S/PV.6310 Security Council

I should like to inform the Council that I have received a letter from His Excellency Mr. Pedro Serrano, in which he requests to be invited, in his capacity as acting head of the delegation of the European Union to the United Nations, to participate in the consideration of the item on the Council’s agenda. If I hear no objection, I shall take it that the Council agrees to extend an invitation under rule 39 of its provisional rules of procedure to His Excellency Mr. Pedro Serrano. There being no objection, it is so decided. I invite Mr. Serrano to take the seat reserved for him at the side of the Council Chamber. The Security Council will now begin its consideration of the item on its agenda. The Security Council is meeting in accordance with the understanding reached in its prior consultations. At this meeting, the Council will hear briefings by His Excellency Mr. Claude Heller, Chairman of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004); His Excellency Mr. Thomas Mayr-Harting, Chairman of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1267 (1999) concerning Al-Qaida and the Taliban and associated individuals and entities; and His Excellency Mr. Ertuğrul Apakan, Chairman of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1373 (2001) concerning counter-terrorism. At the outset, His Excellency Mr. Claude Heller will make a joint statement on behalf of the Committees established pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999), 1373 (2001) and 1540 (2004), respectively. Thereafter, the Council will hear briefings by the three Chairs of those Committees. I now give the floor to Mr. Heller.

On behalf of the Chairmen of the three subsidiary organs of the Security Council established pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999), 1373 (2001) and 1540 (2004) concerning counter-terrorism, I should like to update the Security Council on ongoing cooperation among the Committees and their groups of experts. Taking into account the fact that the full statement of my briefing has been distributed to members of the Council, I shall deliver a summarized version. During the past six months, the cooperation among the Committees and their respective groups of experts has grown, pursuant to the requests made by the Security Council in recent resolutions, in particular resolutions 1805 (2008), 1810 (2008) and 1904 (2009). The three Committees attach great importance to coordination and cooperation among their groups of experts, namely, the Monitoring Team, the Counter- Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (CTED) and the experts of the 1540 Committee. In that context, I also wish to recall that cooperation and coordination have been facilitated through the joint use of facilities by the experts in the framework of the Capital Master Plan, as requested by the Security Council in resolution 1904 (2009). The three expert groups have continued to implement the common strategy on dealing with non- or late-reporting States through exchanges of information and joint visits, when appropriate, and in assisting Member States in submitting their responses to the three Committees on their implementation of the relevant Security Council resolutions. Since the most recent briefing, the three expert groups have invited one another to relevant workshops. Those workshops continue to provide an excellent opportunity for the three expert groups to assist Member States in understanding the differing but complementary roles and mandates of the three Committees. They also enable the expert groups to exchange information on a regular basis with national counter-terrorism contacts and coordinators. CTED has made its list of national coordinators available to the other two expert groups. Furthermore, CTED and the 1267 Monitoring Team have made a reciprocal arrangement for access to their electronic databases and are preparing an extension arrangement to the 1540 experts group. The Monitoring Team has already provided access to its database to the 1540 experts. In addition, the 1540 legislative databases and the information from matrices are already available on the official website. CTED has also begun sharing the monthly reports of its Executive Director with the other two expert groups. With respect to new themes for a common strategy among the three groups, they have prepared a common paper focusing on the enhancement of cooperation with selected intergovernmental organizations. Consultations are ongoing to finalize the modalities of a common approach towards relevant international, regional and subregional organizations. In the meanwhile, the three expert groups have continued their cooperation with the Pacific Islands Forum, which is one of the four organizations mentioned in the common paper. Meetings between the expert groups and the permanent missions of the Forum have continued to deepen the mutual understanding and cooperation between the States members of the Forum and the experts of the three Committees. The expert groups continue to coordinate their visits to Member States, explore whether these could be conducted jointly, and coordinate their participation at relevant conferences. When an expert group does not participate in a visit, information on the Member State that is to be visited is exchanged. In addition, the three expert groups also share their reports on their visits whenever possible. Since the last joint briefing, Monitoring Team members have participated in two Counter-Terrorism Committee visits, for a total of 17 joint trips. The three expert groups also continue to coordinate their work within the framework of the Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force (CTITF). The expert groups contribute to the work of several CTITF working groups, and the Monitoring Team and CTED have assumed leading functions. In this regard, a joint meeting was held between the three expert groups and the CTITF on 7 April to discuss common issues and to identify other areas that could be benefit from their respective areas of expertise and capacity within the United Nations system as partners in a joint effort to assist Member States to better implement the respective resolutions pertaining to their work. It was also agreed that the CTITF could provide a further link to relevant international, regional and subregional organizations. In addition to the aforementioned activities, regular meetings are held between the expert groups in New York. Moreover, Counter-Terrorism Committee regularly invites the Monitoring Team, the 1540 Committee experts, CTITF and the relevant United Nations offices to its thematic briefings in the framework of its official meetings. Recently, the coordinator of the 1540 working group on cooperation with international organizations, the Counter-Terrorism Committee and the 1267 Committee also invited the Monitoring Team, the CTED and the CTITF to attend a briefing by the International Atomic Energy Agency during the informal consultations of the working group. An updated comparative table was issued at previous briefings to highlight the main aspects of the respective mandates and areas of competence of the three Committees and their expert groups. The table has proved to be a useful tool for Member States by helping them to better understand the specificities and complementarities of our work. The comparative table has been further updated and posted on our respective websites and will be distributed today. Terrorism and the participation of non-State actors in the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction continue to threaten international peace and security. Cooperation is a crucial element in the efforts to counter the threat of terrorism, including that from nuclear, chemical and biological weapons. The three subsidiary bodies of the Security Council and their respective expert groups are committed to continuing to cooperate and to coordinate their work, within their respective mandates, in order to contribute to an effective and efficient approach to this issue in the wider United Nations framework and as part of the broader efforts of the international community. In this respect, the Committees look forward to receiving further guidance from the Council in order better to coordinate their counter-terrorism efforts.

I thank Mr. Heller for his briefing. I now give him the floor once again to deliver a second statement in his capacity as Chairman of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004).

In my capacity of Chairman of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004), I will highlight the main developments in the work of the Committee in the six months since the last joint briefing on 13 November 2009 (see S/PV.6217). I would like to update the Security Council on the outcome of the recent comprehensive review of the status of implementation of resolution 1540 (2004), and to highlight the Committee’s main activities in outreach and awareness- building, as well as in assistance to and cooperation with relevant intergovernmental organizations. I have already commented on the growing cooperation between the 1540 Committee and other United Nations bodies, especially the Committee established pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999) and 1373 (2001) and the Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force (CTITF). The comprehensive review was launched in response to a decision of the Security Council contained in resolution 1810 (2008). As part of this review, the Committee held a three-day open meeting from 30 September to 2 October 2009. My predecessor, Ambassador Jorge Urbina of Costa Rica, has already briefed the Council on that meeting, at which 41 States, 21 intergovernmental organizations and other entities made statements and held interactive discussions on specific issues. I will highlight today the outcome of the review, which was sent to the President of the Security Council on 29 January 2010 in the form of a final document containing the review’s key findings and recommendations (S/2010/52). The main points included five major areas in which progress can be made: first, the Committee’s capacity to gather information on the status of implementation of resolution 1540 (2004); secondly, its efficiency and effective working practices; thirdly, means for facilitating assistance; fourthly, cooperation with international, regional, subregional and multilateral institutions; and fifthly, outreach. Without going into greater detail, I am pleased to mention that the review confirmed that the adoption of resolution 1540 (2004) has prompted significant steps to be taken around the world to prevent non-State actors from manufacturing, acquiring, possessing, developing, transporting, transferring or using nuclear, chemical or biological weapons or their means of delivery, and has also facilitated the gathering of comprehensive data on the measures taken by States in this regard. A great many States have submitted reports on the measures taken in accordance with the resolution. Since 2006, Member States have made tangible and significant progress in addressing the threat of the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. Nearly 160 Member States have provided information on their capacities and gaps in preventing the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. In addition, the number of States that have reported having implemented legislative measures to penalize the involvement of non-State actors in the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction has grown considerably since the adoption of resolution 1540 (2004). The review also confirmed that, due to the wide range of obligations arising under resolution 1540 (2004), some States still fall short in addressing all the resolution’s requirements in their legislation, including the adoption of preventive measures and penalties for violations. In addition, the review identified some areas in which States have adopted fewer measures, such as biological weapons, means of delivery, national control lists, access to related materials and the financing of prohibited or illicit proliferation activities. The review also identified some measures that the Committee could take in order to advance the implementation of resolution 1540 (2004). Likewise, it was determined that the cooperative and transparent approach adopted by the 1540 Committee has been a key factor in increasing the level of participation of all States. States and many international entities welcomed the openness of the comprehensive review process and urged the 1540 Committee to pursue this approach and to increase its useful efforts to enhance transparency and openness. The Committee’s programme of work covering the period from 1 February 2010 to 31 January 2011 follows the recommendations of the comprehensive review by building on the programme of the past year and by improving its methods of work by, for example, facilitating the contribution of experts from capitals in the Committee’s work; by encouraging contributions by non-permanent members of the Council who are no longer members of the Committee; and by making its matrix and assistance template more user-friendly. In the wake of the comprehensive review, the former Chairman of the Committee visited the headquarters of several intergovernmental organizations: the World Customs Organization in Brussels, the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons in The Hague, and the International Atomic Energy Agency and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe in Vienna. In December, he followed up on those visits by sending letters recording the understandings reached on practical ways to strengthen cooperation with the Committee. In order to expand the scope of cooperation in specific areas such as experience-sharing, coordinating assistance requests and channelling legislative advice, the Committee has begun sending expert missions to the secretariats of these organizations. Two of our experts participated in one such mission at the OPCW headquarters in The Hague from 8 to 10 February. On their first day, these consultations included a meeting between the OPCW Director-General and myself. The visit to The Hague was planned to coincide with my participation as 1540 Chairman in the preparatory meeting for the Nuclear Security Summit that took place last month in Washington on the initiative of President Obama, where I had the opportunity to explain how the objectives of resolution 1540 (2004) complement those of the Summit. As Chairman, I also participated in the non-proliferation meeting in Moscow, which examined, from the perspectives of the past and the future, the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) in the framework of the preparations for the Review Conference of the Parties to the NPT that is now under way. I also took the opportunity to present the requirements of resolution 1540 (2004) as a mechanism for strengthening the non-proliferation regime. I was accompanied by the coordinator of the Expert Group, and we were able to hold a meeting with the relevant authorities of the Russian Federation. All the outreach activities that the Committee participated in are listed in the report; in the interests of brevity, I will not read them out now. On 14 April we held an unofficial meeting with representatives of Member States that have not yet submitted their first reports to the Committee, in order to invite them to do so. I would like to continue to deal with this issue and hold bilateral dialogue with them in order to strengthen the resolution 1540 (2004) regime. Finally, I would like to report that the Committee has streamlined its work methods, aiming to hold monthly meetings and as many meetings of its four working groups as necessary, to guide and review the work of the Expert Group. It is my intention to continue that practice.

I thank Mr. Heller for his briefing. I now give the floor to His Excellency Mr. Thomas Mayr-Harting, Chairman of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1267 (1999) concerning Al-Qaida and the Taliban and associated individuals and entities.

Countries around the world, especially in South Asia and in the wider Middle East, continue to face the threat posed by Al-Qaida and the Taliban. Today’s news reports provide us with another stark reminder of that fact. We must therefore ensure that the existing sanctions regime against Al-Qaida and the Taliban remains a relevant and effective tool in countering terrorism. Security Council resolution 1822 (2008) and, in particular, resolution 1904 (2009) are important steps in the evolution of the Al-Qaida and Taliban sanctions regime. Those resolutions have improved the 1267 Committee’s procedures and provide effective instruments to ensure that the Committee’s consolidated list of individuals and entities associated with Al-Qaida and the Taliban remains dynamic and accurately reflects the current threat. In today’s briefing I would like to focus on the implementation aspects of resolutions 1822 (2008) and 1904 (2009). A more detailed version of this statement will be distributed today and will be made available on the Committee’s website (http://www.un.org/sc/ committees/1267/chairmanbriefings.shtml) in due course. As the Council is well aware, resolution 1822 (2008) directed the Committee to conduct, by 30 June 2010, a review of all 488 names on the consolidated list at the date of adoption of that resolution. The review process is one of the key priorities of the Committee and, in view of the workload and the approaching deadline, the main focus of its current work. I would like to give an overview of the current status of the review process and the progress achieved so far. The Committee finished the first phase of the review by sending all 488 names to the respective designating States and States of citizenship and/or residence or States of incorporation/location for review. The review letters were sent between December 2008 and November 2009, and States were given a period of three months to review the entries and reply to the Committee. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the many States that have provided the Committee with their answers and relevant information. Unfortunately, although resolution 1904 (2009) had requested States to respond to all outstanding review letters no later than 1 March 2010, not all States have been able to provide responses on time. While it is possible for the Committee to review names even if responses are not received by that date, we believe it is essential that Committee members be aware of all available information and of the positions of all States concerned in order to have the full picture of each case and to be able to take well-founded decisions. The Committee is currently going through the final phase of the review: each name is placed on the agenda of a Committee meeting, introduced by the Monitoring Team and discussed among Committee members. The Committee evaluates all available information and considers whether the listing remains appropriate on the basis of the criteria for listing set out in relevant resolutions. In this final phase, the Committee has so far discussed a total of 154 entries. In 95 cases, the listing was confirmed as remaining appropriate, while 24 names, including well-known cases such as Vinck and Sayadi, Nada and Barakaat International, have been de-listed as a result of the review. Five deceased individuals have also been removed from the consolidated list. When discussing possible de-listings of deceased persons, the main question is whether the death is officially confirmed and whether it can be ensured that the remaining assets will not fall into the hands of other listed persons. It is therefore of the utmost importance that States provide the Committee with the necessary information and contribute to the Committee’s decision-making. For 35 names, the review in phase three is still pending, as the Committee is of the view that further information is necessary to conclude its consideration. I am personally committed to ensuring that the review process is conducted seriously and thoroughly. The Committee will make its utmost effort to meet the deadline and complete, or at a minimum initiate, the final phase of review for all 488 names on the list by 30 June 2010. We therefore have intensive weeks ahead of us, but I am confident that all Member States, and in particular the members of the Committee, share our commitment to finalizing this important task. Resolution 1904 (2009), adopted by the Security Council on 17 December 2009, substantially improves the procedures under the Al-Qaida and Taliban sanctions regimes in terms of due process. On 1 February of this year, I introduced the main new elements of resolution 1904 (2009) in an open briefing to all Member States. Today I will therefore only highlight some of the key aspects. The establishment of the Office of the Ombudsperson is the most significant innovation of the resolution. For the first time ever, individuals and entities subject to sanction measures will have the opportunity to present their cases to an independent body, which will be assisting the Committee when it considers de-listing requests. The Ombudsperson shall be an eminent individual of high moral character, impartiality and integrity with high qualifications and experience in relevant fields, such as the legal sphere, human rights, counter-terrorism and sanctions. The Ombudsperson shall perform his or her tasks in an independent and impartial manner. The Ombudsperson will replace the focal point established pursuant to resolution 1730 (2006) for de-listing requests regarding the consolidated list, while the focal point will continue to receive de-listing requests for other sanctions regimes. I am happy to inform the Security Council that by the end of April a number of excellent candidates had applied for the position of Ombudsperson. Pursuant to resolution 1904 (2009), the Ombudsperson shall be appointed by the Secretary-General in close consultation with the Committee. The Committee is in the process of finalizing its consultations and will convey its views to the Secretary-General in the next few days. Resolution 1904 (2009) introduced several provisions with a view to improving the quality of listings and to increase transparency regarding information relevant for States and listed individuals and entities. One major achievement is that the narrative summaries of reasons for listing will be made available on the Committee’s website at the same time that a new listing is published on the list. To ensure that the consolidated list remains dynamic and adequately reflects the current threat posed by Al-Qaida and the Taliban, additional review processes have been introduced. Every six months, a review of deceased persons will be conducted. There will also be an annual review of entries that lack identifiers. Finally, there will be an annual review of names on the consolidated list which have not been reviewed in three or more years. Committee members may place holds on matters that are under consideration. So far, there has been no clear procedure and no time limit for such holds. Resolution 1904 (2009) introduces a new procedure for pending issues: holds now have a time limit of six months, and this period can only be extended on a case-by-case basis and in extraordinary circumstances. In addition, the Committee will have to review all existing holds by 31 December of this year. Resolution 1904 (2009) can only be effectively implemented if the working methods of the Committee are adapted to the new procedures. In recent months, the Committee has worked intensively to adapt the Committee’s guidelines so that they reflect the provisions of the new resolution. I am pleased to announce that the Committee is currently concluding the revision of the guidelines, which we hope will be adopted in the coming days. We are convinced that the guidelines will be an important tool for conducting the Committee’s work in a more effective, efficient, fair and transparent manner. Regarding the consolidated list and all relevant data, I would like to refer to our written statement. I would only like to inform the Council that on 12 January this year, the Committee made available on its website new standard forms for listing to be used when proposing the inclusion of individuals and entities on the consolidated list. As far as outreach is concerned, on 1 February of this year I held my latest informal open briefing for all Member States in which I discussed the new provisions of resolution 1904 (2009). I intend to hold the next open briefing at the beginning of July and to use that occasion to provide the membership with information about the status and outcome of the review. At the beginning of June, I plan to participate in a meeting of special services, security agencies and law enforcement organizations to be held in Yekaterinburg, Russian Federation. I also have the intention to intensify the dialogue between the Committee and the authorities of Afghanistan, so as to raise issues relevant for the 1267 Committee, in particular regarding the review of the consolidated list. I would also like to take this opportunity to reiterate that the Committee welcomes the Security Council’s encouragement set forth in paragraph 36 of resolution 1904 (2009) for Member States to send representatives to meet the Committee for more in-depth discussion of relevant issues or for voluntary briefings on their efforts to implement the sanctions measures. The Committee is ready to listen to ideas and concerns and looks forward to continuing its cooperation and dialogue with all Member States. Before concluding, I would like to use this opportunity to thank the members of the Monitoring Team and the Committee secretariat for their invaluable contribution to the work of the Committee. The important additional workload created by the review process and the drafting of narrative summaries poses a particular challenge to all colleagues involved, and I would also like to thank them for their personal commitment. In my previous briefing I mentioned that the 1267 sanctions regime has encountered increasing criticism by a number of States and individuals because of procedural and human rights concerns. By resolution 1904 (2009), the Security Council addressed many of those concerns and thus significantly contributed to strengthening the fairness and effectiveness of the regime. At the same time, the Committee continues to be aware of remaining challenges and, as mentioned in resolution 1904 (2009), is committed to continuing to improve its procedures as required in order to introduce further elements of fairness and transparency for placing individuals, groups and entities on the consolidated list and for removing them, as well as for granting humanitarian exemptions. After the review pursuant to resolution 1822 (2008), the Committee will continue to address the weaknesses of the consolidated list. In order to fulfil this task, the Committee depends on cooperation with and contributions from Member States, which are responsible for providing the Committee with relevant information. I would therefore like to call on all Member States to contribute to this collective effort. The implementation of resolution 1822 (2008) constituted an important stage in and a major achievement of the Committee’s work, and the review process has contributed and is contributing towards both improving due process requirements and strengthening the regime. The new resolution 1904 (2009) reflects the lessons learned during the review, and I would once again like to thank Member States involved for their support and contribution. With the appointment of the Ombudsperson in the near future, the Committee will move to the next stage of its work. It is essential that this process be continued by further improving the Committee’s procedures and working methods while ensuring fair and clear procedures, and thereby make the 1267 sanctions regime a stronger and more effective tool.

I thank Mr. Mayr-Harting for his briefing. I now give the floor to His Excellency Mr. Ertuğrul Apakan, Chairman of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1373 (2001) on counter-terrorism.

Before starting my briefing, I would like to recognize Ambassador Ranko Vilović of Croatia, from whom I took over the chairmanship of the Counter-Terrorism Committee (CTC) five months ago. I thank him once again for his country’s excellent leadership of the Committee in 2008 and 2009. The CTC continues to work actively to advance the global fight against terrorism, and today it gives me great pleasure to brief the Council on the work of the Committee over the past six months. Although nearly a decade has passed since the adoption of resolution 1373 (2001), terrorism continues to be a major threat to international peace and security, compelling us to be ever-vigilant and steadfast in our fight against this scourge. Hence, the provisions of resolutions 1373 (2001) and 1624 (2005) are as relevant as ever, and the Counter-Terrorism Committee plays a critical role in promoting and facilitating their implementation. Before addressing the substance of the issues related to the work of the Committee, let me touch briefly upon the changes that the Committee made earlier this year regarding its working methods. As indicated in the work programme of the Committee, which covers the first half of 2010, the Committee decided to adopt a more strategic and transparent approach in its deliberations while raising the visibility of its work within the wider United Nations and counter-terrorism community. Based on this understanding, the Committee, in January, streamlined some of its working methods in order to devote more time to substantive work. Accordingly, the procedures for the adoption of Preliminary Implementation Assessments and the preparation of country visits have been significantly amended in a way that reduced the time spent in the Committee on those issues. That said, the Preliminary Implementation Assessments remain one of the main instruments available to the Committee for effectively monitoring the implementation of resolution 1373 (2001). The Committee is trying to improve and make better use of the thematic discussions that it organizes on the issues mentioned in Security Council resolutions 1373 (2001) and 1624 (2005). In the past six months, the Committee has taken up issues such as border control and security, the implementation and assessment of resolution 1624 (2005), maritime security/terrorist acts committed at sea, the implementation of extradition requirements and law enforcement. Those discussions have proved to be highly useful in helping us to understand such issues in greater depth and to consider any possible concrete steps that the Committee could take. For instance, based on our thematic discussions, the Committee is now working on policy guidance on international legal cooperation, which we expect to finalize soon. In fact, that issue was also the subject of one of the two thematic briefings open to all Member States, held in February. The other was in April on maritime security/terrorist acts committed at sea. Those open briefings set the stage for a lively exchange and many useful views were expressed. The Chief of the Terrorism Prevention Branch of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime also contributed to the second briefing. I take this opportunity to thank Member States for their attendance and contributions to those discussions. Apart from those thematic discussions, the Committee has also decided to hold regional discussions, at which the specific challenges of some regions will be taken up in detail. Such issues have already been indicated in the survey of the implementation of Security Council resolution 1373 (2001) by Member States (S/2009/620, annex), and the first such regional discussion will be held this month. Another step taken by the Committee to provide more transparency was to make public the technical guide to the implementation of resolution 1373 (2001). That guide is now posted on the Committee’s website. It is also being translated into all United Nations languages and will be a very relevant tool for the Committee to use on country visits. The Committee has already started working to further improve its website, with a view to making it more helpful and user-friendly TO all. With the technical support of the Committee’s Executive Directorate (CTED), we hope to finalize that work soon. Finally, as part of our efforts to render the Committee more transparent, on 8 April 2010, the Committee’s Executive Director, Mr. Mike Smith, and I gave a briefing to United Nations Member States on the Committee’s work in the first three months of this year. Now, let me briefly mention some of the Committee’s core activities that are undertaken in accordance with its mandate and work programme. First, as regards Preliminary Implementation Assessments, I am pleased to report to the Council and to the wider membership that the Committee has finalized the analysis and adoption of those documents for all Member States. The ensuing stocktaking exercise is now allowing the Committee to enhance its regular dialogue with Member States and to further identify areas where the implementation of resolution 1373 (2001) is still inadequate. The Committee has already finalized 48 files within the framework of the current stocktaking exercise. The Committee and CTED stand ready to assist Member States, wherever possible, in the preparation and submission of their responses, including further information on their efforts to implement the resolution. Secondly, the Committee has continued to organize and conduct visits to Member States, with their consent. Such country visits are a fundamental component of the Committee’s efforts to monitor and promote the implementation of resolution 1373 (2001). Acting on the Committee’s behalf, CTED conducts not only comprehensive visits, but also shorter and more targeted visits that focus on one or two specific aspects of the resolution. CTED is also conducting regional visits aimed at analysing examples of good practice or addressing regional vulnerabilities. Over the past six months, the Committee has concluded successful on-site visits to Timor-Leste, Brunei Darussalam, Tunisia, Greece and Yemen. I wish to take this opportunity to thank the Governments of those Member States for their exemplary cooperation before and during the visits. Thirdly, the Committee and CTED have worked to enhance their ongoing dialogue with Member States, donors and beneficiaries on the facilitation of technical assistance. In that context, the Committee continues to look for opportunities to match current and potential donors with recipients so as to enhance cooperation between the donor community and recipient States. Since capacity-building remains one of the main challenges in our fight against terrorism, the Committee will make an assessment on that issue in June in order to explore ways of further facilitating the provision of assistance to relevant Member States. Finally, in its dialogue with Member States, the Committee has continued to include discussion of their efforts to implement resolution 1624 (2005). Thus far, a total of 108 States have submitted reports to the Committee on their implementation of the resolution. The Committee will continue to encourage those States that have not yet done so to submit the relevant information to the Committee as soon as possible. The Committee also continues to encourage Member States to become parties to and to implement the 16 international counter-terrorism instruments. In its dialogue with Member States, the Committee has continued to remind them that any measures taken to combat terrorism must comply with all their obligations under international law, in particular international human rights, refugee and humanitarian law. Now, I would like to give a few examples of the Committee’s cooperative activities with its partners. First, through CTED, the Committee continues to participate actively in the Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force, with a view to implementing the United Nations Global Counter- Terrorism Strategy. CTED co-chairs the Working Group on Integrated Assistance for Countering Terrorism and also participates in the work of the two other Task Force working groups that deal with the counter-financing of terrorism and with human rights and counter-terrorism. Secondly, the Committee and CTED continue to engage actively with the other Security Council subsidiary bodies and relevant entities working on counter-terrorism issues, namely, the 1267 Committee and its Monitoring Team, and the 1540 Committee and its experts group. In that regard, the Counter-Terrorism Committee invites the Monitoring Team, the group of experts and the Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and the INTERPOL Liaison Office to its thematic discussions. Thirdly, in accordance with its work programme, the Committee has placed particular emphasis on maintaining and increasing its dialogue and cooperation with other relevant international and regional organizations. So far, I have visited two regional organizations. During my visit to Addis Ababa, I had a meeting with officials of the African Union. Later, in Washington, D.C., I attended the Inter- American Committee against Terrorism of the Organization of American States. Both visits proved useful in enhancing our dialogue and exploring new areas of cooperation with those regional organizations. In the past six months, the Committee has also continued the practice of hearing briefings from relevant international and regional organizations and United Nations bodies. Before concluding, allow me to mention three important events that the Committee is planning to hold in the upcoming period. The first one will be a seminar on bringing terrorists to justice, to be held in New York. The seminar will bring together a select group of national counter-terrorism prosecutors who have been involved in highly visible cases within their national jurisdictions. We will make sure that the participants represent different regions, levels of development and legal systems. Apart from that seminar, the Committee is also considering organizing two special meetings, one with international, regional and subregional organizations and the other to review global efforts to implement resolution 1373 (2001). As I mentioned at the beginning of my statement, we will continue to work in the Committee with vigour and determination. Our emphasis will be on raising awareness and strengthening the implementation of resolution 1373 (2001). And we will try to do so in a more strategic and transparent manner so that we can more effectively contribute to the global counter- terrorism efforts within our mandate. To this end, Mr. Mike Smith and his team in CTED continue to provide valuable assistance to the Committee. I would like to express our sincere appreciation for their excellent work. I also wish to thank the Secretariat for its continuous support. Last but not least, I would also like to take this opportunity to report, in my capacity as Chairman of the Working Group established pursuant to resolution 1566 (2004), that a meeting of the Working Group was held in March 2010 after a four-year interval. At that meeting, Mr. Jean-Paul Laborde, the head of the Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force, gave a briefing on assistance to victims of terrorism, which was followed by a general discussion on both aspects of the Working Group’s mandate.

I thank Mr. Apakan for his briefing. In accordance with the understanding among Council members, I wish to remind all speakers to limit their statements to no more than five minutes in order to enable the Council to carry out its work expeditiously. Delegations with lengthy statements are kindly requested to circulate the texts in writing and to deliver a condensed version when speaking in the Chamber.

The Chinese delegation thanks Ambassadors Mayr-Harting, Apakan and Heller for their respective briefings on the work of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999), 1373 (2001) and 1540 (2004), respectively. The Chinese delegation appreciates the results achieved by the three Committees and their respective teams. The primary task before the 1267 Committee is to complete the review of the sanctions list before the end of June. Achieving practical results from the review requires the active collaboration of the broad membership. We also hope that the Committee will conduct its work with a prudent and objective attitude so as to safeguard sanctions mechanisms and its preventive and deterrent role vis-à-vis terrorist activities. Pursuant to resolution 1904 (2009), the Committee summarized its experience over the past years, improved and updated its working guidelines and instituted the post of ombudsperson. All of these moves are conducive to improving the working methods, transparency and efficiency of the Committee. With the assistance of the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (CTED), the Counter-Terrorism Committee (CTC) has improved its working methods and stepped up its dialogue and cooperation with international regional organizations. China appreciates these measures. Over the past six months, the CTC has carried out in-depth discussions on important subjects covered by resolutions 1373 (2001) and 1624 (2005), and set forth proposals for dealing with problems and challenges remaining in various areas. This lays a good foundation for the CTC’s implementation of the resolution. Meanwhile, CTED has pushed ahead with the implementation of its programme of work in a solid manner and has done much effective work in reviewing the Preliminary Implementation Assessments and conducting State visits, as well as in rendering technical assistance. China attaches great importance to the role of the 1540 Committee and has participated actively and constructively in its work. Recently the 1540 Committee, with the assistance of the group of experts, has taken a series of effective steps towards international cooperation and assistance. We endorse the efforts of the Committee to enhance dialogue and cooperation with various Member States in implementing resolution 1540 (2004), exchanging experiences and learning from each other’s strengths. We encourage those countries able to do so to provide the necessary assistance to developing countries to ease the latter’s difficulties in implementation. We note some new ideas and proposals made by the members of the Committee and the group of experts, which we will study closely. China will continue to actively support the work of the Committee and to work for the comprehensive and balanced implementation of the programme of work of the 1540 Committee. Violence and terror remain rampant throughout the world. Terrorism still poses a potent threat to international peace and security. The Security Council, as the core of the international collective security system, should continue to play an important role in the international fight against terrorism. The Security Council counter-terrorism mechanism, composed of the three Committees, should continue to push for the implementation of the relevant counter-terrorism resolutions while heeding further the call of the broad membership of the United Nations, and in particular the developing countries, for the counter-terrorism mechanism to better meet their needs. China encourages the three Committees and their respective bodies to continue to strengthen their coordination, optimize resources and avoid duplication of work. Later in the year, the General Assembly will carry out a complete assessment of the implementation of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. China supports the participation of the three Committees, within their respective mandates, in the relevant work of the Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force and urges the comprehensive and balanced development of the four pillars of the counter-terrorism mechanism so that the respective bodies will complement each other, act in concert and continue to safeguard the United Nations core role in the international fight against terrorism.

We thank you, Madam President, for organizing this open debate, which gives an opportunity to States Members of the United Nations to participate in the deliberations on the work of the three counter-terrorism-related Committees. I would like to thank the Chairman of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004), Ambassador Heller, for the joint statement, as well as Ambassador Apakan and Ambassador Mayr- Harting, the Chairmen of the two Committees established pursuant to resolutions 1373 (2001) and 1267 (1999), respectively, for the work of their Committees and the respective expert groups. The activities of the three Committees are valuable to the work of the Security Council. Coordination in counter-terrorism-related efforts is important, and we therefore commend the Committees for developing common strategies and organizing joint workshops and country visits. These activities create a synergy that is key to improving areas of implementation of relevant Security Council resolutions. We are encouraged that this coordination and cooperation have provided Member States with information, thus enabling a clear understanding of the peculiar situations that Member States face. Terrorism and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction to non-State actors are continuous threats to international peace and security. The threat from terrorism, including from nuclear, chemical, biological and other weapons, is real. Al-Qaida, the Taliban and other groups continue to pose a serious threat. We believe that the recent events in New York City in the United States of America attest to this. This is a reminder of the need for a common strategic approach to counter-terrorism. The consolidated list remains a critical tool for the United Nations as a counter-terrorism measure. We commend the 1267 Al-Qaida Committee for having concluded the first phase of its review of 488 of the names on the consolidated list. We support efforts to have the review of the other names conducted in good time. We welcome the new standard forms posted on the website that provide procedures for the inclusion of individuals and entities on the consolidated lists. Uganda also welcomes the establishment of the office of the ombudsperson. We believe that it will offer individuals and entities subject to sanctions measures an opportunity to present their cases to an independent body. We commend the 1540 Committee for the work done in the comprehensive review. The recommendations on cooperation with international, regional and multilateral institutions, and the capacity to gather information on the status of implementation are critical to the overall mandate of the 1540 Committee. We commend the Committees and their respective expert groups for their outreach activities. These outreach activities are useful in promoting dialogue with Member State and facilitating the sharing of additional information with the Committees. Uganda reiterates the importance of closer cooperation between the United Nations and regional organizations in counter-terrorism activities. To this end, we welcome the visit by the Chairman of the Counter-Terrorism Committee to the African Union in March. We are convinced that cooperation between the United Nations and other international and regional organizations is an essential and necessary approach to developing more effective counter-terrorism measures. We have noted with concern in recent times the link between the illegal trade in drugs and terrorism. In that respect, we salute the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, the Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force and Interpol for their role in reinforcing global counter-terrorism efforts. One of the greatest challenges of our times is how to successfully prosecute terrorism suspects. It is imperative that Member States strengthen law enforcement and domestic security in their jurisdictions. There is a need to strengthen cross- cutting regional criminal justice strategies and action plans to cover such issues as witness protection, extradition, capacity-building in forensic science and suppression of terrorism financing. We recognize that most Member States have inadequate capacity to confront these terrorist activities. These are gaps that need to be addressed collectively. In this regard, we are encouraged by the efforts of the expert groups and the Monitoring Team in identifying and facilitating the delivery of necessary technical assistance to Member States. The planned seminar on bringing terrorists to justice, to be held in mid-July in New York, is a welcome development. We are encouraged that the seminar will target national counter-terrorism prosecutors in regard to their respective jurisdictions. Finally, we commend the Committees and their respective expert groups for their work on counter- terrorism, which continues to contribute to efforts to secure a peaceful and secure world.

At the outset, I should like to thank the Chairmen for their briefings and for their dedicated leadership of the Council’s three counter-terrorism-related Committees. The importance of this work and of the broader international efforts to combat terrorism has been underscored tragically and repeatedly in recent weeks by the attempted bombing of a flight bound for Detroit last Christmas Day, by the March bombings in the Moscow subway, by the very troubling events in Times Square just days ago, less than a mile from where we meet, and by the deadly bombings in Iraq just yesterday. These are stark reminders that terrorism remains one of the most complicated threats to address. Transnational terrorism is a truly global challenge. Citizens of dozens of countries around the world, the vast majority of whom are not from the United States, have been victims of terrorism and violent extremism. The United States recognizes that no single country can address this threat alone. Therefore, the United States will continue to reach out, on the basis of mutual interest and mutual respect, to forge international coalitions. The United States has set a clear and focused goal to work with all members of this body to disrupt, dismantle and defeat Al-Qaida and its extremist allies. One critical element of this effort is strengthening our counter-terrorism partnerships with the United Nations, including the relevant Security Council subsidiary bodies, the Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force and its newly established Support Office. The United States is committed to more sustained and strategic counter-terrorism engagement with the wider United Nations membership to further our common objectives. To this end, the State Department hosted a meeting on 9 April to strengthen cooperation among United States and United Nations experts involved in counter-terrorism capacity-building in the Sahel. The meeting involved some 25 experts from United States Government departments and United Nations offices and agencies, including representatives from the Counter-Terrorism Committee (CTC) Executive Directorate (CTED) and the Monitoring Team of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1267 (1999). We look forward to continuing such dialogue with the United Nations experts. Before turning to the work of the three Council Committees, I should like to highlight three core principles that underpin our approach to United Nations counter-terrorism work. The first is inclusiveness and transparency. All of the Council’s counter-terrorism- related Committees should remain mindful of the need to make their work as transparent and as accessible as possible to the wider United Nations community, national actors, regional organizations and civil society. We encourage further engagement by the three Committees with the wider United Nations membership on a broad range of issues to ensure that the Committees’ work is well understood. The second is implementation. Let us not forget that the Council’s counter-terrorism framework obligates all of us to implement it. We recognize that many countries require assistance to do so, and we are committed to making capacity-building more innovative and far-reaching. But both the Committees and the Council itself further emphasize the importance of full implementation of this framework by Member States. The third is relevance. We must ensure that our counter-terrorism work in the Council and the wider United Nations system is connected to ongoing national and regional efforts on the ground to deal with the threat. I should like to thank Ambassador Apakan for the exceptional job he has done guiding the Counter- Terrorism Committee during his first five months as its Chair and helping to reinforce these core principles. Ambassador Apakan has made the Committee more efficient and has worked extremely well with CTED Executive Director Mike Smith to keep the general membership up to date on the work of the Committee through open meetings on topics such as international legal cooperation and maritime security. It is imperative that the CTC and CTED continue to focus on areas of strategic priority. We are therefore pleased that CTED recently visited Yemen and has provided us with its preliminary conclusions from that visit. We also hope that partners will work with the Yemeni authorities to build up the necessary counter- terrorism capacities, which will also help them to deal with other security threats within their own country. Let me turn to the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1267 (1999) concerning Al Qaeda and the Taliban. The 1267 sanctions regime remains one of the most effective counter-terrorism tools of the United Nations and a symbol of international consensus against the threats of Al-Qaida and the Taliban. The regime has evolved significantly over the past 11 years, and the Council has devoted great effort to ensuring that it is fair, effective and relevant to the ever-changing terrorist threats. The United States welcomes the significant enhancements to the regime’s listing and de-listing process outlined in resolutions 1822 (2008) and 1904 (2009). In particular, we are confident that the establishment in resolution 1904 (2009) of an Ombudsperson to facilitate the Committee’s review of de-listing petitions will help ensure that the de-listing procedures are as fair and transparent as possible. We are pleased by the Committee’s progress in carrying out its work to implement the package of reforms in resolution 1822 (2008), including the Committee’s comprehensive review of nearly 500 individuals and entities on its consolidated list to ensure that each entry is as up-to-date as possible and to determine the ongoing aptness of the listings. We also acknowledge the Committee’s efforts to develop and post online narrative summaries of reasons for listing each entry on the consolidated list. These reforms will make Committee efforts more accessible and understandable to the wider United Nations membership, and they will bolster the ability of Member States to implement the measures required. I want to acknowledge and thank Ambassador Mayr-Harting for the tremendous efforts devoted by him and his team and all of the experts on the 1267 Committee. They have worked steadfastly to implement these reforms. We all know how time- consuming and resource-intensive this work has been, and we greatly appreciate their oversight of this process. As the Council noted in resolution 1887 (2009), the Nuclear Security Summit held in Washington, D.C., in April underscored that the work of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004) is critical to preventing the spread of weapons of mass destruction to non-State actors. Let me again thank its Chairman, Ambassador Heller, for his tremendous work. We must continue to find ways to strengthen the cooperation of the Council’s three counter-terrorism Committees, despite their differing mandates. We fully embrace the 1540 Committee’s current work plan, including its emphasis on working groups. Going forward, the Committee must focus on garnering support for a more robust and sustainable funding mechanism, such as that suggested by President Obama: a voluntary fund to help States achieve full implementation of the resolution’s mandate. We also look forward to careful consideration of renewal of the Committee’s mandate, with a timeline looking out as far as a decade or more. In the near term, we encourage integration of the Committee’s 2009 comprehensive review of resolution 1540 (2004) outcomes. We underline the need for multilateral cooperation. We stress the importance of additional national reporting to the Committee, and we urge the sharpening of national implementation plans. Again I want to underscore our gratitude to Ambassador Heller for his excellent leadership. In conclusion, we are pleased with the direction that these three Committees are following. We believe that under the capable leadership of the Committees’ current Chairs, United Nations counter-terrorism efforts will guide and reinforce actions of Member States to deter terrorism, including the threats posed by Al-Qaida and the Taliban, as well as proliferation efforts by terrorist non-State actors.

I would like to thank the Chairs of the Council’s three counter-terrorism-related Committees for their briefings on developments during the past six months. I would also like to pay tribute to the dedicated work of the Chairs and of the respective expert groups. Terrorism continues to constitute one of the most serious threats to peace and security in the world. Countering terrorism requires a comprehensive and multifaceted approach, as well as enduring engagement on the part of the international community. That is why the United Nations is so important in leading and coordinating the efforts to combat terrorism. The three Committees play a central role in this endeavour, pursuant to their respective mandates. As we are all aware, the threat of terrorism posed by Al-Qaida and the Taliban continues unabated. In order for the regime under resolution 1267 (1999) to be fully effective, the credibility of the consolidated list is indispensable. In that regard, Japan welcomes the adoption in December 2009 of resolution 1904 (2009), which introduced a new mechanism to that end. We welcome the establishment of the Office of the Ombudsperson for de-listing procedures and hope that the Secretary-General will soon appoint an eminent individual to the post. Resolution 1904 (2009) also introduced a new process to keep the consolidated list updated, accurate and transparent, as described by the Committee Chair. Japan welcomes the three improvements and will continue to take active part in the review process in the latter half of this year. The Committee has reached the final stage of the review of the list pursuant to paragraph 25 of resolution 1822 (2008). I would like to stress in this regard that in order to carry out a meaningful review, additional input from the relevant States, particularly from the designating States and the States of residence, is indispensable. I therefore call upon relevant States to cooperate actively with requests for updated information. Japan welcomes the progress made in streamlining the work of the Counter-Terrorism Committee (CTC), including reducing the frequency of CTC meetings by making good use of the silence procedure. We recognize that we have had fruitful discussion this year on substantive issues in the field of counter-terrorism. It is our hope that we will have further discussion on thematic issues and that the discussion will facilitate the accumulation of best practices in counter-terrorism. We also expect positive outcomes from the regional discussions to consider specific challenges of some regions and how to address those challenges. Japan attaches great importance to the role of the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (CTED) in identifying specific needs in the area of counter-terrorism technical assistance. In this regard, we support a stock-taking exercise consisting of a review of the implementation by all Member States of resolution 1373 (2001). This exercise will contribute to identifying the challenges that Member States face and the technical assistance that they require in this area. We would like to highlight as well the importance of the country visits conducted by CTED. Country visits are among the valuable tools for CTED to ascertain the current situation of counter-terrorism efforts in a given country and to assess actual needs for technical assistance for capacity-building, through direct contact with the relevant authorities of the country concerned. In this regard, Japan expresses deep appreciation to CTED for sharing information regarding technical assistance needs with members of the Counter-Terrorism Action Group (CTAG). Japan continues to support the coordination mechanism between CTED and CTAG. Japan expresses its appreciation for the strenuous efforts of the 1540 Committee to promote full implementation of resolution 1540 (2004) and welcomes the submission of the final document on the 2009 comprehensive review of the status of implementation of Security Council resolution 1540 (2004) (see S/2010/52), with a view to taking forward action on the key findings and recommendations in the report. Japan remains committed to playing a leading role in strengthening the non-proliferation regime by organizing seminars and capacity-building programmes in fields related to resolution 1540 (2004). Such activities could include export control, mainly for Asian countries, with particular attention to a tailored approach reflecting the specific needs of each individual country. Japan also welcomes the workplan of the Nuclear Security Summit, in which the participating States noted the need to fully implement resolution 1540 (2004) and to support the activities of the 1540 Committee. Lastly, we appreciate the close cooperation among the three subsidiary Committees to maximize the functions mandated by the respective Security Council resolutions. We also commend the contribution made by of their work within the framework of the Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force. We trust that cooperation and coordination in this regard will make the most of the limited capacities and resources available by avoiding overlaps and duplications.

Thank you, Madam President, for having organized this regular briefing by the Chairs of subsidiary bodies of the Security Council related to counter-terrorism. Our gratitude goes also to the Permanent Representatives of Turkey, Mexico and Austria for their comprehensive briefings on the work of the committees they chair during this reporting period. The Russian Federation views the committees’ stepped up efforts as an important Security Council contribution to countering the global threat of terrorism. The Counter-Terrorism Committee (CTC) has made substantial efforts to make its work more transparent. It has launched a more substantive dialogue with a broad spectrum of Member States and specialized entities of the United Nations, and it has enhanced its contacts with international and regional organizations. In our view, this will help bring about fuller implementation by all Governments of the provisions of the relevant resolutions. With respect to the development of cooperation with partner organizations, we attach particular importance to regular meetings of the CTC with international, regional and subregional organizations. We support the Committee’s intention to focus on the more topical aspects of resolutions 1373 (2001) and 1624 (2005) and to continue its practice of holding meetings on specific priority themes and regions. Among these themes is extradition and mutual legal assistance with respect to terrorism, pursuant to the provisions of resolution 1373 (2001). We believe that the guiding principles under preparation and the possible recommendations emerging from past and future thematic and regional discussions will prove to be balanced and carefully verified. We attach great importance to the Committee’s discussions on resolution 1624 (2005). We have all seen the consequences of incitement to terrorism. Suicide bombers continue to perpetrate bloody acts of violence, of which the terrorist attacks in the Moscow metro at the end of March were yet another horrific example. Resolution 1624 (2005) has an important role to play in countering the ideology of terrorism. The work of the CTC in that area must be strengthened, with the incorporation of issues related to that resolution into the Committee’s programme of country visits aimed at analysing and broadly disseminating accumulated good practices. We endorse the Committee’s intention to begin an exercise of considering regional aspects, on the basis of conclusions of the comprehensive review of the implementation of resolution 1373 (2001), which the Security Council approved in late 2009. In terms of improving the Committee’s working methods, the Preliminary Implementation Assessments regarding resolution 1373 (2001) continue to be of fundamental importance; they serve as basic documents for regular dialogue with States and as an objective, non-discriminatory and systemic foundation for monitoring the counter-terrorism efforts of States. We highly appreciate the assistance that the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (CTED) provides to the CTC. We support the Directorate’s participation in the Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force as part of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. We expect that, working within the framework of its existing mandate and in line with the decisions of the CTC, CTED will continue to place its rich expertise at the disposal of the Task Force. Turning an issue raised during today’s briefings, it would be remiss of me not to recall the resumption of the work of the Security Council Working Group established pursuant to resolution 1566 (2004) on the initiative of the Russian Federation. We support the active endeavours of the Turkish chairmanship to breathe new life into the Group’s work and to make use of the potential offered by its mandate. One of the Council’s effective counter-terrorism mechanisms remains the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1267 (1999) concerning Al Qaeda and the Taliban and associated individuals and entities. One cannot fail to be alarmed by the Taliban’s increasing activity, both within and outside Afghanistan. The existence of strong links and cooperation between the Taliban and Al-Qaida cannot be disputed. We view as dangerous attempts to establish political contacts with extremist leaders, especially in breach of the sanctions regime. We urge all States to act unswervingly against individuals on the sanctions list, pursuant to the relevant Security Council resolutions and the guiding principles of the 1267 Committee’s work. We participate in the Committee’s work to keep the list up to date and a reflection of the true nature of today’s terrorist threat. Here, we believe that de-listing should take place in strict compliance with established procedures. In our view, the steps taken to enhance the transparency of the Committee’s procedures are timely. That is the thrust of resolution 1904 (2009), which established the position of a de-listing Ombudsperson, whom we expect to operate in strict compliance with his or her mandate. We urge States, pursuant to resolution 1735 (2006), to submit requests for the listing of individuals or organizations associated with Al-Qaida and the Taliban, including those financing their terrorist activities using proceeds derived from illicit trafficking of narcotic drugs. We are convinced that full, good-faith implementation by all States of their commitments in that sphere is required for success in our common effort to counter the very real threat to international peace and security posed by Al-Qaida and the Taliban. The Russian Federation attaches great importance to the work of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004) and to the unswerving implementation by all States of that resolution and the follow-up resolutions 1673 (2006) and 1810 (2008). The actions they prescribe to prevent weapons of mass destruction, their means of delivery and related materials from falling into the hands of non-State actors, principally terrorists, remain timely. Many participants in last year’s comprehensive review of the implementation of resolution 1540 (2004) spoke of the gravity of the threat posed by terrorists acquiring weapons of mass destruction. The 1540 Committee plays a key role in strengthening and enhancing the effectiveness of international efforts to suppress the black market in weapons of mass destruction. We note that the Committee and its Expert Group have done a great deal of work during the reporting period. They worked hard on the proposal voiced during the review meetings and on analysing the outcome of the comprehensive review. The programme of work for this year, based on that document, sets out practical steps to further strengthen the international community’s efforts to counter the proliferation of risks and threats, with the 1540 Committee playing a coordinating role. We urge the Committee to give priority to assisting States in implementing resolution 1540 (2004) and to coordinating broad international cooperation to that end. We stand ready to back such measures, including in the framework of our ongoing cooperation, along with fellow members of the Commonwealth of Independent States, on issues related to the mandate of the 1540 Committee. The Russian Federation will continue its focused efforts to achieve the goals set in Security Council resolutions 1540 (2004), 1673 (2006) and 1810 (2008) and to establish, under United Nations auspices, a dependable system for countering the illicit trade in weapons of mass destruction.

In response to your appeal, Madam President, I shall try to summarize my statement; the complete text has been made available in the Council Chamber. My country is particularly grateful to the Committees established pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999), 1373 (2001) and 1540 (2004) not only for the briefings that their Chairs regularly give the Security Council on their activities, but also for the technical assistance they provide our States in the subregional, regional and international fight against terrorism. Gabon firmly condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. Recent events right here in New York confirm the persistence of the terrorist threat. Our response to the scourge must be strong and unambiguous. It should also reflect a front of international solidarity whose only goal is to contain and ultimately eliminate the terrorist threat in the world. It should be acknowledged that, thanks to the work of the three Committees, the Security Council has made real tools available to States that make it possible for them to more effectively combat international terrorism. My delegation would like to say a few words about the functioning of the three Committees, as well as to make some proposals aimed at improving their effectiveness. With regard to the 1267 Committee, my delegation welcomes the excellent work it has done in identifying individuals and entities associated with Al-Qaida and the Taliban. We also appreciate the enormous expertise that the Committee provides to States in combating terrorism, in particular in such diverse areas as terrorism-financing networks, international transactions by suspected entities and individuals, border, export and drug trafficking controls and port security. The initiatives of the Council and the Committee are very useful to the international community, insofar as Al-Qaida’s activities are no longer limited to certain parts of the world, but instead affect other countries and other continents, including Africa. With regard to the 1540 Committee, my delegation duly appreciates its excellent work in the area of nuclear non-proliferation. It seems that the international community has made great progress in deterring non-State actors from manufacturing, acquiring, possessing, developing, transporting or transferring nuclear, chemical and biological weapons. In addition, thanks to the close cooperation it has developed with numerous States, the 1540 Committee has succeeded in gathering significant information on the measures States have taken to that end. That has been possible thanks to the frank and transparent dialogue that the Committee has succeeded in establishing with Member States. My delegation encourages the Committee to continue that approach, which facilitates greater participation by all actors concerned on this issue, including non-governmental organizations. With regard to the 1373 Committee, my delegation is pleased to note that, in January, the Committee’s members succeeded in streamlining certain aspects of the Committee’s working methods. We welcome the idea of increasing the number of thematic debates. That approach will make it possible to consider important issues brought to the attention of the Committee, and thereby address two objectives, namely, heightening awareness among Member States and increasing their participation in the consideration of issues on the agenda. It is therefore the responsibility of every Member State to ensure that Security Council decisions enjoy all the necessary support, to ensure that their impact is of a genuinely transformative nature. In that regard, strengthening the cooperation between the 1540 Committee and regional and subregional organizations is essential. For instance, such cooperation could facilitate interaction between regional and subregional organizations in the areas of information exchange and harmonization of their approaches and their needs in this area. Beyond their specific nature, the tasks assigned to these Committees are very closely linked. In that regard, greater cooperation and exchanges of information, both between them as well as with the relevant United Nations entities, is absolutely necessary to face the threats posed by international terrorism. The three Committees should continually carry out critical assessments of their respective efforts in order to improve their effectiveness, thereby making it possible for the Security Council to take more robust measures in combating international terrorism. For our part, Gabon will continue to support the efforts of the Committees. We shall endeavour to submit, in a timely manner, our reports on the implementation of the Council’s relevant resolutions in the area of counter-terrorism, and of the related guidelines.

I would like to thank you, Madam President, for convening this open debate. I also wish to thank the Chairmen of the Counter- Terrorism Committee (CTC) and of the Committees established pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999) and 1540 (2004) for their comprehensive briefings today. We are grateful for their work. Brazil has long been a supporter of international efforts on counter-terrorism. Our Constitution considers terrorism a heinous crime and establishes cooperation with partners and international organizations on this issue as a guiding principle of our foreign policy. Accordingly, Brazil has duly submitted all the reports requested by the resolutions in question. In recent years, the Security Council has taken important decisions to enhance the legitimacy of its counter-terrorism measures. The most important of them was the adoption of resolution 1904 (2009), which aims at enhancing the work of the 1267 Committee. It will certainly strengthen due process and give more transparency to the Committee’s decisions. The forthcoming appointment of an Ombudsperson, as well as the new procedures for de-listing, will make it easier to reconcile the effectiveness of the fight against terrorism with the protection of human rights. Brazil also supports the two other important initiatives under way aimed at improving the work of the 1267 Committee, namely, the general review of the consolidated list of sanctions and the preparation of narrative summaries for each entry on the list. The combination of those measures will certainly strengthen the Committee. I take this opportunity to thank the Monitoring Team for its continuous support for the activities of the 1267 Committee. The work of the Counter-Terrorism Committee has also undergone important changes. We welcome the fact that the Committee has improved its dialogue and cooperation with Member States and, when requested, has facilitated technical assistance to allow for better implementation of resolution 1373 (2001). My delegation would also like to commend the CTC for reaching out to regional and international organizations. The Chair’s recent visit to the African Union and to the Organization of American States will certainly spur closer cooperation by those actors with the Committee. A series of other events and meetings currently being planned will bring together different entities and national Governments. We support and encourage the continuation of that positive trend. Let me also highlight the practice adopted by the CTC, of holding periodic open briefings on themes relevant to the wider membership. We encourage the continuation of that initiative. In that regard, my delegation wishes to recognize the work carried out by the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate, especially the fruitful dialogue it maintains with Member States during its visits and during the process of developing and discussing Preliminary Implementation Assessments. With regard to the 1540 Committee, important strides have been made with the adoption of the final document of the comprehensive review and the programme of work for 2010. Those documents highlight the Committee’s nature as a forum for cooperation. By allowing Member States to discuss and share information among themselves and with other relevant organizations, it makes a very valuable, and at the same time discreet, contribution to our common goal of stemming the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. The Committee has participated in numerous meetings in various forums, thus strengthening the partnerships that are crucial to achieving the Committee’s goals. We note in particular the participation of a member of the Committee in a meeting of the Organization of American States in February to discuss cooperation in the implementation of resolution 1540 (2004). My delegation is pleased with the efforts under way to coordinate and enhance the dialogue among the three Committees and between them and the United Nations system in general. The Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force of the General Assembly can greatly contribute to building bridges between the different Security Council subsidiary bodies and other agencies. This coordinated action will help us to better cope with the threats posed by terrorism in all its dimensions. My delegation reiterates its commitment to this process.

At the outset, I should like to express France’s gratitude to the Chairs of the Committee established pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999), 1373 (2001) and 1540 (2004) — Ambassadors Mayr-Harting, Apakan and Heller, respectively. Their dynamism and ongoing commitment enables the Security Council to play a growing role in the fight against terrorism. I also associate myself with the statement to be made by the representative of the European Union. Since our last meeting on this subject in November (see S/PV.6217), new acts of terrorism have demonstrated to all the extent to which the threat, including to the United Nations itself, remains real. We have just heard the briefings of the Chairs of the three Committees highlighting not only the progress that has been made, but also the challenges ahead. From our perspective, the three Committees that we created between 1999 and 2004 are not only most important politically, but also of operational utility. We must continue to improve their functionality. I should like to comment on each of the three Committees in turn. With respect to the 1267 Committee, in 2006, at the initiative of France, we created a focal point allowing individuals and entities on the list to request to be removed therefrom. The adoption of resolution 1904 (2009) went even further by permitting them a facilitated exchange with the Committee and full clarification by a high-ranking official with regard to communications received. That is a useful tool for the Committee in its decision- making process. We welcome the forthcoming appointment of an ombudsman. The Committee has also done a great deal of work in revising the entire list in order to ensure that it remains commensurate with the threat. Such highly technical revision may seem fastidious. Why would one bother looking for information on a terrorist if one has lost track of him? However, there is no doubt that many terrorists have been prevented from carrying out plots because their financing has been cut off or they have been unable to travel. In this way, many lives have been saved. It is, unfortunately, easier to quantify the victims of terrorist acts than the absence of victims of acts that have not taken place. Our meticulous work thus touches every Member State, and it is therefore essential that all States affected by the revision assist the Committee. The Counter-Terrorism Committee (CTC) has done essential work and demonstrated that we all have responsibilities to live up to. Like all other States, France is subject to the Committee’s consideration. This is a way for all States Members of the United Nations to ascertain that our national measures are as optimal as possible. This is not only our common duty, but also in everyone’s interest. We welcome the Committee’s work under the leadership of Turkey. It not only analyzes and gives accounts, but above all makes recommendations to all Member States. The CTC is called on to play a more strategic role within the United Nations system by developing measures already adopted by the international community to take the terrorist threat better into account, in particular through its regular focus on certain geographical areas, while also ensuring respect for human rights. We therefore believe it to be very useful to open the thematic debates to all States Members of the United Nations. In the most sensitive areas, we hope that the Organization will be able to provide practical guidance to all. With respect to the 1540 Committee, nuclear, biological and chemical terrorism remains a principal threat. In that regard, we welcome the summit held in Washington, D.C., and the commitments undertaken there, as well as the possible convening of another such summit in Korea. A great deal remains to be done. More than 30 States have yet to report, and we thank the Mexican presidency for its efforts. On thing is clear — we must all feel involved in the implementation of the resolution and respond to requests for reports. There is no sanctuary and no one is immune to nuclear, bacteriological and chemical terrorism. One particular area susceptible to progress is that of assistance. There is another area in which States must help the Committee to improve its own work. I appeal to all those that offer or receive help in implementing resolution 1540 (2004) to so inform the Committee. Only thus will it be able to play its full role. The creation of the Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force was an essential contribution to the system. It brought together various actors, including the three Committees, and helped us to share best experiences. We should continue to support the Task Force, and we have no doubt that the review of the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy to take place in September will enable us to gauge the usefulness of that tool. In conclusion, I wish to express once again the thanks of my delegation for the work accomplished by Ambassadors Mayr-Harting, Apakan and Heller and their teams, and by the groups of experts that assist them. They have done sterling work. France will continue to play an active role in the Committees and do its utmost to ensure that the United Nations is strengthened to fight terrorism in all its forms.

I thank you, Madam President, and the Chairmen of the three Committees for their very helpful briefings. In particular, I should like to welcome Ambassador Apakan and Ambassador Heller as they give their first briefings to the Council in their new capacities. With respect to the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1267 (1999), we are pleased with the progress achieved through the adoption of resolution 1904 (2009). We have long championed improving listing and de-listing procedures, so we strongly welcome the latest reforms, which build on the significant improvements that have been made in recent years. Most significantly, the appointment of an ombudsperson will provide assurance that the process of deciding whether to de-list individuals and entities is both fair and clear. The office of the ombudsperson will improve the flow of information between the designated individual and the Committee. It will also enhance the transparency of the decision-making process. As Ambassador Mayr-Harting has said, the Committee still has much work to do, especially in the next months as the review of the consolidated list comes to completion. We shall continue to play a constructive role in this process and urge all Member States to do the same. It is important that we all work to ensure that the review is meaningful. The Al-Qaida and Taliban sanctions regime remains a vital counter-terrorism tool that enables the international community to disrupt terrorist activity on a much greater scale than we could through domestic measures alone. We must all work to ensure that the regime remains credible as a tool to maintain international peace and security. In that respect, the United Kingdom is pleased that resolution 1904 (2009) confirms that measures targeting the financing of terrorism apply to the payment of ransoms to individuals and entities on the consolidated list. We must not allow kidnapping to become a major source of revenue for terrorists. The United Kingdom’s policy not to pay ransoms or make other substantive concessions to hostage-takers is well known and clear. With respect to the Counter-Terrorism Committee (CTC), we welcome the increasingly effective external outreach work of the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (CTED) under Mike Smith’s leadership and the fact that this work is increasingly aligned with threats and needs. It was helpful, for example, that CTED was able to bring forward its visit to Yemen last month. But the CTC itself could play an even more effective role in the international counter- terrorism architecture. We therefore support the recent reforms to its procedures, particularly on processing States’ Preliminary Implementation Assessments, and its organization of more frequent open briefings, which have included action-oriented recommendations for the membership and increased transparency. These are important first steps, and we would welcome further discussions and suggestions on how to make the CTC yet more effective. We welcome the outcome of the comprehensive review of the implementation of resolution 1540 (2004). The review usefully highlighted areas — such as biological weapons, means of delivery, national control lists, access to related materials and financing of prohibited or illicit proliferation activities — in which States have adopted fewer measures. We hope that the adoption of the review’s recommendations will lead to better working methods, the speedier and more effective matching of implementation assistance requests with donor funds and capabilities, and better cooperation with other international groupings that share the goal of preventing non-State actors from gaining access to weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery. We also welcome the international attention brought to the threat posed by the nexus of nuclear materials and non-state actors by last month’s Nuclear Security Summit in Washington, D.C. We note that the Summit’s recommendations on the implementation of resolution 1540 (2004) and the assistance needed to achieve it complement the recommendations of the comprehensive review.

I would like to thank the Permanent Representatives of Mexico, Austria and Turkey for their useful briefings on the activities carried out by the Security Council Committees established pursuant to resolutions 1540 (2004), 1267 (1999) and 1373 (2001). The 1540 Committee, under the dynamic leadership of Ambassador Claude Heller, has made significant progress in strengthening the global non-proliferation regime. We welcome the efforts of the Committee and its experts group to promote the full implementation of resolution 1540 (2004). We note with satisfaction the various follow-up activities on the outcome of the review process. We encourage the Committee to further enhance its efforts to promote outreach activities and raise greater awareness among States of the obligations imposed by the resolution. It is also important to improve the Committee’s activities in the area of assistance to States in order to help them build their national capacity to implement the resolution. We applaud Ambassador Thomas Mayr-Harting and the 1267 Committee for their excellent work in implementing the heavy programme of the Committee. We pay tribute to the Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team for its efforts in assisting the work of the Committee. The review of the names on the consolidated list is indeed an enormous task, which the Committee undertakes painstakingly and efficiently in spite of constraints. We attach great importance to the work of the Committee and urge continuous improvement of the sanctions regime to ensure a reliable and transparent procedure. In this context, we reiterate the importance of consulting affected States during the listing and de-listing of individuals and entities on the consolidated list in order to enhance the credibility and wider acceptance of its recommendations. It is in so doing that the 1267 sanctions regime will comply and be consistent with the international standards of due process, international law and respect for human rights. We welcome the remarkable progress made by the Counter-Terrorism Committee under the dynamic leadership of Ambassador Ertuğrul Apakan. He has deployed considerable efforts in promoting interaction and dialogue with Member States to make sure that they understand their obligations pursuant to the various resolutions. The briefings on the activities of the Committee to the wider United Nations membership have fostered greater visibility for the Committee. We commend the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (CTED), under the leadership of Mike Smith, for the activities carried out to implement resolution 1373 (2001). The direct dialogue with permanent missions, country visits, seminars and workshops, thematic briefings and close collaboration with regional and other international organizations have helped to raise awareness and strengthen the implementation of resolution 1373 (2001). We note with satisfaction the completion of the analysis and adoption of the Preliminary Implementation Assessments of all Member States and the posting of the technical guide on the implementation of resolution 1373 (2001) on the Committee’s website. We support the efforts of CTED to build the capacity of States to combat terrorism, as that will go a long way towards solving the problem of partial or non-compliance by some Member States with their reporting obligations. In this context, we stress the importance of regular consultation with the affected States to promote compliance with their obligations under resolution 1373 (2001). We welcome the ongoing CTED dialogue with Member States, donors and beneficiaries on the facilitation of technical assistance. The need for CTED to collaborate with relevant bodies within and outside the United Nations, as well as regional organizations, in carrying out its activities enjoys our support. Its participation in the Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force, with a view to implementing the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, should be sustained. Nigeria was one of the countries visited by CTED in February 2010. The visit has generated closer cooperation between CTED and our focal point on counter-terrorism. It has also contributed to strengthening our international counter-terrorism measures. We are pleased with the increased cooperation between the three Security Council Committees and with other organizations within and outside the United Nations. We welcome their joint efforts to improve information-sharing and to coordinate their relationships with relevant international, regional and subregional organizations and their participation in the framework of the Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force. The effective utilization and coordination of their respective capacities will enhance the implementation of the respective resolutions pertaining to their work. We urge continued transparency in their work and accessibility to the wider United Nations membership, regional organizations and States. Given the capacity constraints in many countries, it is imperative that they deploy more joint efforts to raise awareness of the challenges facing us and, where necessary, assist States with the tools to respond appropriately.

I would like to express our appreciation for the convening of this debate. We consider it to be an excellent opportunity to provide more information about the Committees, adding to the transparency and better understanding of their work. At the outset, I would like to thank each of the Chairmen for their detailed and informative briefings in today’s meeting. We highly respect and appreciate the tireless work, dedication and strong leadership of Ambassador Mayr-Harting, Ambassador Apakan and Ambassador Heller, which have cumulatively contributed to the effectiveness of the respective Committees. The challenges posed to the modern world and our societies by the different forms, methods and manifestations of international terrorism necessitate a sustained and comprehensive approach to the prevention and combating of this phenomenon. In that regard, we would like to emphasize the importance of the Committees established pursuant to Security Council resolutions 1267 (1999), 1373 (2001) and 1540 (2004) as effective tools in countering terrorism in all its forms. Furthermore, and in order to enhance the significant contribution of the Committees to the strengthening of global security, we would encourage continuous improvement in cooperation and coordination among them. The work of the 1267 Committee, under the able chairmanship of Ambassador Mayr-Harting, remains one of the most crucial instruments in fighting the threat from Al-Qaida and the Taliban. In that regard, Bosnia and Herzegovina shares the common belief that the sanctions regime was further strengthened and improved with the unanimous adoption of resolution 1904 (2009). We are convinced that it will greatly assist Member States in more effectively implementing the sanctions regime. Furthermore, we are particularly looking forward to the appointment of the ombudsperson in accordance with the relevant provisions of the resolution, as it represents a very important step towards making the Committee’s procedures more clear and transparent. Bosnia and Herzegovina also supports the efforts of the Chairman to conclude the review process in a timely manner, in accordance with the relevant provisions of resolution 1822 (2008). We consider that the review, if conducted thoroughly with the active and valuable contribution of the Monitoring Team, will result in a more precise and accurate consolidated list, further strengthening the credibility of the Committee as a very important instrument for combating terrorist threats. With the strong commitment and enthusiasm of its Chairman, Ambassador Apakan, the Counter-Terrorism Committee continues its outstanding job, primarily in monitoring the implementation of resolutions 1373 (2001) and 1624 (2005). Promoting greater visibility and transparency in the work of the Committee, as well as streamlining some of its working methods, Ambassador Apakan has further underlined the important role of the Committee in countering terrorism. I also wish to commend the work and engagement of the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate and its valuable contribution to the overall effort of countering terrorism. The broad range of thematic and regional discussions introduced into the Committee’s programme of work helps to identify the challenges and difficulties that countries face today in their efforts to efficiently implement their obligations under the relevant Security Council resolutions. I wish to emphasize that Bosnia and Herzegovina attaches great importance to strengthening cooperation with the Counter-Terrorism Committee, in particular with regard to the implementation of resolution 1373 (2001). Moreover, Bosnia and Herzegovina remains fully committed to the effective prevention of and fight against this global threat, and stands ready to provide every assistance and support to international efforts in that regard. Bosnia and Herzegovina also attaches great importance to the work of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004) as one of the fundamental instruments of United Nations counter- terrorism and non-proliferation activities. We also offer our full support to the Committee’s Chairman, Ambassador Heller, in his efforts and excellent work. The importance of the role of the 1540 Committee as one of the fundamental instruments of United Nations counter-terrorism and non-proliferation activities has already been well stressed. In its brief history, the Committee has proved that its work is crucial to addressing the issue of terrorism and to extending the necessary expertise and support to Member States in establishing and further developing their capacity to face the threat of terrorists’ acquiring weapons of mass destruction. Full cooperation with the Committee and a timely and comprehensive response to the requirements of resolution 1540 (2004) are critical to establishing a strong, comprehensive response to the global threat. In that context, we are pleased to see the positive effects of the adoption of the comprehensive review of the resolution’s status of implementation, emphasizing the more active engagement of States in its implementation through continuing dialogue and participation in numerous outreach events. Finally, let me assure you once again, Madam, that Bosnia and Herzegovina shares the determination of all members of the Committee, as well as all Members of the United Nations in general, to combat terrorism in all its forms at the national and international levels, and is firmly committed to fulfilling its obligations under the relevant Security Council resolutions.

I shall now speak in my capacity as representative of Lebanon. I would like to thank the Chairs of the three Committees, the Ambassadors of Austria, Mexico and Turkey, for their exhaustive briefings and for their efforts alongside all the members of the Security Council to promote international cooperation in the fight against terrorism. Lebanon welcomes the adoption of measures to strengthen transparency and respect for human rights, particularly the working methods of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1267 (1999). Lebanon calls for further reforms to prevent the Committee from being exploited to achieve goals other than those for which it was established. We support the amendments to the Committee’s guidelines as outlined in resolution 1904 (2009), and would insist on an approach that takes nationality and State of residence into account before listing or de-listing, particularly since cooperation with the State in question is necessary either to obtaining supplementary information that they may be able to provide to the Committee or with a view to applying or lifting the intended sanctions. Lebanon feels that the revision of the lists in accordance with resolution 1821 (2008) should be a periodic process to ensure that they are free of discrepancies, such as the names of deceased persons or of people with no link to Al-Qaida or the Taliban. Lebanon, like all Member States, hopes that an ombudsperson will be appointed in the near future so that this independent entity can contribute to ensuring justice, transparency and dialogue between the Committee and persons or entities requesting to be de-listed from the list of those linked to Al-Qaida and Taliban. Lebanon also requests that we take a very close look at the conflict between decisions passed down by local or regional courts and the sanctions imposed by the Committee. We note that, if sanctions are to be legitimate, they must conform to international law, the Charter of the United Nations and human rights treaties and norms, even when the sanctions are of a preventive nature. With regard to the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1373 (2001), Lebanon welcomes the new working methods it adopted early this year under the chairmanship of Turkey with the aim of providing for broader debate and scientific studies in the fight against terrorism in a number of areas and States, and calls for the participation of all Members of the United Nations, given that the fight against terrorism is a collective effort. Lebanon welcomes the efforts of the Counter- Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate to fight terrorism, and encourages it to continue working to provide developing countries with technical assistance, to pursue its dialogue with States in implementing the provisions of resolution 1373 (2001), and to maintain its coordination with regional organizations. Concerning the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004), our meeting today coincides with the 2010 Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. No one can deny that resolution 1540 (2004) does not just address nuclear non-proliferation but also deals with chemical and biological weapons. Lebanon is paying close attention to all necessary cross-border measures and inspections in order to prevent trafficking in such materials in conformity with local laws and rules and relevant international law. We call for the full implementation of multilateral treaties aimed at prohibiting the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, particularly in the Middle East, in order to maintain international peace and security and to contribute to international efforts in the fight against terrorism. My delegation affirms the importance of helping countries to strengthen their adherence to resolution 1540 (2004). The Committee undertook praiseworthy work during the reporting period, and Lebanon will continue to actively to participate in and support the work of the three Committees. In conclusion, let me say that Lebanon, so battered by terrorism in its many forms, would like to remind everyone that it is important to distinguish between legitimate resistance to occupation and terrorism. Lebanon reiterates its commitment to cooperating with international efforts to put an end to a scourge that threatens peace and security. Despite the numerous resolutions and measures adopted by the United Nations, acts of terrorism continue throughout the world, taking innocent lives and sowing chaos and destruction. We are all the more convinced that the fight against terrorism means that we need to seek out its root causes and eliminate the factors that feed it. We need to eliminate areas of tension and put an end to double standards in the implementation of international resolutions. We need to put an end to foreign occupation, injustice and attacks on human rights and human dignity. I now resume my functions as President of the Security Council. I give the floor to the representative of New Zealand.

Despite some significant successes in degrading the capabilities of and defeating terrorist groups around the world, the threat of terrorism unfortunately persists. We have seen ongoing attacks both in countries on the front line of the struggle against terrorism and elsewhere. The recent trend line in South Asia has been particularly worrying. No region or country can be complacent in confronting the threat of terrorism. In New Zealand, our efforts remain guided by the need to take a comprehensive, multifaceted and long-term approach. Domestically, we are continuing work to strengthen our national counter-terrorism framework in three main areas. We have overhauled our anti-money laundering/counter-terrorist financing regime to bring it into compliance with the standards of the Financial Action Task Force. New legislation was enacted last October and is now being implemented across the pubic and private sectors. Our Government is moving forward with designations of terrorist entities not listed by the United Nations pursuant to resolution 1267 (1999). While the threat of terrorist activity in New Zealand remains low, we wish to support the building of a global bulwark that shuts down terrorist activities wherever they might occur. In February, our Prime Minister announced four such national designations, and work is under way on further cases. We are also working to achieve full compliance with the international counter-terrorism legal framework by ratifying the four instruments to which New Zealand is not yet party. We have legislation before our Parliament to ratify the 2005 maritime terrorism instruments, and legislation is being drafted to implement fully the 2005 nuclear terrorism instruments. Within its region, New Zealand continues to support its Pacific island neighbours in meeting the challenges that they, like many other small developing States, face in meeting their international counter- terrorism obligations. New Zealand values the continued efforts of United Nations counter-terrorism agencies to engage with Pacific island States to encourage and support compliance and to ensure that United Nations initiatives and requests are carefully coordinated to avoid duplication. We remain committed to supporting these activities, including through the provision of funding to the Terrorism Prevention Branch of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime for its programme of assistance to the Pacific. We also look forward to welcoming the United Nations counter-terrorism committees to the next Pacific Forum Working Group on Counter-Terrorism in early June. In South-East Asia, New Zealand is closely engaged with key partners, both bilaterally and regionally, on a range of counter-terrorism interventions. Our police are helping to build capacity amongst law enforcement counterparts in the region through training and the provision of equipment. New Zealand also supports a range of regional and multilateral initiatives aimed at countering extremist messages and recruitment into terrorism. New Zealand strongly supports the Council’s efforts to ensure that the measures it employs to combat terrorism are effective, transparent and fair, and that the lists of entities and individuals subject to such measures remain accurate, relevant and actionable. We therefore commend the refinements to the sanctions regime of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1267 (1999) agreed in resolution 1904 (2009) last December. Once fully implemented, the increased rigour and transparency these measures will bring to the work of the Committee promise to both enhance the Committee’s deliberations and to ensure that its work enjoys the broad support necessary to enable effective implementation. In this regard, we would also stress the importance of the Committee’s ongoing efforts to complete its review of the names on its consolidated list. While considerable progress has been made on this task, the Committee requires the full cooperation and support of Member States if the review is to be completed by 30 June as mandated in resolution 1822 (2008). Full and timely responses to the Committee’s requests for information will help ensure that this ambitious deadline can be met. The work of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004) remains as important as ever, as proliferators of weapons of mass destruction-related materials continue their illicit activities around the world. New Zealand was pleased to participate in the comprehensive review of the 1540 Committee, and we look forward to working with the Committee on helping to implement the recommendations in our region. I am pleased to announce that New Zealand will be co-sponsoring a workshop in July for South- East Asian countries on the implementation of resolution 1540 (2004) obligations. Finally, New Zealand applauds the United States initiative in hosting the Nuclear Security Summit last month. The Summit focused political attention at the highest levels of Government and industry on the threat of nuclear and radiological materials getting into terrorist hands. New Zealand is committed to helping implement the outcomes of the Summit through targeted bilateral and regional engagement in the Asia- Pacific region and through broader international initiatives.

I now give the floor to the representative of India.

Madam President, allow me at the outset to congratulate you on assuming the presidency of the Security Council. I would also like to thank the three Chairs of the Committees established pursuant to Security Council resolutions 1267 (1999), 1373 (2001) and 1540 (2004) for their painstaking efforts in steering the work of their respective Committees. This periodic stocktaking is timely and critical. We are happy to participate in today’s open debate. Terrorism poses an extremely serious threat to all States and all societies. It threatens democracy and democratic values. It aims to destroy lives and reverse development. The backdrop of the latest terrorism- related incidents once again underscores the fact that terrorism is a global threat and requires a coordinated and concerted global response. There are deep concerns about the potential nexus between clandestine proliferation and terrorism and the ever-present danger of such weapons or vulnerable nuclear materials falling into the hands of non-State actors. If the scourge of terrorism is to be effectively combated, it must be resolutely opposed, resisted and overcome through the undiluted commitment and effort of the international community. International solidarity and shared determination are absolutely imperative to combat this scourge effectively. It is important to bear in mind that the successful implementation of counter-terrorism measures not only requires the fullest collective effort of the entire membership, but also its fullest participation in processes that affect the collective security of all nations equally. India has an abiding interest in expeditiously concluding the long-pending comprehensive convention on international terrorism. The early adoption of the convention is in the interests of all Member States and would provide impetus to multilateral and collective action to countering international terrorism efforts. Nearly all the elements of the proposed convention have passed muster by legal experts. What is required now is the necessary political will to ensure the early adoption of the convention. We support the anti-terrorism mechanisms established by the United Nations, including resolution 1267 (1999), related to sanctions against Al-Qaida and the Taliban; resolution 1373 (2001), which led to the establishment of the Counter-Terrorism Committee; and resolution 1540 (2004), which addressed the issue of the non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. We also support the subsequent resolutions that renewed, strengthened or amended those three original resolutions. India’s regulatory and legislative framework is fully geared towards implementing the obligations under those resolutions. We look forward to greater efforts to bring together interrelated aspects of the operational mechanism of the 1267 Committee, the 1540 Committee and the Counter-Terrorism Committee and their dovetailing with the Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force. It is our earnest hope that all such efforts within the United Nations will be integrated more closely with the core tasks being taken forward by specialized bodies, such as the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, Interpol, the International Civil Aviation Organization, the International Maritime Organization and others. We strongly affirm the importance of collective effort, focusing on technical assistance to help a State implement the mandates of the Counter-Terrorism Committee and the 1540 Committee and related instruments. We are willing to extend assistance, bilaterally as well as multilaterally, in the greater effort to counter the threat of terrorism. For the strengthening and effective implementation of counter-terrorism measures, the Security Council has focused on upgrading the existing mandates to ensure effective compliance with its resolutions. Such efforts need to be supplemented with a more collaborative approach of extending assistance, utilizing available regional expertise and appropriate technologies. The latest Security Council resolution, 1904 (2009), attempted to streamline the functioning of the Al-Qaida and Taliban Sanctions Committee. We support measures to strengthen the review process of the listings in the consolidated list through the office of the ombudsperson, with a view to increasing the fairness and transparency of the sanctions regime. At the same time, we are concerned that the process of listing and de-listing in the consolidated list continues to be subject to political will and pressure — a scenario that we can ill afford in our united fight against terrorism. We would encourage the Committee to continue to work towards improving both the content and the functionality of its website. We fully support the Counter-Terrorism Committee and the Counter-Terrorism Executive Directorate’s efforts to play a more effective role in countering terrorism. We welcome the Committee’s effort to organize thematic briefings, streamline its working methods and give more focus to substantive and analytical work. We have taken note of the latest progress made by the 1540 Committee towards a comprehensive review of the status of implementation of resolution 1540 (2004). We support efforts to prepare guidelines for handling assistance requests by countries and to find the means to address the most commonly found gaps in the implementation of resolution 1540 (2004). It is important that such activities are performed at the request of Member States, keeping in mind their varying national capacities, procedures and systems. In conclusion, let me reiterate that we will continue to work closely with the counter-terrorism mechanisms established pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999), 1373 (2001) and 1540 (2004). We welcome efforts to use open dialogue as a means to build closer cooperation within the international system. What we need is the necessary political will, accompanied by concerted and resolute action to effectively combat the scourge of terrorism.

I now give the floor to His Excellency Mr. Pedro Serrano, acting head of the delegation of the European Union to the United Nations. Mr. Serrano: Let me start, Madam President, by thanking you for inviting the European Union (EU) to participate in this debate on a topic that remains high on its agenda. The candidate countries of Turkey, Croatia and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, the countries of the Stabilization and Association Process and potential candidates of Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro and Serbia, as well as the Republic of Moldova, Armenia, Ukraine and Georgia, align themselves with this declaration. I also wish to thank the Chairs of the Committees established under resolutions 1267 (1999), 1373 (2001) and 1540 (2004) for their timely and informative briefings and to commend them for their excellent work, as well as for the work carried out by the respective expert groups. In the interest of time, allow me to summarize the main points of the EU statement, the written version of which is being circulated. The failed terrorist attack in New York two weeks ago is only the latest reminder of the fact that international terrorism continues to be one of the most serious threats of our time. The European Union is fully committed to implementing and improving the multilateral counter- terrorism framework. However, the effectiveness of our measures depends on their credibility and perceived legitimacy, and procedures need to be fair and clear. The adoption of resolution 1904 (2009) was a significant step forward in that regard. Providing publicly available narrative summaries of reasons for listing is one important element of due process. The Committee is doing an excellent job in its qualitative review of the list — to be completed by the end of June — which will provide as accurate a consolidated version as possible. The establishment of the office of an eminent, independent and impartial ombudsperson for de-listing requests is also a very important development. We hope that a candidate who fulfils the criteria set out in resolution 1904 (2009) may soon be appointed. For its part, the European Union has also recently revised its procedures to make them fairer and clearer and to ensure respect for the fundamental rights of persons affected by targeted measures, in response to pertinent rulings by the European Court of Justice. That will continue to require reinforced collaboration between the European Union and the United Nations, primarily with the 1267 Committee. The European Union remains committed to further enhancing the transparency and fairness of United Nations procedures. We trust that further changes will be considered where necessary. In relation to the implementation of resolution 1373 (2001), excellent work has been carried out by the Counter-Terrorism Committee (CTC) and its Executive Directorate (CTED) to monitor compliance with resolutions 1373 (2001) and 1624 (2005). Another welcome development is the enhanced cooperation between the CTC and the relevant bodies in the United Nations system and other international organizations — for example the Council of Europe — especially on the promotion and protection of human rights in the context of the fight against terrorism. CTED must be commended for facilitating the provision of technical assistance and on its intention to undertake a permanent dialogue between donor States and recipients to achieve greater efficiency. The recent discussions in the CTC in areas such as mutual legal assistance and effective judicial cooperation have been very productive and should be fully reflected when CTED’s mandate is renewed later this year. The European Union fully supports the work of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004) and its efforts to create monitoring mechanisms to ensure the universal implementation of the resolution. Resolution 1540 (2004) gives a strong legal basis to the EU’s diplomatic and financial efforts to tackle proliferation by explicitly addressing illicit trafficking and procurement networks and, in particular, the involvement of non-State actors, including terrorists, in the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction technology. The European Union strategy against the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction of 2003 was complemented in 2008 by the EU New Lines for Action, which focuses on very concrete action-oriented projects to be undertaken by the end of 2010. The European Union has been active in ensuring the full implementation of resolution 1540 (2004) both internally — for instance, through regular updates of its regulation on export controls on dual-use goods — and externally by assisting others’ efforts in implementing resolution 1540 (2004). Beyond export controls, the European Union will spend around €300 million on chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear cooperation with third countries in the period 2007 to 2013. Our objective is to develop a strong regional approach, in line with requirements of resolution 1540 (2004), through the creation of regional centres of excellence in those areas in partnership with key regions such as the Middle East, South East Asia and parts of Africa. Continued cooperation between the Committee and Member States, as well as among Member States themselves, will be necessary in order to overcome the remaining difficulties in the implementation of resolution 1540 (2004). In that context, we welcome the adoption of resolution 1810 (2008) and the comprehensive review process that took place last year. We fully support the clearing-house role of the 1540 Committee in matching assistance requests and offers. Let me conclude by commending once again the crucial and complex work of these three specialized Committees to prevent and combat terrorism in all its forms. The European Union hopes that the three Committees will continue their important endeavours to effectively tackle terrorist threats.

I now give the floor to the representative of Cuba.

I would like to thank the Chairs of the Committees established pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999), 1373 (2001) and 1540 (2004) for the information they have provided. Cuba condemns all acts, methods and practices of terrorism in all their forms and manifestations wherever, by whomever and against whoever they are committed and whatever their motivations may be. The Cuban territory has never been used, nor will it be used, to organize, finance or carry out terrorist acts against any country. Our country supports the position of the 118 member States of the Non-Aligned Movement against the unilateral drafting of lists accusing States of allegedly supporting terrorism, which are incompatible with international law and United Nations resolutions. Since 1982, the United States Government has included Cuba on the Department of State’s annual list of State sponsors of international terrorism. With the purpose of keeping Cuba on that list, various pretexts — all of them untenable — have been used throughout the years without putting forward a shred of evidence of our country’s participation in any terrorist act. The inclusion of Cuba on that list has entailed the application of economic sanctions by the United States Government, including a freeze on financial transactions, a prohibition on technology transfers and restrictive and isolating measures against our country and its citizens. Those sanctions are in addition to the already draconian measures imposed by the economic, commercial and financial blockade decreed by the United States Government against Cuba more than 50 years ago. Cuba demands its immediate exclusion from that spurious list, as it constitutes an unjust, arbitrary and politically motivated designation that contradicts the exemplary conduct of our country in facing terrorism and puts into question the seriousness of the United States in the fight against this scourge. By keeping Cuba on that list, the new United States Government is denying the political rationality it publicly proclaims and following the erroneous path of its predecessors, as it resorts to political manipulation and flagrant lies against Cuba in order to justify its discredited, isolated and untenable policy against our country. It is not in Cuba, but in the United States, where a terrorist mafia that acts with impunity has organized, financed and carried out hundreds of terrorist acts against the Cuban nation. During the past 51 years, the Government of the United States of America has been involved in numerous terrorist acts that have caused the Cuban people 3,478 deaths, produced 2,099 disabled persons and generated material losses that exceed $54 billion. While the Government of the United States of America claims for itself the right to label the behaviour of other nations with regard to terrorism, it employs a double standard by not prosecuting, and allowing the continued freedom of, those who have confessed to horrendous acts of terrorism against Cuba. Despite having all the evidence to charge as a terrorist Luis Posada Carriles — who has been justly designated as the most notorious terrorist in the Western hemisphere — the United States Government has only carried out legal proceedings against him for petty offences. The sham of the proceedings is also evidenced in the continuous delays and postponements, which prove the lack of interest in prosecuting and sentencing that individual. Cuba reiterates that the way that the United States Government has handled this case is a clear and flagrant violation of resolution 1373 (2001) and other relevant resolutions of the Security Council and General Assembly, as well as of several international legal instruments in the fight against terrorism. Cuba demands once again that the authorities of the United States prosecute Posada Carriles as a terrorist or return him to the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, a country that requested his extradition on 15 June 2005, nearly five years ago. If the new American Administration really wants to illustrate its commitment to the fight against terrorism, it now has the opportunity to act firmly and without double standards against the terrorist organizations that have attacked Cuba from United States territory throughout the years. It has the opportunity to achieve justice and to release, without further delay, the five Cuban anti-terrorist fighters whom it has kept as political prisoners in high-security prisons for more than 11 years in spite of the fact that they were just trying, with great altruism and courage, to gather information about Miami-based terrorist groups in order to prevent their violent acts and save the lives of Cuban and American citizens. It is up to the United States Government to stop using the issue of terrorism to political ends and to bring an end to the unfair and groundless inclusion of Cuba on the list of countries that supposedly sponsor terrorism. For years now, our country has submitted detailed information on terrorist acts committed against Cuba to the Security Council. Our denunciations have still not received an appropriate response. We reiterate our willingness to make a more detailed presentation on this matter before the Counter-Terrorism Committee or to submit to it any additional information or clarification it deems necessary. As in the past, Cuba will continue to strictly comply with the provisions of resolutions 1267 (1999), 1373 (2001) and 1540 (2004), and to cooperate with the subsidiary bodies established pursuant to them.

I now give the floor to the representative of Israel.

I thank you, Madam, for having convened this important debate on counter- terrorism. I express my thanks, too, to the Chairpersons of the counter-terrorism Committees for their professional work and for their informative briefings this morning. Close cooperation and coordination among all three subsidiary bodies in the Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force are of the utmost importance, and we encourage the Committees to continue providing more frequent informal briefings to Member States as part of their growing effort to provide for transparent engagement with their work. Less than two weeks ago, a car bomb was planted in the heart of Manhattan in a failed attempt to kill scores of innocent civilians. Earlier this year, the people of Russia witnessed the terrible toll of suicide terrorism. Thus, we are reminded time and again that terrorism is a global and vivid threat that transcends boundaries and nations. The international community, and the United Nations in particular, have a crucial role to play in coordinating counter-terrorism efforts. The response to those providing safe haven to terrorists should be unequivocal. Sponsoring terrorism and permitting terrorist groups to act with impunity from one’s territory are not among the prerogatives of sovereignty. A State that is unwilling to deal effectively with such activities must be held accountable for its deeds. A number of United Nations treaties already provide a legal framework to address this threat. What remains to be seen is sufficient political will. We Israelis know first-hand the devastation of terrorism. In certain parts of our region, we witness safe haven given to terrorists, the transfer of weapons to terrorist organizations and the growing incitement to terrorism. Most alarming in this regard are the Member States of this Organization that support, harbour, finance, train, transfer and smuggle terrorists and weapons in our region. The most dangerous terrorist organizations threatening Israel’s security are Hamas in the South and Hizbullah in the North. In this regard, we emphasize the pressing need to address the implementation of resolutions 1373 (2001) and 1624 (2005), in particular, as well as other relevant resolutions, beyond the mere obligation of State reporting. In addition, we believe that no counter- terrorism strategy is complete unless it addresses the issue of incitement. Regarding the Counter-Terrorism Committee and the work of the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (CTED), I should like to commend Mr. Smith for his able leadership. We appreciate his ongoing dialogue with Member States, as well as the informal briefings on current affairs, which are an effective and valuable tool. Israel supported the adoption of resolution 1805 (2008), which extended the mandate of the CTED, and is further encouraged by the professional dialogue between Member States and the CTED related to the Preliminary Implementation Assessments. We also welcome the finalization of the technical guide that will serve as a road map for the implementation of resolution 1373 (2001). Israel’s strong commitment to confront global terrorism has led it to strengthen its professional cooperation with the CTED. Through our unique and tragic experience in this field, which has developed over many years, Israel has willingly shared its best practices with other interested parties, and we are constantly considering ways to strengthen our technical cooperation. At the same time, however, I wish to emphasize the overarching goal of the work of the CTED, beyond the valuable aspects of technical assistance and capacity-building. As reinforced in Security Council resolution 1805 (2008), the crucial role of the CTED remains first and foremost to ensure the implementation of resolution 1373 (2001) and to support the Counter-Terrorism Committee in the fulfilment of this task. The Al-Qaida sanctions Committee remains an important part of the efforts to isolate terrorists and their means to inflict harm. Israel welcomes the progress towards promoting clear and fair procedures concerning the inclusion of individuals on the consolidated list. Israel encourages efforts to ensure due process guarantees in the process of listing and de- listing terrorist groups. In this regard, we welcome in particular the adoption last year of resolution 1904 (2009) which, among other things, created the post of an ombudsperson to address key aspects of due process and human rights concerns. We hope that a professional, competent individual will be appointed to this important post. We further welcome the decision of the Council to make accessible a summary of the reasons for listing and to conduct a review of all names on the consolidated list in order to ensue that it is updated and accurate. Israel fully supports resolution 1540 (2004) and the subsequent renewal of its mandate. Israel believes that it is critical to continue to develop international standards against the use and proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. Nuclear terrorism and radiological substances in the hands of terrorists represent a grave global threat and a concern to us all. Export control systems and appropriate national counter-terrorism legislation are critical elements in the overall effort to prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and related dual-use items. Israel further believes that, in order to enhance the dialogue among Member States and the 1540 Committee, it would be extremely helpful to receive periodic briefings by the Expert Coordinator of the work of the Committee. The international community must continue to seek and implement measures that keep the world’s most dangerous weapons out of the hands of the world’s most dangerous individuals. It has an obligation to address in a proactive and decisive manner the threat posed by the transfer of weapons and capabilities by some Member States to terrorist organizations, including in our region, where the danger from the continuous smuggling of arms is increasingly clear. This support, which constitutes a violation of numerous Security Council resolutions, undermines the stability of our entire region. We in Israel are all too familiar with the horrifying toll that terrorism exacts. The struggle against this plague will require our joint will, effort and action. We appreciate this opportunity for dialogue and an exchange of views. Israel, for its part, will continue to actively engage in the work of the Council’s counter-terrorism Committees and to fully support their work.

I now give the floor to the representative of Argentina.

At the outset allow me to congratulate you, Madam, on your assumption of the presidency of the Security Council for the month of May. I would also like to thank you for convening this open debate to consider the work of the sanctions Committees whose activities are related to the fight against terrorism. Likewise, I would like to thank the Permanent Representatives of Mexico, Turkey and Austria for their briefings. Argentina welcomes the adoption of resolution 1904 (2009) last December. The establishment of the post of Ombudsperson is a positive step for bringing the sanctions regime into greater conformity with the minimum requirements of due process and thus strengthens respect for jus cogens, human rights and the rule of law. In that regard, I express my delegation’s appreciation to the members of the Committee, to its Chairman, the Permanent Representative of Austria, and to the delegation of Denmark, which proposed the appointment of an Ombudsperson during the period 2005-2006, when my country, Argentina, chaired the Committee. Resolution 1904 (2009) must be implemented as soon as possible, with the urgent appointment of an Ombudsperson possessing the highest moral and professional qualifications and with the immediate implementation of appropriate Committee guidelines for the new institution. This is how to provide an effective and fair system to review de-listing decisions. My delegation considers it necessary to address challenges from certain international bodies, courts and parliaments of various States. To that end, we hope that there will be effective and adequate treatment of evidentiary issues and facts. It is possible and necessary to strike a balance between security, confidentiality and respect for due process. Trust in and the experience of the Monitoring Team can be an important contribution in this regard. At the same time it is important to identify an effective process to review the consolidated list of individuals and entities associated with Al-Qaida and the Taliban, pursuant to resolution 1822 (2008). For that, the Committee must have all relevant information available to States. It is also vital to remove the names of deceased persons remaining on the consolidated list. The credibility and quality of the list are essential. Thus, it is also essential to continue working to improve the process for identifying and listing individuals and entities. Regarding the work of the 1540 Committee, allow me to reiterate Argentina’s commitment to the non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery. Argentina has submitted its national report and the relevant updates, in fulfilment of its obligations under the relevant resolutions. On the domestic front, among other measures, we have established a technical group to train national and foreign experts in the identification of sensitive items. Argentina’s non-proliferation policy is enhanced by our membership in the five control regimes for sensitive exports. At the same time, Argentina reaffirms the inalienable right of States to develop research, production and peaceful use of nuclear energy. In this regard, I would like to highlight, as was recently done by my Minister for Foreign Affairs during the general debate of the Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, that in 2010 Argentina is celebrating 60 years of peaceful nuclear activity. This activity has contributed to the improving the quality of life of the people of Argentina, in particular through its applications in the field of medicine. In concluding, allow me to reiterate that Argentina believes that terrorist acts are a threat to international peace and security and to human life and dignity and that they endanger the stability, the democracy and the social and economic development of countries. Argentina reaffirms that the fight against terrorism must be based on respect for international law, international humanitarian law, international human rights law and the principles and purposes of the United Nations Charter.

I give the floor to the representative of Morocco.

At the outset I would like to express my pleasure at participating in this debate under your presidency, Madam, to discuss the work of these three Security Council Committees and their efforts to combat terrorism and to prevent non-State actors from acquiring weapons of mass destruction. At the same time, I thank the three Chairmen for their comprehensive briefings. (spoke in French) These three Security Council Committees represent an important element of the United Nations counter-terrorism architecture, and there can be no doubt that their actions towards that end contribute to the overall efforts of the international community aimed at assisting Member States in their efforts aimed at fully implementing the Council’s resolutions in this field. Morocco recognizes the primary role played by the Security Council in the maintenance of international peace and security and fully shares the determination of the international community in its resolute and united fight against terrorism, and it reiterates its commitment to continue its efforts for the full implementation of the Security Council’s resolutions in the area of the fight against terrorism in all its manifestations. Here, my delegation welcomes the valuable cooperation and the rich dialogue which mark our interactions with the three Security Council counter- terrorism Committees and their expert groups. My delegation welcomes the efforts made to strengthen coordination and cooperation among the three Committees with a counter-terrorism mandate, as well as with the expert groups assisting them in discharging their mandates. Regarding the 1373 Committee, my delegation welcomes with interest the ambitious programme of work announced by the Turkish chairmanship of the Committee, especially measures aimed at ensuring the effective implementation of the obligations pursuant to resolution 1373 (2001) and the continuation of initiatives aimed at promoting the implementation of the resolution through regular thematic discussions and informal briefings with Member States, the most recent of which related to maritime security and acts of terrorism on the high seas. Turning to the 1267 Committee, the Moroccan delegation commends the continued efforts to improve the effectiveness, credibility and transparency of the three elements of the sanctions regime, especially through the conclusion, which is expected in June, of the process to review the entries on the consolidated list. Here, my delegation would like to renew its commitment to continue to contribute to that process and to maintain dialogue with all relevant players working to achieve our common objectives. Finally, on the 1540 Committee, my delegation takes note of the submission of its annual programme of work for the period 1 February 2010 to 31 January 2011 and welcomes the activities planned to increase awareness, consultation, assistance and cooperation in promoting the implementation of all aspects of the resolution. Likewise, Morocco welcomes the confirmation of the approach adopted by the Committee to strengthen its role in facilitating and providing technical assistance towards implementation of resolution 1540 (2004), inter alia, by actively matching offers and requests for assistance. International efforts to confront the threat of terrorism are essential, and they must continue without pause. To be effective, they require solid, systematic and unfailing regional and subregional cooperation. Such cooperation, which is the main, crucial link between national efforts and those of the international community, is indispensable, especially in regions that are the declared targets of terrorist groups and the traffickers of all sorts who sustain it. That cooperation cannot be successful unless it involves all the parties concerned without exception. Experience has also amply demonstrated that, in the face of the breadth and sophistication of the means that can be mobilized by terrorist groups, it is delusory to seek to combat terrorism that targets a specific region through either individual efforts or an exclusionary partnership. The Maghreb subregion, to which my country belongs, and the neighbouring Sahel region continue to experience terrorist acts of which the Security Council has repeatedly taken note. These acts, unfortunately, once again prove that terrorist acts against the security of these areas are far from being eradicated. They also prove that national efforts, howsoever significant, remain inadequate insofar as they do not take place in a framework of genuine partnership and mutual confidence conducive to ongoing regional and international cooperation that is effective and inclusive. For our part, in line with our commitment to combating terrorism since the issue was first placed on the agenda of the General Assembly in 1979, Morocco will continue to spare no effort to contribute to all honest initiatives in support of collective regional and subregional efforts to combat and eradicate this threat. This commitment is inspired by our deeply held belief that terrorism remains a complex phenomenon and that, as a result, efforts to eradicate it must necessarily be based on synergistic actions that include addressing its underlying causes. In conclusion, the Kingdom of Morocco would like once again to reiterate its resolute and unequivocal condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and whatever its perpetrators, sources or motivations. We also reiterate our genuine commitment to work with our neighbours and with the rest of the international community to eliminate it.

I now give the floor to the representative of Norway.

Today, I have the honour to speak on behalf of the five Nordic countries Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden. Terrorism continues to threaten innocent people around the world. Terrorism must never be tolerated and can never be justified. Terrorism can be effectively countered only by applying a broad range of measures. It is essential to deny terrorists safe havens, mobility and financing. It is also essential that we ensure that terrorists are brought to justice. This is necessary, but not sufficient. We need to supplement it by improving education, fostering cultural understanding, promoting economic and social development, and encouraging peaceful coexistence, the peaceful resolution of conflicts and respect for human rights regardless of background, ethnicity, gender or religion. Our efforts to combat terrorism will succeed only if they are in full accordance with the principles of the rule of law and universal human rights. Capacity-building is of vital importance in all those areas. Capacity-building is the responsibility of every individual State, but the task is not easy. We must all be prepared to assist, country to country and through the relevant United Nations institutions. Let me point in particular to the obligations of Member States under resolution 1373 (2001) to assist and promote cooperation among countries in countering terrorism and those under resolution 1535 (2004), which set up the Counter-Terrorism Executive Directorate to facilitate technical assistance to Member States. If we are to succeed, we need well-coordinated, strategic and sustained engagement by different parts of the United Nations system — not only with United Nations bodies dealing with security, but also with those dealing with development, such as the United Nations Development Programme. Security and development go hand in hand. The Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force is essential, both in coordinating within the United Nations system and in mobilizing support among Member States for the universal implementation of the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. We are pleased that the Task Force now has its own budget line and staff. The Task Force is currently assisting two countries with the integrated implementation of the Global Strategy. That project might be expanded to include more countries. We support that effort and look forward to continued cooperation with the Task Force. It is important to maintain targeted sanctions as effective, legitimate and credible tools available to the Security Council. To that end, the Nordic countries welcome the progress achieved in enhancing the transparency and fairness of the listing and de-listing procedures of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1267 (1999). Resolution 1904 (2009) and previous resolutions on the issue, such as resolution 1822 (2008), have added transparency and clarity to the procedures of the Committee by introducing a number of important innovations. One of those is the comprehensive review of the names on the 1267 Committee list and the obligation to add narrative summaries of reasons for their listing by June 2010. Unfortunately, we now hear that this deadline is in danger and might not be kept. By mid-April, only 136 out of 488 entries had been reviewed. The Nordic countries encourage all States to cooperate with the Committee and to respond to information requests in order to allow the Committee to complete its review in a timely manner. The establishment of the office of the ombudsperson, under resolution 1904 (2009), is another important innovation. We are pleased to see that the institution of the ombudsperson, which was originally suggested by one of the Nordic countries, is now becoming a reality. Once an ombudsperson is in office, it will mark an important milestone. Given the importance of the mandate, the Nordic countries now encourage the swift appointment of the ombudsperson. Once the implementation of those measures is completed, they will further enhance the transparency of the procedures of the Committee and strengthen the due process rights of listed individuals and entities. The Nordic countries believe that the procedures for listing and de-listing need to be kept under constant review and that the Council needs to remain open to further procedural improvements in the regime, such as the establishment of an independent review panel. How to limit the appeal of violent extremism is today a question that many countries are trying to address. One area that needs increased attention in that regard is deradicalization and rehabilitation programmes aimed at bringing groups and individuals back into society. Several countries in various parts of the world now have considerable experience with such programmes. We welcome increased knowledge sharing on what works and what does not. That will enable us to develop more effective policies in the future. The United Nations might be able to facilitate the exchange of knowledge and experiences between interested countries and to support those that need assistance in starting up such programmes. The Nordic countries believe that this should be discussed at the second review conference for the Global Counter- Terrorism Strategy.

I now give the floor to the representative of the Syrian Arab Republic.

I now give the floor to the representative of Tunisia.

Allow me at the outset to congratulate you, Madam, on Lebanon assumption of the presidency of the Security Council and to convey to you and your delegation our sincere wishes for success. We appreciate the approach that you have taken in guiding the work of the Council, particularly with regard to encouraging interactions with non-members. My delegation values this opportunity to participate in the Council’s discussions, and we are grateful to Lebanon for having organized this open debate. (spoke in English) I would like to extend my thanks to Ambassador Apakan of Turkey, Ambassador Heller of Mexico and Ambassador Mayr-Harting of Austria for their informative briefings on the activities of the Counter- Terrorism Committee and the Committees established pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999) and 1540 (2004) during the past six months. We appreciate their efforts as Chairs of those important subsidiary bodies of the Council to engage more with Member States through frequent and regular briefings. We welcome such practices and encourage greater interaction with Member States on the work of the Council on this issue as well as better coordination between the work done by the Security Council and its specialized Committees and by the General Assembly in the fight against terrorism. My country has been fully engaged in the implementation of all Security Council resolutions related to the fight against terrorism. In fact, Tunisia has presented the Council with a total of seven reports pursuant to its resolutions 1373 (2001), 1455 (2003), 1540 (2004) and 1624 (2005). Moreover, Tunisia submitted its reply to its first Preliminary Implementation Assessment more than a year ago. My country is party to 12 sectoral conventions on terrorism adopted under the auspices of the United Nations. Last month our Council of Ministers considered a draft law approving Tunisia’s adherence to the International Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism. We have noted with particular interest the active role played by Turkey, as Chair of the Counter- Terrorism Committee (CTC), and by the Counter- Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (CTED) in seeking to improve transparency in the work of the 1373 Committee, as evidenced by the recent changes made in the CTC’s working methods, aimed at improving the value of its thematic discussions by following them up with informal briefings to Member States. So far two thematic briefings have been organized, on legal cooperation and maritime security. We welcome this evolving practice and look forward to more events of this type. The CTC continues to monitor the implementation of resolution 1373 (2001) through its continuous stocktaking exercises, as well as by conducting country visits. In this context, in March the Executive Directorate visited Tunisia where it had open and constructive discussions with the relevant Tunisian authorities, enabling the Committee to be better informed about Tunisia’s comprehensive counter- terrorism strategy in general, and to keep abreast of the important steps taken by Tunisia to ensure full implementation of the various provisions of resolution 1373 (2001). I take this opportunity to thank the Executive Director and his team for their much-appreciated collaboration in the preparation and conduct of that visit, which from our perspective was an interesting and useful exercise. We look forward to timely follow- up on the findings of the visit, particularly in regard to addressing the technical assistance needs that were identified in collaboration with Tunisia. Capacity- building is of paramount importance to national and global counter-terrorism efforts. It is also one of the main pillars of the United Nations Global Counter- Terrorism Strategy adopted by the General Assembly in 2006 (see General Assembly resolution 60/288). Terrorism is a global threat and requires a coordinated and concerted global response. Multilateral action through the United Nations system is a vital element in any international strategy for addressing terrorism and violent extremism. In this regard, we believe that, because of its non-contentious nature, capacity-building through technical assistance is a field where international cooperation and solidarity can bring tangible results in the fight against terrorism. It is a field where United Nations organs have the potential to play a more relevant and efficient role and to bring greater added value to the fight against this scourge. Yet this field has not yet reached its full potential. Technical assistance should go beyond the development of legislation and best practices. It should include cooperation, information-sharing and transfer of technology and equipment in such areas as border control and surveillance. Over the past period, the 1267 Committee has been engaged in reviewing the consolidated list of individuals and entities subject to the sanctions regime and has been striving to complete that exercise by the end of June, as was mandated by resolution 1822 (2008). While we recognize the importance of meeting deadlines, we believe that the completion of such a delicate task should not lead to any precipitate or hasty decisions. I would like to take this opportunity to commend the Monitoring Team for its efforts to reach out to Member States and engage in constructive dialogue with them on the sanctions regime and review exercise. Tunisia has participated fully and constructively in that exercise and has responded to all information requests, providing all available updated data on time. We will remain fully engaged in the review of the list so as to keep it as accurate as possible, because we believe that such an exercise should be a continuing effort and a permanent commitment. Having said that, we also believe that the Committee could further enhance its procedures, in particular with regard to transparency, so that the monitoring of the list could be a more inclusive prerogative, whereby States of nationality that are not members of the Committee would be duly consulted, and their views taken into account to the greatest extent possible, before listing or de-listing decisions concerning their nationals are taken. I am confident that doing so will greatly reinforce our collective commitment to ensuring that the 1267 regime remains an effective multilateral tool for responding to the threat of terrorism. We also note that the 1267 Committee has been updating its working guidelines to take into account the new procedure established under resolution 1904 (2009), designed to improve due process and ensure that de-listing requests are addressed in a timely manner, including through the creation of the post of ombudsperson to serve as a point of contact for individuals and entities wishing to be de-listed. While welcoming this improvement, we join others in encouraging the necessary follow-up, including through the timely appointment of the ombudsperson by the Secretary-General. Resolution 1904 (2009) also brought forth another important element, namely, the issue of payment of ransoms to terrorist groups. As the Monitoring Team rightly pointed out in its tenth report, there is no difference between ransom payment and any other form of financing of Al-Qaida, the Taliban and their associates. Hostage-taking is becoming an increasingly lucrative activity, and the payment of ransoms to terrorist groups not only encourages further hostage-taking, but inevitably results in further terrorist attacks. While noting the encouraging steps taken by the Security Council in its resolution 1904 (2009) by placing funds resulting from ransom payments under the sanctions regime, we believe that there is still room for more action to condemn unambiguously the payment of ransom to terrorist groups. Such condemnation would be fully consistent with paragraph 2 of resolution 1373 (2001). In conclusion, let me underline that Tunisia remains fully committed to continuing to work with the Security Council Committees and their expert groups to strengthen our capacity to fight terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.

I now give the floor to the representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Madam President, I wish to begin by congratulating you and your colleagues at the Permanent Mission of Lebanon on your country’s assumption of the Council’s presidency for the month of May, and to thank you for convening this open debate on the work of the subsidiary bodies of the Security Council on terrorism. I would also like to thank the Ambassadors of Turkey, Mexico and Austria for their informative briefings on the activities of their respective Committees. The United Nations has made considerable progress both in standard-setting and in the implementation of counter-terrorism measures. Despite all these efforts and activities, however, we have unfortunately witnessed the escalation of terrorist attacks in many parts of the world. Addressing the global threat posed by terrorism requires an integrated and comprehensive approach, taking into account the variety of underlying causes that may lead to terrorist acts and violence, as well as other contributing factors which provide a breeding ground in which terrorist groups can take hold and operate. Eliminating terrorism requires that all States manifest their political will by avoiding double standards and organizing themselves under the auspices of the United Nations and in full conformity with the United Nations Charter, international law, international human rights and humanitarian law. Fighting terrorism should not be carried out at the expense of the principles of the United Nations Charter, in particular the sanctity of the sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence of States. The application of double standards in dealing with terrorism and terrorist groups is a matter of grave concern and seriously undermines the international community’s collective fight against terrorism. The Islamic Republic of Iran condemns all acts of terrorism, including those committed by States against innocent people and those under occupation. As a victim of terrorism, the Islamic Republic of Iran has spared no effort to fight this threat and continues to do so. My country has taken far-reaching measures in implementing Security Council resolutions on terrorism, including resolution 1373 (2001). We have presented six national reports on the measures taken to implement that resolution. In those reports, we have elaborated the concrete steps that the Islamic Republic of Iran has taken to implement the provisions of that and other relevant resolutions, including the intensification of border controls and security and surveillance measures at the points of entry and exit at border checkpoints. Moreover, we continue to counter drug trafficking assiduously, given the fact that drug trafficking has proved to provide important financial resources for certain terrorist groups in the region. Iran has shouldered this burden almost single-handed. With regard to the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004), we believe that the work of the Committee should not have operative impact on the rights enshrined in internationally negotiated instruments such as the Treaty on the Non- Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), the Chemical Weapons Convention and the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention, as well as the Statute of the International Atomic Energy Agency. The Islamic Republic of Iran also believes that any emphasis on the concept of prohibiting access of non-State actors to weapons of mass destruction and nuclear materials should be balanced by the commitment of Member States to nuclear disarmament, as this issue is also currently gaining momentum in the current Review Conference of the Parties to the NPT taking place here in New York. In this regard, it is important to emphasize that the fight against nuclear terrorism should not be carried out as a justification for the maintenance and operation of nuclear arsenals. Delegations have been informed of the arrest of Abdulmalik Rigi, a terrorist and gang leader of the so- called Jundallah, which has operated over the past few years along Iran’s south-east borders and conducted armed robberies and terrorist acts in which more than 140 innocent Iranians, including women and children, have been killed in the most horrific manner and over 260 wounded. There is irrefutable evidence, including the terrorist’s own confession, that he enjoyed extensive support from certain States that have a military presence in countries neighbouring ours. This issue was clearly set forth in the letter sent by the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the Secretary-General and the President of the Security Council. In conclusion, I would like to reiterate that we should all strengthen our cooperation in the fight against terrorism. In this regard, I would like to inform the Council that my country is going to host an international conference on the fight against terrorism in September this year. The conference will be in line with the international efforts in this area, as we believe that only by adopting a coordinated and comprehensive approach can the international community’s fight against terrorism yield lasting results.

I now give the floor to the representative of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.

Madam President, we would like to congratulate you on presiding over the work of the Council this month and to wish you every success in your work. We would also like to greet the Chairs of the subsidiary committees of this Council who today have given us their valuable briefings on the subject at hand. Approximately 2,500 years ago, the classical Chinese writer Sun Tzu, in the The Art of War, wrote that “war is of vital importance to the State; it is a matter of life and death, a road either to safety or to ruin”. Today, that sentence is just as relevant in the face of attempts to reimpose a new imperial rule on the world. One of the central topics addressed here is the Counter-Terrorism Committee. It is a matter of great concern to my country, Venezuela, which has acted in keeping with the United Nations Global Counter- Terrorism Strategy, adopted by the General Assembly in September 2006 in resolution 60/288. We wish to recall that, at our country’s request, on 28 May 2007 the Permanent Council of the Organization of American States adopted the Declaration on Strengthening Cooperation in the Fight Against Terrorism and the Impunity of its Perpetrators, based on Security Council resolution 1373 (2001). The Declaration underscores that terrorism is inimical to the full enjoyment and exercise of human rights and peace, and reaffirms that all States should deny safe haven to those who finance, plan, support or commit terrorist acts. We also note with great interest the Counter-Terrorism Committee’s programme of work for the period 1 January to 30 June 2010, which seeks to monitor and promote the implementation by States of resolution 1373 (2001). However, the effectiveness and implementation of such measures may be weakened when imperial Powers impose privileges which they absolve themselves from implementing. The fight against terrorism, whatever its manifestations and by whomever committed, be it persons, organizations or States, gives rise to situations of great concern. We have seen with alarm how State terrorism is practiced with impunity under false slogans of peace and security. Such is the case with the warmongering Government of Israel, which slaughters defenceless people, including the Palestinians in Gaza. The Council has endlessly considered this issue without even adopting the necessary remedies to put an end to genocide. We also recall that, in 2002, the former President of the United States, George W. Bush, affirmed that Iraq was amassing weapons of mass destruction. That is why the country was invaded. Hundreds of thousands have died. One of the most precious cultural heritages of humankind has been destroyed and, to date, no weapon of mass destruction has been found. One issue that must be urgently addressed by the Security Council is that of the terrorist Luis Posada Carriles. This organ knows myriad details of this case, which has been submitted by both my country and the sister Republic of Cuba. The serious crimes committed in 1976 by terrorists led by Luis Posada Carriles — killing 73 people, for the most part sportsmen, in the fateful blowing-up of a Cuban aircraft over Barbados — remain an issue that the Council is obliged to examine. That terrible act is considered to be one of the worst terrorist attacks in the history of civil aviation. Ample information can be found in the classified archives of the United States Department of State, and the declassification of some official documents, now published and distributed in various media, show that Luis Posada Carriles is responsible for that flagrant terrorist act. It has been irrefutably demonstrated that the brains behind the attack were Luis Posada Carriles and Orlando Bosch and that those who planted the bombs in the Cubana de Aviación aircraft were Venezuelans Hernán Ricardo Lozano and Freddy Lugo. Having escaped from prison in Venezuela, Luis Posada Carriles lived freely in Miami, despite not being a United States citizen. The authorities of that country knew of his whereabouts, but they did not arrest him. Having learned of this situation, in May 2005 Venezuela asked the United States Government to arrest Luis Posada Carriles so as to try him on 73 counts of first-degree murder in relation to the sabotage of the Cuban aircraft. Venezuela’s extradition request to the United States Government is based on three specific instruments: the extradition treaty between the United States and Venezuela, the Convention for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts against the Safety of Civil Aviation, the International Convention for the Suppression of Terrorist Bombings. Once Posada Carriles called a news conference in Miami on 16 May 2005, at which he boasted that the State Department was not even looking for him because he was an agent of the Central Intelligence Agency, the United States Government had no other option than to arrest him. On 11 January 2007, the United States Government indicted Posada Carriles on seven counts of immigration fraud, rather than charge him with murder and terrorism. From then on, a series of delays and legal obstacles, enveloped in mystery, have obstructed the possibility of trying that dreadful terrorist. Recently, in a new rigging of the system, the judge in the proceedings indefinitely postponed consideration of the case. It would seem that the strategy being followed is to protract, defer and delay the case of Luis Posada Carriles. This particular situation raises questions about the commitment of the United States Government and its vow to fight terrorism. We take this opportunity to repeat Venezuela’s call for the release of the five anti-terrorist Cuban heroes who have been held prisoner in United States jails for 11 years. It must be recalled that resolution 1373 (2001), adopted by the Security Council at its meeting of 28 September 2001 (see S/PV.4385), enjoins States from providing safe havens to those who commit terrorist acts and from recognizing as valid any political motive for refusing a request to extradite terrorists. I conclude by reiterating my Government’s request to the Security Council and the Counter- Terrorism Committee to enforce the implementation of resolution 1373 (2001), which would allow the terrorist Luis Posada Carriles to be extradited to Venezuela or tried as a terrorist in the United States.

I give the floor to the representative of Colombia.

I would like to congratulate Lebanon on assuming the presidency of the Security Council for this month and to thank the Chairs of the Committees established pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999), 1373 (2001) and 1540 (2004) for their briefings. The work of the Committees is especially appreciated by my country for their contribution to the task of eradicating the grave threat that terrorism represents to all States and societies. Experience clearly shows that no country can face terrorism alone or remain indifferent to this crime. Terrorism is an attack on peace and democratic institutions and freedoms, and its global nature requires a joint and coordinated global response. The activities of the Government of Colombia in the fight against terrorism are underpinned by our international commitments and by our respect for the norms of international law, in particular human rights law. Through the democratic security policy we have followed over the past eight years, we have been able to reduce crime, guarantee the effective enjoyment of human rights and strengthen democratic institutions. Day after day, my country contributes to the international community’s work to close the loopholes that allow for the financing, movement and actions of terrorist organizations. As a demonstration of our commitment, Colombia is a party to nine of the 13 international conventions to counter terrorism in its various aspects. My country firmly supports the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. My country’s voluntary contributions to this initiative amount to some $150,000 over the past two years. These resources are allocated, among other things, to strengthening national capacities through inter-institutional platforms and legislative technical assistance. Colombia also supports the counter-terrorism mechanisms provided for in resolutions 1566 (2004) and 1624 (2005), which establish the obligation to penalize incitement to commit acts of terrorism and to punish and deny protection and refuge to those who support or facilitate the financing, planning, preparation or commission of acts of terrorism. They reaffirm the need for full cooperation with those countries on whose territory or against whose citizens terrorist acts are committed. My delegation supports the steps recently taken with regard to the consolidated list of individuals and entities subject to the measures provided for in resolution 1267 (1999), in particular those aimed at guaranteeing due process and timely consideration of requests for de-listing from the relevant list. With regard to cooperation with the Counter- Terrorism Committee (CTC), I note that Colombia recently submitted its fifth report on the implementation of resolution 1373 (2001). The report covers our efforts in the fight against the financing of terrorism and the allocation of resources to address terrorist activities. Among the measures adopted by Colombia to fully implement the resolution, I highlight Law No. 1121 of December 2006, which criminalizes the funding of terrorism. The Government of Colombia, through the Presidential Agency for Social Action and International Cooperation, has developed a programme of support for victims of terrorism. The programme includes the rebuilding of housing destroyed in terrorist attacks, the rebuilding of communities affected by violent acts, humanitarian aid and financial support for the families of people who have died because of the actions of illegal armed groups. In Colombia, kidnapping has also been used to fund illegal armed groups. With Law No. 986 of 2006, we extended the benefits and thresholds for the protection of victims of kidnapping and their families. We thereby seek to offer a comprehensive humanitarian response in the form of employment, financial, tax, education and health benefits, among others. Colombia shares the concern of the Security Council with regard to the links between terrorism and transnational organized crime, illicit drugs and illicit arms trafficking. My country welcomes the fact that the Committee continues to work to strengthen dialogue with Member States aimed at providing assistance to strengthen national capacities and to contribute to the effective implementation of resolution 1373 (2001). This includes the regional dialogue initiatives undertaken by the Chair of the Committee in order to address the specific challenges arising from the survey on the implementation of resolution 1373 (2001). Additionally, since the adoption of resolution 1540 (2004), Colombia has adopted broad legal measures in the areas of capacity-building, security and training in order to prevent the access of non-State actors to any information or material that would help them to manufacture, possess, transport, transfer or use nuclear, chemical or biological weapons and their means of delivery. We agree that the implementation of the resolution requires a long-term approach that will enable us to confront the challenges of non-proliferation through cooperation between the Committee and Member States and between Member States themselves. In conclusion, allow me to reiterate the firm resolve of the Government of Colombia to continue to cooperate with the United Nations in the fight against terrorism and to buttress the efforts of other countries to address the factors that support this grave scourge, including drug trafficking, the financing of terrorism and other manifestations of crime in general. Although painful, my country’s experience has left us with a better capacity, good practices and lessons learned that serve as a basis for our cooperation in international actions in this area.

The representative of the United States has asked to make an additional statement.

I do not wish to detract from the reports we have heard from the three counter-terrorism-related Committees this morning and now this afternoon, but I want to respond for the record to the comments made by two delegations with respect to the case of Luis Posada Carriles. Contrary to the statements the Council has heard, the United States has taken a number of law enforcement actions with respect to Luis Posada Carriles, which we have described in detail on several occasions. The measures taken include the imposition of reporting and monitoring requirements on Posada and an indictment of him on several criminal charges. His trial on these charges is pending. These actions are consistent with international law, as well as with our domestic legal framework that provides for due process and various constitutional safeguards.

The representative of Cuba asked to make an additional statement. I give her the floor.

I have asked for the floor to respond to the statement just made by the representative of the United States with respect to Cuba’s intervention in this debate. The United States authorities have limited themselves once again to reiterating their justification for their position in this case — that Posada Carriles is being subjected to criminal proceedings in their country. What they do not say is that at no time have they prosecuted Posada for his well-known terrorist acts. Instead, this issue continues to be treated merely as a case of illegal immigration. The Government of the United States has all the evidence and information showing that Posada Carriles is guilty of committing the in-flight bombing of a Cuban aircraft that cost the lives of 73 innocent people. That Government also knows that Posada Carriles planned and directed a series of terrorist acts in 1997 using explosive devices against hotels in Havana, among many other repulsive acts in his long career. The terrorist himself has publicly confessed to his horrible crimes. We therefore wonder what more is needed before action will be taken. Cuba once again urges the United States authorities to try Posada Carriles as a terrorist or to deliver him to the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, which has requested his extradition for more than five years. Cuba is convinced that the only effective way to prevent and combat terrorism is through bilateral and multilateral cooperation among all States on the basis of mutual respect, non-interference in the internal affairs of States and the equal sovereignty of States. Double standards cannot prevail. It will be impossible to eliminate terrorism if certain acts are condemned while others are met with silence and acceptance. We reiterate that, if the Government of the United States genuinely wants to show its commitment to the fight against terrorism, it now has an opportunity to take firm action, without double standards, against several terrorist organizations that, from territory here within the United States, have displayed continued aggression against Cuba for many years. It is up to the new Government of the United States to stop using the topic of terrorism for political ends and to bring an end to the unjust and groundless inclusion of Cuba on the list of countries that supposedly sponsor terrorism. It is up to the new Government of the United States to try Posada Carriles because he is a terrorist, to free the five young Cuban counter-terrorist fighters being unfairly detained in United States prisons, and to make progress through cooperation instead of the prevailing confrontation.

Once again for the record, let me just say that United States actions in this particular case are consistent with international law as well as with our domestic legal framework, which provides for due process and various constitutional safeguards. As in democracies around the world that follow the rule of law, these safeguards provide that an individual cannot be brought to trial or extradited unless sufficient evidence has established that he committed the offence charged. In the United States, this standard is described as probable cause. I should like to give the Council a brief overview of the steps the United States has taken with respect to Posada within this legal framework. Posada entered the United States illegally in early 2005. Posada was detained by United States immigration authorities on 17 May 2005 and placed in removal proceedings in accordance with United States law. The immigration judge who handled the removal proceedings ordered that Posada be removed from the United States on 27 September 2005. This order remains in effect. The United States has been seeking ways to carry out the terms of the order, consistent with United States regulations that implement our obligations under the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment. Moreover, the United States sought and obtained a criminal indictment charging Posada with violations of our immigration laws. On 8 April 2009, the new criminal charges were brought against Posada in that case, accusing him of lying about his involvement in certain terrorist bombings in Havana. Trial in the case is currently pending. In the meantime, Posada remains subject to the order of removal issued by the immigration judge and is without legal status in the United States. He is also subject to an order of supervision from the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, which imposes certain restrictions on Posada, including reporting and monitoring requirements. In sum, with respect to Posada, the United States continues to be engaged in an ongoing series of actions consistent with our legal requirements and due process.

The representative of Cuba has again asked to speak. I give him the floor.

I will be brief. What the representative of the United States has just said is exactly what the Cuban delegation is saying. Mr. Luis Posada Carriles, a well- known and self-confessed international terrorist, continues to be prosecuted for lesser crimes relating to immigration in this country. I wonder when Posada Carriles will be tried for the crimes of terrorism to which he himself has confessed. I reiterate that the Counter-Terrorism Committee has all the information it needs and that the delegation of Cuba is prepared to come and make yet another presentation before it on this matter.

The representative of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela has asked to make an additional statement. I give him the floor.

I will be very brief because the explanation given by the representative of Cuba allows me to leave out major details. I should like, however, to reiterate our request to the Government of the United States to expedite the extradition requested by our Government on the basis of the treaties and conventions we referred to in our statement. The terrorist Luis Posada Carriles, after having committed his crimes against the Cubana de Aviación aircraft, was detained and tried in Venezuela. He then escaped from prison there and has since evaded justice. Thus, in addition to his other crimes, he is a fugitive from the Venezuelan legal system, which had granted him all the legal provisions required to exercise his rights. He escaped, as I said, from a Venezuelan prison and somehow ended up in this country. The Government of the United States was well aware of his presence here. We should like to reiterate Venezuela’s call on the Government of the United States to give due attention to our request for this convicted and self- confessed criminal to face the consequences of the law. Venezuela will guarantee all the conditions needed for a transparent trial even though we know, because Posada Carriles himself has said so, that he was the brains behind the bombing of the Cubana de Aviación airliner. We are, of course, concerned that allegations of lesser crimes, such as immigration offences, continue to be pursued against Posada Carriles, while the major crimes committed by that international terrorist are being ignored. Those crimes were committed not only in Venezuela, but also in several Central American countries, because Posada Carriles was for many years in the service of the Central Intelligence Agency and, in that capacity, committed terrorist acts in many countries of Latin America and the Caribbean. He was even responsible for many acts of torture against political leaders of the left in Latin America and the Caribbean. We wish to stress that Luis Posada Carriles must be prosecuted as a terrorist in the United States or that the United States must heed the extradition request made by the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.

I shall now make a statement in my national capacity. Lebanon considers it unfortunate that certain States have misused today’s debate and diverted it from its original focus on the work of Committees, which is mostly technical in nature. In that regard, we condemn today’s reference to Hizbullah — a Lebanese party represented in my country’s Government — in the context of issues pertaining to terrorism. More important, the delegation that made that reference practices occupation and continues to commit aggression against its neighbours, which confirms something that my delegation has always stressed: the need to differentiate between terrorism and the legitimate right of nations to resist foreign occupation. I now resume my functions as President of the Security Council. There are no further speakers inscribed on my list. The Security Council has thus concluded the present stage of its consideration of the item on its agenda.