, and hope that they can be brought to a successful conclusion urgently. The challenges we face as a collective action against terrorism are now more vast and diverse than ever. Terrorists operate on a non-moral, borderless platform, encompassing all aspects of modern technology, which enables them to put individual civilians in danger. In Sri Lanka, we have finally been able eradicate the threat of terrorism that loomed over our land for over 30 years. We are now progressing rapidly on our road to normalcy. Our success was not achieved easily. It was achieved with the sacrifice of thousands of lives of service personnel. The international community must band together to institute a firm policy on fund-raising and recruitment to prevent the spread of terrorism. It is a misguided approach to nurture former terrorist sympathizers who have, for reasons of expediency, adopted a gentler appearance without denouncing violence completely. We in Sri Lanka are doing our utmost to ensure that terrorism is deprived of its ability to ever re-emerge as a credible threat to our people. Political stability is crucial within Sri Lanka and we have achieved many crucial milestones in that respect. We have also sought to share our experiences with our region and other countries through many defence seminars and bilateral exchanges. Immense progress has been made in reconstruction, resettlement, rehabilitation, reintegration and reconciliation. In the few short years since the end of the conflict, a survey of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in 2013 concluded that Sri Lanka had made remarkable leaps in assisting internally displaced persons (IDPs) across the eight themes of the UNHCR IDP solution framework. Sri Lanka has successfully resettled approximately 300,000 internally displaced people, reunited thousands of families, rebuilt towns and villages, restored roads and electricity and revived the economy of the former conflict-affected areas. The Government has also made massive investments in education and health care. The almost completed demining of farmland and village land has allowed the people in those areas to resume their livelihoods. According to the first pillar of the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, the spread of terrorism can be attributed to a great many reasons, such as socioeconomic and cultural differences, prolonged conflict, discrimination, marginalization and human rights violations. Sri Lanka has addressed, or is in the process of addressing, many of the concerns outlined in that regard. For a long time, people in areas controlled by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) were denied access to democracy and freedom. In the years following the conflict, several steps have been taken to reintegrate those areas into the democratic process that the rest of the country has taken for granted. It is also crucial to address one of the main concerns pertaining to the conditions conducive to the spread of terrorism, which is socioeconomic inequality. That is one of the biggest problems facing the world today. It is important that sections of society not feel marginalized owing to where they live or the opportunities to which they have access. The Government of Sri Lanka has been steadily promoting and investing in increasing tourism, foreign direct investment, industrial development and value added to the agricultural sector, which is a prime source of income for rural regions. During the years of conflict, certain areas of the country were under LTTE control. Immediately following the conflict, the military had to assist the police to a certain degree with the enforcement of law and order. The military has since relinquished its role as a law enforcement body and completely handed over control to the police, local governmental bodies and civil groups. That disengagement of the military is a crucial step in the return to normalcy, for which Sri Lanka is working tirelessly. Effective governance in all areas of the country is now observed and maintained.

We have heard the last speaker in the debate on this item for this meeting. I shall now call on those representatives who wish to speak in exercise of the right of reply. May I remind members that statements in the exercise of the right of reply are limited to 10 minutes for the first intervention and to 5 minutes for the second, and should be made by delegations from their seats.

My delegation will make a statement on this topic tomorrow. I am now exercising the right of reply. The Assembly today heard the representative of a main sponsor of State terrorism, the occupying Power in the Palestinian territory, make some unacceptable false remarks addressed to my country, which were the same baseless remarks that he made two years ago in the debate on this item (see A/66/PV.119). Indeed, we should not be surprised that the representative of a terror regime, well-known since its illegitimate inception, accuses a nation that has witnessed the loss of more than 17,000 citizens during the past 35 years. A large number of those fell victim to heinous terrorist attacks that were directly sponsored by elements of that regime. A well-known example is when Iranian nuclear scientists were brutally killed before the terrified eyes of their family members. We do not think that there is any doubt that such a regime is responsible for aggression, occupation, killing civilians, including women and children, the crime of genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and other criminal acts, as well as for turning millions of Palestinian inhabitants into refugees far from their homeland. Its network of State terrorism has carried out a long lists of deadly operations all over the world. It continues to threaten to kill more people. It is very regrettable and ironic that in this body we should give the floor to those who are behind the most horrific terrorist attacks of our time. They indeed resonate terror and violence. In fact, they have used all kinds of terrorist techniques against the defenceless Palestinian people, targeting nationals of other sovereign nations of the region. Being accused by such a notorious regime does no harm, in fact. We consider the statement made today to be simply a tactic to divert the public’s attention from the illegal and criminal activities that its terror network constantly commits. However, the international community cannot be deceived so easily.

Allow me to address the remarks just made by the Iranian representative. It is ironic to hear him speak of terrorism when, in fact, Iran is today the greatest State sponsor of terrorism. Iran helps terrorists to plot and carry out attacks from Bangkok to Burgas and from New Delhi to Nairobi. There have been thousands of victims of Iranian terrorism and it is no secret that the Iranian regime stands behind many of those vicious attacks. The Iranian regime uses terrorism as yet another tool to implement its foreign policy and to destabilize the Middle East region. If Iran genuinely seeks to engage in a real discussion about counter-terrorism, it should start by looking in the mirror and by addressing the serial violations of international law that the country commits every day, rather than making baseless accusations against my country, such as we have just heard.