S/PV.6900Resumption1 Security Council

The President: I wish to advise all speakers to limit their statements to no more than four minutes, in order to enable the Council to carry out its work expeditiously. I now give the floor to Head of the Delegation of the European Union to the United Nations.

Mr. Mayr-Harting (European Union): I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union (EU) and its member States. The acceding country Croatia; the candidate countries the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Montenegro, Iceland and Serbia; the countries of the Stabilization and Association Process and potential candidates Albania and Bosnia and Herzegovina; as well as Ukraine, Armenia and Georgia, align themselves with this statement. We are grateful to Pakistan, as President of the Security Council, for organizing today's timely and important debate looking at counter-terrorism measures from a comprehensive perspective. I would like to thank you, Madam, for chairing this important meeting in person. International terrorism poses a very significant threat to peace and security, as Pakistan only recently had to experience once again, sadly. I would like to express my heartfelt condolences on that terrible event. That is why the fight against international terrorism remains one of our highest priorities and should continue to be a priority for the United Nations. We are convinced that an integrated approach, combining prevention of terrorist threats and attacks with the response to them, is essential. The United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy is central to the European Union and its member States in both their national efforts and their worldwide partnerships. In accordance with the relevant international legal framework as it evolves, we work hand in hand with the United Nations on implementing the Strategy, and we attach great importance to the its global counter-terrorism framework, which prescribes a holistic approach to tackling terrorism that includes not only law enforcement and other security measures but also respect for human rights and the rule of law. Preventing terrorism by addressing and stopping terrorist radicalization and recruitment is a priority for the European Union and its member States. We agree that more emphasis must be placed on preventing terrorism by examining and addressing the conditions conducive to its spread. In order to achieve that goal, we must consider new approaches with a variety of tools and look beyond traditional actors at the governmental and law-enforcement levels, while engaging with, among others, civil society, social networks,journalists, women, youth organizations and media. In addition, assistance to victims of terrorism and their families should also be an element of counter-terrorism efforts. We believe that victims and their associations can contribute to preventing terrorist radicalization and sending messages of non-violence and reconciliation. Countering the financing of terrorism is a core component of the EU's strategy. As terrorists and their supporters constantly modify their ways to raise, move and gain access to funds, we must adapt instruments and measures to deprive them of the possibility of engaging in criminal activity. The EU has developed a range of measures aimed at cutting off terrorists' access to funding, and we are committed to the implementation of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). We contribute actively to the Task Force's work, as well as to the implementation of its recommendations in the European Union. In addition, we highlight the fact that the relevant United Nations resolutions and Council of Europe instruments play an important role in countering terrorist financing. The active involvement of civil society is a key element in effectively countering terrorism and violent extremism. Non-governmental organizations represent a valuable resource in that context. With a view to safeguarding the integrity of non-governmental organizations against abuse by, for instance, terrorist networks, including in the field of terrorist financing, the sharing of relevant best practices among Member States and with civil society could be of great value and should be encouraged. We take this opportunity to stress yet again that counter-terrorism measures can only be effective when consistent with a judicial approach and within the law. Counter-terrorism measures need to be carried out in full accord with fundamental democratic values, human rights and the rule of law. In the framework of the pledges made at the General Assembly High-level Meeting on the Rule of Law on 24 September 2012, the European Union pledged to develop operational guidance to ensure the consideration of human rights and, where applicable, international humanitarian law in planning and implementing counter-terrorism assistance projects with third countries. The European Union will continue to support the consolidation of State institutions, justice, police and customs in order to strengthen security and the rule of law with a view to reducing the threat from terrorism, kidnapping and cross-border criminal activity, such as the trafficking of drugs and human beings. It is therefore important to strengthen international cooperation and the criminal justice systems of United Nations Members in order to enable them to prosecute terrorist suspects effectively. In this context, the European Union welcomes the Global Counter-Terrorism Forum rule of law group and will actively take part in establishment of the institute for justice and the rule of law in Tunis. Although the core of the action on counter- radicalization and recruitment is and should remain at the national level, regional and international cooperation is needed to help coordinate national policies and share good practice. In this context, we welcome the establishment of the International Center of Excellence for Countering Violent Extremism in Abu Dhabi. We also take this opportunity to welcome, as other have done, the recent adoption of resolutions 2082 (2012) and 2083 (2012), introducing some important changes to the Al-Qaida and Afghanistan sanctions regimes, in particular extending the mandate of the Monitoring Team and the Ombudsperson in order to make their work more effective and transparent. I would like to conclude my intervention by stressing that we have no doubt that no act of terrorism can be justified or sanctioned by any religion, belief, ideology or culture, and that none of these should be associated with terrorism. We must continue efforts to foster understanding among people of all cultures, religions and beliefs, and in this regard we stress our commitment to the aims and work of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations. As a counter to extremism and terrorism, we must stand firmly behind the values that unite us, underline the shared profound respect for people of all religions and beliefs, and discourage the language of prejudice, hatred and intolerance, as well as violence.

The President: I give the floor to the representative of New Zealand.

Ms. Hay (New Zealand): The theme of today's open debate is apposite. Comprehensive measures by States and the international community as a whole continue to be required if progress is to be made in reducing the threat posed by international terrorism. Terrorism is a complex and multidimensional challenge. Each State must of course adopt an approach suited to its individual needs and circumstances. One size does not fit all. Nevertheless, the enduring threat posed by international terrorism means that the prevention of terrorist acts must remain a key national security priority. I will focus my comments on the approaches that New Zealand has taken domestically to reduce the risk of terrorist acts occurring by countering violent extremism at the grass roots. While the threat from terrorism in New Zealand remains very low and levels of social cohesion are high, the Government remains vigilant to possible terrorist threats from disaffected or alienated members of the community. New Zealand's approach is based on a coordinated, whole-of-Government response at the national level, in close cooperation and consultation with the community. Prevention lies at the heart of the operational ethos of the New Zealand Police in meeting this challenge. With this in mind, New Zealand has treated the threat from violent extremists as a social as well as a criminal issue. While we have strengthened our legal framework to criminalize involvement in terrorism, we have also developed innovative social approaches aimed at diverting young people from involvement in violent extremism at the earliest stage possible. Community policing, tailored strategies for engaging minority and religious groups, a strong emphasis on inter-faith dialogue, and initiatives fostering community trust in the Police have all been effective tools for addressing and combating radicalisation and violent extremism. They have helped to keep New Zealand relatively unaffected by religious and ethnicity-related violent extremism. These efforts are deeply rooted in the philosophy of community policing and grounded in high levels of trust between society and the police. They also rely on accurate assessments regarding those communities most vulnerable to recruitment by extremists or to self-radicalization, as well as strong national and international partnerships. New Zealand exercises zero tolerance for violence and other serious crime. When police become aware of individuals involved in low-level extremist activity, priority is given to using social support measures to divert them from any antisocial behaviour. Communities are engaged in a manner that addresses the underlying causes and ultimately reduces offending and victimization. Authorities also constructively engage communities in situations where no crime has been committed but where evidence exists that individuals may be vulnerable to terrorist recruitment. This strategy has met with considerable success in preventing terrorist acts at the earliest stage possible, while also maintaining excellent relationships with ethnic and religious communities upon whose cooperation and goodwill law enforcement efforts ultimately depend. Given our own experience of the success of community policing, New Zealand is pleased to support a new programme of the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate on the practical utilization of community policing in countering violent extremism. Beginning in 2013, the programme will seek to enhance the capacity of police officers in South and South-East Asia to recognize possible indications of violent extremism at an early stage and to strengthen the emphasis on developing cultural understanding and human rights-compliant practices in detecting and addressing it. This initiative is one of the ways in which New Zealand has sought to draw on its own domestic experience to support our regional and international partners in their efforts to implement the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. We will continue to partner with United Nations counter-terrorism entities, including in areas such as preventing terrorist financing and by strengthening criminal justice and law enforcement capacities and cooperation.

The President: I give the floor to the representative of Malaysia.

Mr. Abdullah (Malaysia): First and foremost, I wish to congratulate you, Madam, and Pakistan on assuming the presidency of the Security Council for this month. I wish to welcome you back to New York to attend to this open debate on a subject that is truly important to all Member States, especially Pakistan, which witnessed horrific terrorist attacks last week. Our condolences go to the families of the victims. At this juncture, I wish to align my statement with that to be delivered by the representatives of Iran on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement and of Egypt on behalf of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. Like all nations represented here today, Malaysia hopes to see a world free from terrorism. In order for that day to become a reality, terrorism must be addressed and countered in all its hideous forms and manifestations, as well as at all levels. Therefore, Malaysia cannot agree enough that terrorism must be countered in a comprehensive manner. In the wake of 11 September, 2001 and subsequent terrorist attacks across the world, the international community reinvigorated its resolve and efforts to counter terrorism. The international community introduced innovative measures to target the financing of terrorism. However, as demonstrated by terrorist attacks and bombings thereafter, only minimal sums are required to cause disproportional harm to people. Furthermore, terrorists have managed to leverage lower-risk, higher-margin sources of revenue through kidnapping and hostage-taking for ransom. Thus, measures to curb the financing of terrorism have managed to achieve only qualified success. In fact, despite all the outreach and capacity- building programmes proffered, despite enforcement and legislative measures that have led to countless prosecutions around the world, and despite resorting to the use of armed force, we continue to face this deadly scourge, which shows no sign of abating. Our efforts to prevent individuals or groups that are intent on committing terrorist attacks from slipping through the cracks are simply not enough. In reality, if we are sincere in eradicating terrorism, we must nip the problem in the bud. For one thing, there is a need to undertake inclusive political and economic development efforts that address social and economic needs. In short, we need to win the hearts and minds of the people to counter terrorism effectively. Malaysia also strongly believes in the need to maintain human rights standards when countering terrorism, which is why Malaysia repealed the Internal Security Act of1960 last year and introduced the Security Offences Act of 2012. That decision demonstrates that, while the Government remains committed to ensuring that security is constantly safeguarded, the rights ofthe people also need to be upheld. It is also equally, if not more, important to make efforts to resolve conflicts and repression. Those living under occupation must be accorded their most fundamental right to life and liberty with dignity and hope. The failure to acknowledge and take measures to address that is simply to turn a blind eye to a fundamental cause of terrorism. Malaysia is supportive of interfaith and intercivilizational initiatives such as the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations. Without a doubt, such initiatives promote greater understanding among all religions and civilizations in the world. However, while greater interaction and understanding is pivotal in building trust, we believe that the real problem that exists today is not between peoples of different faiths and cultures. Rather, it is between moderates and extremists of all faiths and cultures. It is due to that that Malaysia calls for the establishment of a Global Movement of Moderates. That is essentially a call on the majority of moderate people, who have remained relatively silent despite being appalled by the despicable acts of extremists and terrorists, to drown out the voices of extremism. Malaysia believes that moderates must be the only dominant voice to occupy the mainstream. That would strongly contribute to our effort to eradicate terrorism. Likewise, moderation is also the best response in countering incitement to violence and extremism. We must not let extreme voices dominate world headlines and instil fear in the peoples of the world, but must speak out to ensure that the voices of moderation prevail. Overcoming terrorism requires clear thinking based on an objective assessment of the situation. It also requires comprehensive action based on common effort. Certainly, there will remain places and issues that provide a wellspring of support for terrorism. We must therefore constantly remain vigilant. But let us not overstate the case ofthe dangers posed by terrorism, nor underestimate the length and breadth of the challenge. Let us take on the threat head-on so that we may usher in a renewed period of global peace and prosperity for all.

The President: I now give the floor to the representative of Turkey.

Mr. Cevik (Turkey): Let me start by joining other delegations in congratulating Pakistan on its assumption of the presidency of the Security Council. We are pleased to see you, Sir, presiding over today's meeting. It is noteworthy that the Security Council has devoted its first open debate in the year 2013 to the issue of terrorism. That reflects not only an expression of determination on the part of the Security Council to counter the scourge of terrorism, but also underlines the continued threat that terrorism poses for all of us. Terrorist attacks are being perpetrated around the world on an almost daily basis, claiming the lives of innocent civilians. Recent months have been no exception. Due to unabated terrorist acts, many people have been killed or wounded in different parts of the world, causing immense pain and suffering to the families of the victims, their nations and humankind as a whole. Most recently, we learned with deep sorrow and concern that three different terrorist attacks had taken place in Pakistan, killing or injuring scores of people. We strongly condemn all kinds of terrorist acts, convey our condolences to the grieving families and wish a speedy recovery to the wounded. We also would like to express our solidarity with all victims of terrorism around the world. Numerous social, economic, political and other factors exist that engender the conditions that terrorist organizations exploit for recruitment and support. Since it is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon, countering terrorism can be effective only if efforts and measures address a wide spectrum of activities, ranging from international cooperation to national action. In that sense, we need to redouble our efforts to enhance cooperation and coordination, both at the United Nations and among Member States, as well as at the relevant international, regional and subregional organizations. For that very reason, we consider today's debate extremely useful and we look forward to its outcome in an effort to contributing to a comprehensive approach to countering terrorism. Terrorism and violent extremism continue to pose serious threats and impediments to global security, stability and prosperity. In the face of increased efforts to counter terrorism, terrorists simply change their methods and means, adapting themselves to circumstances while in most instances abusing legislative and implementation loopholes. The threat perceptions and national interests of Member States may vary, but we should make no mistake: no country is immune from terrorism, and we cannot win this fight unless we join hands and hearts. We cannot counter terrorism solely through law- enforcement measures. We have to preserve the critical balance between security requirements, on the one hand, and democratic freedoms and basic human rights, on the other. However, while protecting fundamental rights and freedoms, acts of incitement to terrorism, violence, racial or ethnic hatred and discrimination, or glorifying such acts, should not be tolerated. We have to bear in mind that no counter-terrorism strategy, regardless of how successful on its own merits, can lead to tangible results in the absence of international cooperation and true support from other nations. The lack of capacity, in particular the lack of expertise and resources, constitutes the greatest challenge for many countries. Enhancing capacity- building and law enforcement in all Member States requires specific attention. Cooperation at the regional and subregional levels is particularly significant to countering terrorism. In that context, it is important to build new partnerships, enhance institutional capacities and develop cooperative networks. That will have an enduring impact on our collective efforts. The effective implementation of the United Nations Counter- Terrorism Strategy and of Security Council resolutions remains essential to succeed in our endeavour to combat terrorism. In that regard, it is also crucial to create public awareness about United Nations resolutions. The United Nations has been the linchpin in counter-terrorism efforts. Through the adoption of the Global Counter-terrorism Strategy, the General Assembly created a sound framework in which to fight this challenge. Today, Turkey strongly supports the promotion and implementation of the Strategy at the global level. We are of the opinion that continuing international efforts to enhance dialogue and broaden understanding among civilizations, in an effort to prevent the indiscriminate targeting of different religions and cultures, can help to counter the forces that fuel polarization and extremism, and will contribute to strengthening the international fight against terrorism. In that respect, the Alliance of Civilizations, which was launched by Turkey and Spain under the auspices of the Secretary-General, aims to facilitate harmony and dialogue by emphasizing the common values of different cultures and religions. Before I conclude, I would like to emphasize Turkey's full commitment in this regard. Turkey, as a victim of terrorism and staunch ally of counter- terrorism initiatives, shall continue its efforts at all levels, with the aim of mitigating the effects of terrorist acts and eradicating the scourge of terrorism.

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

Mr. Ja'afari (Syrian Arab Republic) (spoke in Arabic): At the outset, allow me to welcome the presence of the Foreign Minister of Pakistan during the morning part of this meeting. We are grateful to the sisterly State of Pakistan for the initiative to convene and preside over this important debate devoted to a discussion of the issue of counter-terrorism efforts Terrorism is a scourge that all Member States have pledged to eliminate. I would also like to thank the Permanent Mission of Pakistan for the concept note circulated in connection with this meeting (S/2012/3, annex). I take this opportunity to express the deepest condolences of my Government to the Government and people of Pakistan in connection with the act of terrorism carried out in Quetta, which claimed dozens of innocent lives. We extend our sympathy to Pakistan's Government and people based on a principled belief in the need to combat all aspects of terrorism collectively and comprehensively and from the painful reality that just today struck the University of Aleppo, where a cowardly terrorist attack targeting university students as they sat for their mid-term examinations killed 82 and wounded 162 others. We have always said that the terrorist armed groups in my country are taking advantage of Security Council meetings to perpetrate acts of terrorism inside Syria. That is exactly what happened today, perhaps for the tenth or twentieth time since the crisis in my country began. The President quite rightly chose "Comprehensive approach to counter-terrorism" as the theme for our meeting. We fully share and endorse the merit of that choice, as today we are in greater need than ever of such a comprehensive approach to combating terrorism. There are broad similarities between the tools and techniques that continue to be used by terrorists in many Member States and those seen today in Syria. The question is one of how many of the trans-border foreign terrorists currently active in Syria played a role earlier in the killing and injuring of civilians in other countries. How many of the terrorists at work in Syria today will move on to other areas in the future, just as happened in the recent past and, indeed, as is happening today? Anyone who believes that they are able to let the terrorism genie out of the bottle and then manipulate it in such a way as to make it go back in is misguided and deluded. Those who toy with terrorism will one day fall victim to it. Despite the late international recognition of the existence of armed terrorist groups, some of which are affiliated with Al-Qaida and are committing the most horrific crimes in Syria, some States still continue to pursue policies of public support for such terrorist organizations by providing financing, weapons, training and safe haven and by issuing fatwahs and offering them political and media support. Today, I will give a practical example of such media coverage. Armed terrorist groups attacked the homes and dormitories of Syrian army units in the southern Syrian city of Dar'a, where only women and children were present. Those armed groups perpetrated a terrorist attack, killing, wounding and humiliating whomever they could. In that connection, it is important to note the ironic fact that the Arabiya television network, which is considered the operations room directing such terrorist actions, actually broadcast news of the terrorist act before it had even been carried out, considering it as a blow by the terrorist groups inside Syria against the regime. That is what we mean by media coverage and support to terrorist and armed groups within Syria. Al-Qaida-affiliated terrorist organizations publicly claimed responsibility for the terrorist attacks perpetrated in Syria in response to orders issued by leaders of the Al-Qaida organization. Among those organizations affiliated with Al-Qaida is Jebhat Al-Nusra, which has claimed responsibility for numerous terrorist attacks in Syria. The American news channel CNN - not Syrian television - recently confirmed, in cooperation with many specialized Western think-tanks, that Jebhat Al-Nusra was solely responsible for more than 600 terrorist attacks in Syria over the past two years. We have repeatedly warned the Council and called on it to apply a greater measure oflogic and wisdom. We have issued warnings through hundreds of statements, meetings and official communications to the United Nations and its agencies throughout the crisis in Syria. We have warned of the dangers of terrorists flowing into Syria under subversive slogans such as "doctrinal and sectarian Jihad" and "holy war" against the diverse social fabric that characterizes the Syrian people. We have demanded that the countries supporting those terrorist groups stop doing so. We also called upon the Security Council, the General Assembly and the various counter-terrorism committees to assume their responsibilities in that regard. However, countries with influence have prevented any concrete action to combat the acts of terrorism being carried out in Syria. Those influential countries in the Security Council have even prevented the Council from issuing seven statements to the press condemning terrorist attacks that claimed the lives of hundreds of innocent Syrians. Moreover, influential countries have blocked the issuing of a number of urgent letters that I sent on behalf of my Government to the Security Council and the Secretary-General, including a letter dated 21 November 2012 that included the names of 143 foreign terrorists killed in Syria. That letter has not yet been issued as an official document, although two months have passed since we made such a request and despite the fact that reports from the United Nations itself have recently indicated the presence of foreign fighters from more than 29 States inside Syria. The terrorist activities being carried out by groups in Syria have reached dangerous levels in terms of both quantity and quality. Those groups have targeted vital facilities and infrastructure in several areas in order to bring about the comprehensive destruction of society and to exhaust the resources and undermine the livelihoods of citizens, including in terms of food, medicine, energy resources, petroleum derivatives, roads and transporation and means of communications. Not one single Syrian is convinced that the actions of these armed groups - supported by black petro-dollars, huge amounts of hatred and a lack of patriotism, and aimed at imposing hunger on the Citizens, depriving them of their homes and security, leaving them in the cold suffering from disease, and pushing them into refugee camps - represent a Spring revolution aimed at serving them and at establishing reform and freedom. How can we explain why these terrorist groups target international humanitarian aid provided by the United Nations and other agencies, assassinate Syrian volunteers of the Red Crescent Society, and make threats against international workers and diplomatic missions accredited in Syria? What is the humanitarian significance of targeting civilian aircrafts? It is certain that the goal of the blind, vindictive terrorism practiced in Syria is to destroy the State and society, and not to spread democracy, reform governance mechanisms, protect and promote human rights or combat corruption, all of which are popular demands in Syria and enjoy consensus among the various sectors of Syrian society. The suspect goals of some countries in supporting terrorism and extremism in my country have started to rise to the surface. We now see Israel pointing to certain extremist terrorist groups as justification for building a wall along the disengagement ceasefire line that would be 42 kilometers long in the buffer zone on the territories of the occupied Syrian Golan. Any political novice would wonder about a party that has supported the actions of these terrorists, enabling them to reach that zone to begin with, and that has helped to establish such a movement and is dictating conditions for it. That is particularly true since high level officials at the Department of Peacekeeping Operations have ignored the documented information that we provided on the facilities that Israel, the occupying Power in the Golan, is offering to these terrorists. Is not the first suspect in any crime usually the person who stands to profit from the crime? We are witnessing targeted terrorism wearing the mask of those merchandising in religion and media, and embodied in the takfiri jihadist extremist fatwas issued by fake clerics on satellite television channels that promote ignorance and terrorism. The mass incitement of terrorism and so-calledjihad in Syria and other Arab and Western countries that is rampant on the Internet, and especially on online social networks, must lead us to reflect carefully on the seriousness of United Nations efforts to address the use by terrorists of the Internet and its means of communication to spread their ideas and mislead innocent youth. One wonders for whose sake certain Western nations have mounted the wave of demands for legitimate reform in the Arab world, diverting them and forging alliances with extremist Islamist organizations that, having come to power, remove their masks and start searching for bases in countries that have not yet known such organizations. In whose interest are prisoners and detainees from Al-Qaida smuggled from prisons and sent to Syria with the funding and support of well-known countries and parties such as Turkey, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and a specific political group in Lebanon? Between the dreams of an Islamist caliphate that some aspire to and the dreams of reviving the Ottoman Sultanate entertained by others, as well as the theory of creative chaos popular with a third party, nations are suffering, monuments are destroyed and wisdom is slaughtered on the altar of extremism. The Turkish Government has exploited the suffering of the Syrian people to practice piracy and economic terrorism, in collusion with armed groups, represented in the theft of nearly 1,500 pharmaceutical and industrial facilities, their dismantlement and transhipment from the city of Aleppo to Turkey. Such criminal acts targeting Syrian livelihoods and means of development should be condemned in the same way we condemn acts of conventional terrorism that lead to immediate death and destruction. Such behaviour calls for a firm response from the Security Council, demanding that the Turkish Government return all stolen property to its Syrian owners and provide compensation to those affected. Just as the Turkish Prime Minister a few days ago called on what he described as "the imperialist States" to return the fortunes looted from Africa, he should call on his Government to return the material it looted from Syria and to end practices that harm the brotherly Turkish people and neighbourly relations between our two countries. This is only the tip of the iceberg. Regional and international interference in our internal affairs has become rampant and shameless, and overlooks the violations committed by some States of the most basic principles upon which so-called international legitimacy is based. Furthermore, the exploitation of Syrian blood to carry out destructive evil terrorist political agendas has become flagrant. How can we move to combat terrorism in Mali while some States encourage, sponsor and arm the same brand of terrorism in my country, Syria? In closing, I would like to express my regards to the representatives of the new members of the Security Council, Australia, Argentina, the Republic of Korea, Rwanda and Luxembourg. I congratulate them on their membership in the Security Council and I wish them success and good luck in pushing forward the way this Council deals decisively with the issue of countering terrorism throughout the world.

The President: I now give the floor to the representative of Bangladesh.

Mr. Rahman (Bangladesh): Let me begin by joining other delegations in congratulating Pakistan on its assumption ofthe presidency ofthe Security Council this month. We thank the delegation of Pakistan for scheduling this very important open debate. This initiative reflects the commitment and resolve of that country on the subject. I also thank the Secretary- General for his statement this morning. Terrorism, both in its magnitude and diversity, is one of the gravest Challenges of today. It is a threat not only to national security and stability, but also to international peace and security. Indeed, no country is immune from the scourge. The adoption of the United Nations Global Counter- Terrorism Strategy in 2006 was a watershed moment in the global fight against terrorism. We fully support the Strategy. Bangladesh made a humble contribution as the facilitator of General Assembly resolution 64/297, on the review of the Strategy in 2010. We call for the Strategy's transparent and comprehensive implementation. Bangladesh condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. Our Government has been following and will continue to follow a zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism and extremism. We feel that the four pillars of the Strategy and the establishment of the Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force (CTITF) to support its implementation were important steps. In line with our commitment to counter terrorism, we have taken some notable initiatives in our national context. A party to all 14 universal anti-terrorism instruments, Bangladesh also ratified the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime. Our Government is currently implementing a national counter-radicalization strategy by promoting education, women's empowerment and the propagation of secular and moderate cultural values, and creating a mindset of tolerance, friendliness and compassion in line with our flagship resolution, "Culture of peace". Our Government supports the work of the United Nations in the effective implementation of resolution 1267 (1999). We have banned all terrorist groups blacklisted by the Committee established pursuant to that resolution and are keeping a close eye on any suspicious activity. The Government enacted the country's first-ever Money-Laundering Prevention Act in 2009, which was updated in 2012 to make it more stringent and to include suspicious transactions and predicate offences as a way to address terrorist financing. Bangladesh feels privileged to have partnered with the CTITF last year in presenting a regional workshop on the implementation of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy in South Asia in Dhaka. There should be a clear distinction between terrorism, on the one hand, and the legitimate struggle against foreign occupation and the right to self- determination as enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, on the other. Attempts to wrongfully associate terrorism with any religion, nationality, civilization or ethnic group are unjustifiable and therefore should be avoided. It is essential that, while countering terrorism, human rights standards be respected and protected. If the global strategy against terrorism is to succeed, its root causes - such as economic disparity and deprivation, political subjugation and exclusion, prolonged and unresolved conflicts, unfair treatment and absence of fairness 4 must be addressed, as appropriate. In that regard, socioeconomic interventions for the deprived in a society - such as social safety nets, microcredit-based livelihoods for women, women's empowerment, education and job creation, and a strong legal institutional regime - are of pivotal importance. Let me emphasize that the United Nations should be leading the global conversation and action on counter- terrorism, with the support of all stakeholders. National capacity-building and the training of counter-terrorism personnel in developing countries, particularly the least developed, must remain high on the agenda of the United Nations for assisting all States in combating terrorism. Let us today renew once again our vows to unite against terrorism and save innocent lives and protect succeeding generations from the unacceptable scourge of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.

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

Mr. Dehghani (Islamic Republic ofIran): I have the pleasure to speak today on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM). At the outset, I would like to thank Pakistan for taking the initiative to organize this debate on counter-terrorism. I would also like to thank Foreign Minister Khar for her presence and for presiding over today's meeting. We hope that today's open debate will help us to direct the discussions at the United Nations and in the Security Council towards finding more effective measures for the global fight against terrorism, in accordance with the desires and expectations of the general membership of the United Nations. Terrorism is a common threat faced by the entire international community. The NAM. has always supported decisive combat against all forms ofterrorism, wherever and whenever they occur, and believes that counter-terrorism efforts should be immune to any form of politicization or double standards. Otherwise, such efforts would be off-track, run counter to the original intent of the fight against terrorism, or even give rise to impunity for perpetrators. Counter-terrorism efforts should be based on international cooperation, with strengthened coordination and synergy, and the United Nations should play the central coordinating role. Over the past few years, the Security Council has adopted a series of counter-terrorism resolutions, and the General Assembly has adopted the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. The latter document, with its three subsequent revisions, provides necessary guidance for international counter- terrorism cooperation. NAM. calls for a transparent, comprehensive and balanced implementation of the Strategy and agrees to actively engage in future meetings on its implementation. In that regard, NAM. also calls for the enhanced engagement of Member States in the work of the Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force. We recall the third biennial review of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy held on 29 June 2012, where it was decided, inter alia, that the Task Force would interact with Member States on a quarterly basis, providing briefings and comprehensive reports on its current and future work, as well as a periodic workplan of its activities. In that way, transparency would be assured and Member States would be able to assess the work being done by the Task Force and offer policy guidance and feedback on Counter-Terrorism Strategy implementation efforts, as reflected in General Assembly resolution 66/282. We welcome the briefings held so far by the Task Force and hope that such interactions will help it streamline its activities in accordance with the wishes of the Member States. In that regard, we emphasize once again that counter-terrorism efforts should adhere to the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations and fully respect the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of States. NAM. is of the view that terrorism should not be equated with the legitimate struggle of peoples under colonial or alien domination and foreign occupation for self-determination and national liberation. The brutalization of people under foreign occupation should continue to be denounced as the gravest form of terrorism. We continue to condemn the use of State power to suppress peoples' exercise of their inalienable right to self-determination and to struggle to dispel foreign occupation. We note the recognized and growing potential links between international organized crime and the financing of terrorism, including money-laundering, and stress the need to promote cooperation and coordinate efforts in fighting those menaces. The financing of terrorism is a matter of grave concern that must be fought with determination. In that regard, we strongly condemn criminal hostage-taking incidents that have led to demands for ransom and/or other political concessions by terrorist groups, and call upon all States to cooperate actively in addressing that issue in all its aspects, including its legal aspects. It is the firm conviction of NAM. that multilateral cooperation under United Nations auspices is the most effective means to combat international terrorism. NAM reiterates its call for an international summit conference to be held under the auspices of the United Nations in order to formulate a joint, organized response by the international community to terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, including by identifying its root causes. It further reiterates the importance of the conclusion of a comprehensive convention for combating international terrorism and, in this respect, notes the negotiations in the Ad Hoc Committee on terrorism, established pursuant to General Assembly resolution 51/210, for the elaboration of a comprehensive convention on international terrorism and the continuing efforts to that end. NAM. has always underlined the important role of regional and international organizations in creating frameworks of cooperation and for the sharing of best practices in the fight against terrorism. In this regard, we support national, regional and international efforts and arrangements that seek to implement, where appropriate, the pertinent international legally binding instruments and the relevant United Nations resolutions, including General Assembly resolution 46/51 and Security Council resolution 1373 (2001), and regional arrangements and instruments relating to combating terrorism. We emphasize the need to strengthen cooperation with all States in this regard, and underline that such cooperation should be in conformity with the Charter of the United Nations, international law and the relevant international conventions. In this context, we urge the relevant United Nations organs to promote ways and means to support and strengthen such cooperation. Finally, the Movement believes that more steps are needed, along with the necessary political will of Member States, to improve the existing approaches, procedures and mechanisms of both the General Assembly and the Security Council in the fight against terrorism so that international measures to counter terrorism can be undertaken in a coordinated, transparent, accountable and consistent manner. In this way, the United Nations as a whole and the Security Council, in maintaining international peace and security, can deal more efficiently and effectively with the ever-more complicated and growing threat of terrorism. The Non-Aligned Movement stands ready to contribute to the achievement of this goal.

The President: I now give the floor to the representative of Indonesia.

Mr. Percaya (Indonesia): I thank you, Sir, for the leadership of Pakistan in convening this open debate. This meeting today, which tackles the question of a comprehensive response to terrorism, is of the utmost importance because no country can stand alone in the face of terrorist attacks. As a country that has suffered the devastating impact of terrorism, Indonesia fully recognizes the imperative need for concerted national counter-terrorism efforts to have a robust global counter-terrorism framework that is versatile and cooperative and addresses terrorism in a comprehensive manner so as to ensure that the results are sustainable. We hope that, through this initiative of Pakistan, the work of the United Nations, including through the Security Council, will lead to more effective steps in the global response to terrorism. Before I continue, allow me to associate myself with the statements of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the Non-Aligned Movement, delivered by the representatives of Egypt and the Islamic Republic of Iran, respectively. Indonesia welcomes the third biennial review of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, which took place in June 2012. The four-pillar Strategy is a strong key for enhancing and coordinating international counter-terrorism efforts and assisting Member States in taking a similarly integrated approach. After the sixth year and third review of the Strategy, we still need to see the imperative to balance the implementation of the four pillars. Indonesia therefore calls for an intensified engagement of Member States in the work of the Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force (CTITF), as decided at the third review of the Strategy. Such an approach will enable countries to better follow and assess the work of the Task Force and provide guidance on its work, including by identifying elements of the main pillars that need strengthening. The United Nations effort against terrorism has increased significantly through the involvement of various United Nations organs and their subsidiaries. With this positive trend in mind, Indonesia supports further deliberation of the idea of establishing the post of counter-terrorism coordinator to see how it fits with the need to boost synergy in the overall global counter- terrorism efforts. We fully support the idea that the comprehensive counter-terrorism approach should be undertaken at both the policy and the implementation levels. Furthermore, it is essential that such a comprehensive approach be without prejudice to human rights and the rule of law. At the national level, Indonesia has taken law enforcement measures and established several important legislative frameworks on counter-terrorism. Since the enactment of Law No. 15 in 2003 on countering terrorism, Indonesia has arrested and brought to justice over 600 terrorists. Of those, more than 400 have been convicted by the courts. Building on its steady progress against terrorism, Indonesia has continued to strengthen its law enforcement institutions in order to enhance their capacity to deliver timely and effective results. Through the establishment of the Indonesian National Counter- Terrorism Agency in 2010, Indonesia is not only addressing the legal and technical aspects of counter- terrorism, but also engaging with the equally important social aspects. Indonesia also welcomes the third ministerial meeting of the Global Counter-Terrorism Forum (GCTF), held in Abu Dhabi last year. That meeting stressed the need to do more on institutional capacity- building and the sharing of best practices. Together with Australia, as co-chairs of the Southeast Asia Capacity-Building Working Group of the GCTF, Indonesia has convened two productive meetings of the Working Group in the past year. The most recent meeting, held in Manila, addressed the issue of youth radicalization and de-radicalization. It took stock of possible future activities to facilitate coordination on technical assistance programmes in Southeast Asia. In a similar vein, Indonesia calls for stronger cooperation among counter-terrorism centres, including the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Centre of the CTITF, the Hedayah Center, and the Jakarta Centre for Law Enforcement Cooperation (JCLEC) in Indonesia. I am delighted to inform the Council, as stated earlier by the representative of Australia, that JCLEC, which was established in 2004 through cooperation between Indonesia and Australia, has to date trained more than 10,000 law enforcement and counter-terrorism officials from 47 countries in the Asia-Pacific region. Indonesia believes that, in order to prevent incitement to terrorism, it is essential that the root causes of terrorism be addressed. The nature of those root causes entail a need to promote dialogue, tolerance and mutual understanding, as well as to empower moderates. We would further like to reiterate that terrorism must not be associated with any religion, culture or group. No religion or religious doctrine encourages or inspires acts of terrorism. None should be portrayed as such. In that regard, the international community must work harder to reject the profiling of a particular group, religion or civilization. We must promote mutual tolerance, coexistence and respect for each other's cultures and faiths. To that end, we should all help to strengthen the practice of dialogue, consultation and cooperation. Finally, Indonesia pledges its commitment to continue sharing experiences and thoughts on how counter-terrorism should be effectively carried out for the sake of our future.

The President: I now give the floor to the representative of Japan.

Mr. Kodama (Japan): At the outset, I would like to congratulate Pakistan on assuming the presidency of the Security Council for the month of January. I would also like to express our appreciation to you, Mr. President, for your leadership in convening this debate. I would also like to express our gratitude to the Secretary-General for his comprehensive and informative presentation this morning. In order to prevent and eliminate international terrorism, the enforcement of more comprehensive responses is crucial. It is necessary that not only the States where terrorism threats are real, but also the international community as a whole tackle international terrorism. Although individual State circumstances with regard to terrorism conditions, counter-terrorism capacities and the available capacity for international contributions differ, each State should take actions as a responsible member of the international community. What measures are available to States facing difficulty in raising resources and in enhancing capacity to take meaningful action? We believe that even those States can make efforts, such as by tackling outstanding socioeconomic issues that can promote extremism and by conducting dialogues with neighbouring countries and civil society. On the other hand, States that have been successful in achieving advanced results can share their experiences widely with other States to contribute to enhancing their capacity. In addition to enhancing our own capacity, Japan has been conducting bilateral and multilateral dialogues and consultations. We have been making full use of our own know-how and lessons learned through such activities. We have also been making international contributions by dispatching experts and holding seminars, especially in South-East Asia, focusing on areas such as immigration control, aviation and maritime security, law enforcement cooperation and the counter-financing of terrorism. It is our firm belief that each State must embrace counter-terrorism as its own policy agenda ifwe are to succeed in implementing international counter-terrorism efforts. Let me now touch on our ongoing effort to address conditions conducive to the spread of terrorism. At the debate on the situation in Afghanistan in the Security Council last month (see S/PV.6896), we agreed on the importance of international cooperation with Afghanistan for the purpose of establishing its self- reliance and of not again allowing the conditions that spread terrorism. We can interpret such a commitment not to allow those conditions to continue any longer as an important part of our international counter- terrorism efforts. I believe that all Member States should participate in such efforts more actively. In that regard, Japan hosted the Tokyo Conference on Afghanistan last July in order to commit to international efforts not to make Afghanistan a hotbed for terrorism again. We are conducting follow-up support. We have also been engaged for a long time in efforts to move closer to a final agreement in the Mindanao peace process, where a framework agreement was signed last October. In that way, we have contributed to several measures to eliminate the conditions that spread terrorism in several regions. Since one of the priorities with regard to international counter-terrorism must be the issue of terrorist financing, it is necessary for the international community to make more efforts to address the issue. Japan welcomes the fact that a special meeting of the Counter-Terrorism Committee on preventing and suppressing terrorist financing was held last November in order for all United Nations States Members and the relevant organizations to have an opportunity to engage and to exchange experiences and challenges. Japan is making positive progress, especially in its efforts to update the measures against terrorist financing discussed at the meeting. January starts the beginning of a new year. In order to make 2013 truly meaningful in terms of international counter-terrorism, this open debate is a good opportunity to review past efforts and to reaffirm the international counter-terrorism objectives and measures in the future. I hope that today's debate may provide a springboard for all Member States to reaffirm the importance of a comprehensive approach and to take further positive steps on international counter- terrorism. Japan Will continue to take all possible measures in support of international counter-terrorism, as well as to cooperate positively in the efforts of the Security Council and the relevant United Nations entities.

The President: I now give the floor to the representative of India.

Mr. Hardeep Singh Puri (India): At the outset, I would like to congratulate you, Sir, on your assumption of the presidency of the Security Council for this month. We would also like to express our appreciation to you for organizing today's meeting on this important subject. Terrorism today constitutes the most pressing challenge to international peace and security. It is a scourge that undermines peace, democracy and freedom and that endangers the foundations of democratic societies. It is a global threat that recognizes no border, nationality, ethnicity or religion. There is hardly any region of the world that has not been scarred by terrorism. My own country, India, has faced the scourge of terrorism for over two-and-a-half decades. Indeed, our entire region, South Asia, has been wracked by the activities of the biggest terrorist actors in the world, be they Al-Qaida, Lashkar e Toiba, Jamaat-ud- Dawa, elements of the Taliban and others. Terrorism, extremism and radicalization continue to pose a serious challenge to peace, progress and prosperity in the region. Over the years, the visible landscape of international terrorism has vastly changed. In our globalized world, terrorists are also globalized in their outreach and activities. They recruit in one country, raise funds in another and operate in others and are waging an asymmetric warfare against the international community. The veritable nexus of terrorists with transnational organized crime and drug and arms trafficking is now well established. Terrorist financing, illicit money laundering, drug trafficking, piracy and the illicit arms trade remain intertwined in a complex web of toxic relationships. There is also the growing risk of weapons of mass destruction of different kinds falling into the hands of terrorists. The misuse of cyberspace and related technologies by terrorists and their supporters is also a matter of increasing concern. India condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. No cause or grievance canjustify taking recourse to terrorism. India has been at the forefront of global counter-terrorism efforts and is part of all major initiatives against international terrorism, including the Financial Action Task Force. I had the privilege to chair the Counter-Terrorism Committee during the past two years. We endeavoured to provide renewed momentum to global counter- terrorism efforts and to promote a culture of zero tolerance towards terrorism. During that period, three special meetings of the Committee were held, with the participation of the wider United Nations membership and international, regional and subregional organizations. The Committee held a special meeting in New York in September 2011 to commemorate the tenth anniversary of the adoption of resolution 1373 (2001) and the establishment of the Committee, and at that meeting it unanimously endorsed a zero-tolerance approach towards terrorism in its outcome document. The Committee organized another special meeting in New York last November that focused on prevention and suppression of terrorist financing, with the participation of expert bodies 4 the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), FATF-style regional bodies, the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. The meeting was immensely helpful in putting a spotlight on the issue of terrorist financing, which lies at the heart of resolution 1373 (2001). We fully support all efforts that strengthen international and regional cooperation and, most importantly, help ensure the effective implementation of relevant Security Council resolutions, including 1373 (2001) and 1624 (2005). We also support the implementation of the United Nations Global Counter- Terrorism Strategy in an integrated manner in all its four pillars. We believe that apart from law enforcement measures, the preventive aspect is equally important. Development, education, social integration, tolerance, the rule of law and respect for human rights are the integral components of such an approach. The United Nations has played a seminal role in combating terrorism, facilitating technical assistance and capacity-building for Member States. Success in the fight against terrorism goes hand in hand with progress in strengthening counter-terrorism cooperation and the exchange of information at the international, regional and subregional levels. A large number of terrorist plots can be neutralized by the sharing of information and effective international cooperation. We have witnessed important progress at the international and regional levels, including the recently established Global Counter-Terrorism Forum. We will need a scaling-up of some of the concrete ideas emerging from those processes. Despite the progress achieved so far, the efforts of the international community continue to face many challenges. Foremost is the need to remove the moral and legal ambiguities that allow terrorists to gain succour and legitimacy. Progress under mutual legal assistance and extradition cases is still sketchy and is yet to be fully mainstreamed as part of regional and international counter-terrorism efforts. We need to strengthen enforcement efforts to destroy terrorists' safe havens, financial flows and support networks. The mechanisms that have been developed to pool the resources and the knowledge of the international community need to be augmented and made more effective. India has long held the beliefthat the United Nations also needs to strengthen the normative framework for its counter-terrorism strategy through the adoption of a comprehensive convention on international terrorism. I could not agree more with my friend Gert Rosenthal, Permanent Representative of Guatemala, on his emphasis earlier today on the need for such a convention and the added value through its early adoption. I can only echo the Secretary-General's words earlier today that the time has come for a comprehensive convention on international terrorism to be adopted. The fight against terrorism has to be unrelenting and fought across all fronts. The international community cannot afford selective approaches in dealing with terrorist groups or in dismantling the infrastructure of terrorism. Terrorism is a Frankenstein monster. Resort to the use of terrorism as an instrument of State policy is short-sighted. Indeed, those who have taken recourse to it have invariably themselves suffered immensely from it, proving the age-old dictum that those who live by the sword will also perish by it.

The President: I now give the floor to the representative of Israel.

Mr. Prosor (Israel): I thank you, Mr. President, for convening this important open debate on counter- terrorism. There is a specific kind of ecosystem that creates terrorism. Terrorism is rooted in hatred, watered with instability and State support, and then planted in the next generation. Every roadside bombing, every suicide attack and every act ofterrorism begins with words and thoughts of hatred. It begins with Al-Qaida websites that turn suicide bombers into jihadi celebrities. It begins with Hizbullah summer camps that use arts and crafts to glorify martyrdom and teach bomb-making skills to children. It begins with statements by Hamas leaders like Atallah Abu Al-Subh, who recently said on public Palestinian television, "The Jews are the most despicable and contemptible nation to crawl upon the face of the Earth". That is the poison that is being fed to people across the Middle East day after day. So I want to take the opportunity of this debate to ask the simple question: How do we truly counter terrorism? Yes, we must combat terrorists wherever they seek to strike. Yes, we must attack terrorist infrastructure and go after those who support and finance terrorism. However, true counter-terrorism must also begin by disrupting the ecosystem of extremism in which terror thrives. It means advancing education and teaching peace, not hatred, and mutual understanding, not martyrdom. It means speaking out against incitement and all forms of terrorism, even when it is politically inconvenient. We are far, far away from that reality. In too many corners of the planet, extremists have had the tools to grow the next generation of terrorists. In this very Council, some States offer justification for certain terrorists while condemning others. The Counter-Terrorism Committee, the Committee pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999) and 1989 (2011) concerning Al-Qaida and associated individuals and entities, and the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004) all remain essential parts of the global effort to isolate terrorists and deny them the means to inflict harm. Israel appreciates the work of the United Nations counter-terrorism agencies. The United Nations has expanded its counter-terrorism efforts over the past decade - in particular by coordinating and facilitating technical assistance to Member States. Israel is proud to be an active partner and donor in those efforts. We continue to share the knowledge and experience that come through years of combating terrorism. We remain committed to implementing the relevant Security Council resolutions, and to that end, we recently submitted our periodic report, in accordance with resolution 1540 (2004). We also support the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. All four pillars of the strategy must be treated as a whole. Israel is working closely with many States and regional organizations to advance counter-terrorism cooperation in areas from aviation security to border protection to terrorist financing. Those activities reflect our fundamental belief that terrorism can effectively be confronted only through international cooperation. No State should stand alone in this effort. It takes a network to beat a network. The challenges we face are growing as a result ofan increasingly linked network of smuggling rings, transnational criminals and terrorists. Ayman Juma was recently indicted in a United States court for smuggling 85 tons of cocaine into the United States and for laundering $850 million for a Mexican drug cartel. He took a 14 per cent commission for his efforts on behalf of his bosses, the Hizbullah terrorist organization. Juma is one of many thousands of Hizbullah operatives in a network that spans from West Africa to the Middle East to Latin America to Europe. That global criminal network funds Hizbullah's terrorist activities and provides the logistical support to carry them out. Make no mistake. There is a direct connection between powder cocaine smuggled from Latin America and the gunpowder of Hizbullah weaponry in Lebanon. Criminals are not the only supporters of terrorists. Many States - including some in this Chamber - work hand in hand with them as well. Iran stands chief among those nations. Across the African continent, Iranian weaponry has become the tool of choice for some of the region's bloodiest insurgencies and terrorists. In Gaza, Iran is funding, training and arming Hamas, Islamic Jihad and other terrorists, giving them the capabilities to strike Israel's largest cities. Iran's politicians and military commanders boast about providing terrorists with that assistance. The head of the Islamic Jihad in Gaza said last November that "the entire world knows that Iran is the main source of our weapons". Iran has also helped Hizbullah to build its arsenal to unprecedented levels in Lebanon, amassing 50,000 deadly missiles, in flagrant breach of resolution 1701 (2006). Those weapons can reach all of Israel and well beyond. Hizbullah intentionally stores its weapons in civilian areas. Just last month, a large Hizbullah weapons-storage facility exploded in the Lebanese village of Tair Harfa, just 300 metres from a school. The people of Lebanon are more valuable to Hizbullah and Iran as human shields than as human beings. We face the frightening possibility that Hizbullah could soon get its hands on Al-Assad's vast stockpiles of chemical weapons. The Council must act today, not tomorrow. We have a responsibility to prevent the world's most dangerous weapons from falling into the hands of the world's most dangerous actors. The Council cannot turn a blind eye to those States that sponsor, support and arm terrorists. The international community must hold them accountable for the violence that they spread and the lives that they have taken. We have adopted many, many resolutions in this Chamber in the global fight against terrorism. Our collective efforts cannot end there. The voices of the victims of terrorism call to us; they demand our united action. We must take the words from the printed page and breathe life into them every day. We must be steadfast; we must be strong. We must, as Churchill said, seek "victory, however long and hard the road may be". We cannot rest until the evil ideologies that fuel terrorism become nothing more than relics of the past.

The President: I now give the floor to the representative of South Africa.

Mr. Laher (South Africa): We extend our appreciation to Pakistan for having convened this open debate on this very important global issue, which has an impact on international peace and security. It is a timely reflection and an added contribution to enhancing the visibility of the United Nations in the international campaign against terrorism. My delegation continues to support the approach that places the United Nations at the centre of multilateral efforts to counter terrorism, as we are firm in our belief that no country can address this challenge on its own and that terrorism cannot be defeated by military means. South Africa is of the view that international efforts aimed at countering terrorism should be comprehensive in addressing collateral concerns, including development. We have always maintained that the four pillars of the United Nations Global Counter- Terrorism Strategy must be implemented in a balanced and integrated manner. The Strategy, as affirmed in the high-level Symposium on International Counter- Terrorism Cooperation hosted by the Secretary- General in 2011, remains the most credible and relevant international mechanism that enjoys the widespread political support of all Member States to counter the scourge of terrorism globally. In addition to the strides that have been made in preventing and combating terrorism, as well as measures to build States' capacity in that regard, a balanced approach would mean renewed efforts and commitment by the international community to addressing the conditions conducive to the spread of terrorism. There is an urgent need for the international community and the United Nations to step up efforts to resolve long-standing conflicts in accordance with international law and international human rights law, and to adopt strategies that limit political exclusion and reject socioeconomic marginalization. A balanced approach to counter-terrorism efforts would imply that the international community remains steadfast in its commitment to ensure the timely and full realization of the development goals and objectives so as to eradicate poverty and promote sustained economic growth as well as sustainable development and global prosperity for all. In the prevailing international economic and financial climate, the international community must reinforce development and social-inclusion agendas, especially on youth unemployment, as such efforts can contribute to the reduction of marginalization and to countering the potential appeal of extremism and recruitment by terrorists. We concur with the Secretary-General's view that human rights protection should not be viewed as an obstacle to effectively countering terrorism, but as an essential element of any sustainable counter-terrorism strategy. The strengthening of the international legal architecture, the rule of law and the criminal justice system constitute the fundamental basis of our common approach to counter-terrorism. In that context, the promotion and protection of human rights for all is essential to all components of the Strategy. This approach is complementary and reinforcing. The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights should continue to play a leading role in examining the question of protecting human rights while countering terrorism. That area requires renewed attention given the concerns expressed by the High Commissioner regarding the erosion of respect for due-process guarantees, including those related to the Security Council's individual sanctions regimes and other practices that impede the right to a fair trial in the context of counter-terrorism. In that regard, South Africa welcomes the enhancement of the Ombudsperson's mandate and the institutionalization of the sunset clause as a step towards due-process standards, and remains fully supportive of the work of that Office. The Office of the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism complements all counter-terrorism efforts and must be fully supported. It contributes to an integrated and balanced approach by interacting with all the relevant stakeholders. The joint initiatives of the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate and the Counter- Terrorism Implementation Task Force that are already under way should be further strengthened in order to synchronize and make effective the United Nations agenda to implement global counter-terrorism measures. Such an approach contributes substantively to the optimal use of resources and capacities. The international community must maintain its unity of purpose in the global fight against terrorism, upholding the centrality of the United Nations in the process. Duplicating United Nations initiatives or drawing focus and resources away from multilateral efforts should be avoided. Additionally, countering the financing of terrorism is a key component of a comprehensive strategy to combat terrorism. While that requires collective action by all States, it is also an area where there is a dire need for capacity-building among States. Against that background, we welcome the recent collaboration aimed at leveraging the expertise and the reach of United Nations structures and other regional and subregional bodies, so as to enhance States' ability to protect their financial systems from exploitation as sources or conduits for material and financial support for the perpetrators of terrorist acts. The commendable counter-terrorism efforts of the international community should be carried out with due care, planning and foresight. We remain mindful of the fact that the lack of an appropriate response or of the political will to address longstanding and complex conflicts will have a negative impact on our collective efforts to root out terrorism. We have witnessed the unintended consequences of weapons proliferation in the Sahel, following actions by the international community in the subregion recently. That has given rise to the resurgence of terrorism networks, rendering the countries in the region unstable and more vulnerable to the threat of terrorism. Similar situations must be avoided in future. It is important for the international community and the United Nations in particular to place emphasis on the root causes of terrorism as well as on those factors that contribute to the inflaming of passions and resentment, which promote incitement and the spread of this scourge in different parts of the world. Such a reflection would additionally indicate the necessity of addressing the political situation of people living under occupation and the need for political will to address long-standing conflicts. Let me say in conclusion that in the action plan that we collectively adopted in 2006, we undertook to make every effort to conclude a comprehensive convention on international terrorism that would also address the current gaps in the international legal arena that might exist, while also encouraging Member States to become parties to existing international conventions and protocols. We believe that the adoption of a comprehensive convention should not be delayed any further.

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

Mr. Valero Bricefio (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela) (spoke in Spanish): Allow me, Mr. President, to congratulate Pakistan on its assumption of the presidency of the Security Council for the month of January. We wish you every success during your tenure. Venezuela endorses the statement made earlier by the representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement. The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela is firmly committed to combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, no matter who engages in it and for whatever reason. In that context, we reiterate our categorical condemnation of the commission of acts of terrorism, given their negative impact on international peace and security and on human rights. Venezuela has been at the vanguard of efforts to counter that terrible scourge, as demonstrated by the countless treaties and conventions that our country has adhered to as well as the many successful policies adopted by our Government. Venezuela has approved a series of influential legal instruments that establish measures to control, prevent and oversee efforts to combat the financing of terrorism and money laundering. In May 2012 the Organic Law against Organized Crime and the Financing of Terrorism was enacted. Its objective is to prevent, investigate, prosecute, criminalize and punish crimes related to organized crime, with a particular emphasis on the financing terrorism. Venezuela has joined all the initiatives taken within the context of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. Consistent with the Charter of the United Nations and international treaties and agreements, that important political instrument recognizes that efforts to counter that serious scourge is the primary responsibility of Member States. The Strategy likewise states that combating terrorism should be undertaken in the context of cooperation and governed by existing international and regional instruments and the norms of international law, human rights and international humanitarian law. Venezuela endorses such a holistic approach. Terrorism takes on many forms and manifestations, with State terrorism being among the most reprehensible. In that regard, it should be underscored that all States must strictly and unflaggingly comply with the international responsibilities they assume. Terrorism is practiced not only by non-State actors behind the scenes, but also by States who act in the full light of day. Some imperial Powers are engaged in State terrorism, and they justify doing so with arguments related to national security. State terrorism should be condemned because it is contrary to the principle of the sovereign equality of all nations, denies the rule of international law and is a mass violation of human rights. The Palestinian case reveals the double standard of some countries in their so-called efforts to combat terrorism. Israel's military aggression as an occupying Power deprives the Palestinian people of their lives, their land, their freedom, their history, their identity and, most important, their dignity. The blockade, the acts of aggression and military threats against Palestinians living in the Gaza Strip and the construction of settlements in the West Bank by the occupying Power are contrary not only to international law and resolutions adopted by the United Nations, but they are also a concrete expression of State terrorism. The Security Council's silence and inaction in the face of such practices are deplorable. The United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy calls upon States to discourage groups from engaging in terrorism, to deny terrorists the means to carry out their activities, to urge them not to support terrorist groups and to respect human rights within the context of combating terrorism. Consistent with the provisions of paragraphs 2 and 3 of the plan of action annexed to General Assembly resolution 60/288, entitled "The United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy", the Government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela reiterates its request filed with the Government of the United States for the extradition of the well-known terrorist Luis Posada Carriles, for his direct responsibility in planning the bombing ofthe Cubana de Aviacion aircraft in October 1976. As will be recalled, that terrorist attack resulted in the deaths of 73 Cuban citizens, most of them athletes who had participated in a competition in the territory of Venezuela. The request for extradition by the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela Government has been repeatedly supported by the Non-Aligned Movement, as noted in paragraph 380 of the final document (NAM. 2012/Doc.l/Rev.2) of the sixteenth Summit of the Non-Aligned Movement, held in Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran, from 26 to 31 August 2012. Venezuela also emphasizes the importance of paragraph 382 of that document, in which Non-Aligned Movement leaders reject the protection provided by United States authorities to Raul Diaz Pefia, Jose' Antonio Colina and German Rodolfo Valera, all Venezuelan citizens who have been accused, and indeed convicted, of terrorist acts in Venezuela against the diplomatic headquarters of Colombia and Spain in 2003. That conduct violates current international instruments and the relevant resolutions of the Security Council and General Assembly relating to measures to eliminate terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. In General Assembly resolution 60/288, of 8 September 2006, and Security Council resolution 1373 (2001), of 28 September 2001, among others, States express their commitment to fully cooperate in combating this scourge with a view to locating, denying refuge to and bringing to justice through extradition and trial any person who is involved in the execution, financing or planning of acts of terrorism or offering refuge to such persons. Allow me to conclude by saying that there is a need to act with transparency in combating terrorism, with a view to to maintaining international peace and security.

The President: I now give the floor to the representative of Nigeria.

Mr. Sarki (Nigeria): On behalf of my delegation, I wish to congratulate Pakistan on its assumption of the presidency of the Security Council for this month, as well as to thank it for choosing this important subject for today's debate. My delegation associates itself with the statements delivered earlier by the representatives of the Islamic Republic ofIran and Egypt on behalfofthe Non-Aligned Movement and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, respectively. The fight against terrorism, especially the Boko Haram menace, remains a very high priority for Nigeria. The complexity and evolving nature of the threat and the diversity of conditions conducive to the spread of terrorism will require a comprehensive, multifaceted and sustainable response at the national, regional and global levels. Terrorists are exploiting instability in some parts of the world and taking advantage of new technologies, including using mobile telephones and the Internet to expand their networks, raise funds, recruit new members and propagate their ideals. The world must rise to the challenge. Nigeria has taken certain measures aimed at effectively countering the Boko Haram menace and other terrorist-related threats in our country. The 2011 Prevention of Terrorism Act and the Money-laundering Prohibition Act of the same year were introduced not only to stem the tide, but also to neutralize terrorist threats in Nigeria. The laws establish measures for the prevention, prohibition and combating of terrorism, including terrorism funding. The terrorism prevention amendment bill of December 2012 strengthened the sanctions regime and the legal framework and provided useful tools for defending human rights while fighting the menace. We also adopted a three-pronged counter-terrorism strategy that involves the following. First, it addresses social and economic grievances, promotes political and religious dialogue and enhances the capacity of law enforcement agencies to combat all terrorist threats. Secondly, it restructures the banking sector and strengthens institutional bodies, including the office of the national coordinator for counter-terrorism and the national intelligence unit, as front-line agencies in combating terrorism. It also involves the signing of regional counter-terrorism treaties. Against that background, in March, Nigeria will host a regional workshop of the Counter- Terrorism Implementation Task Force (CTITF) on the implementation of the United Nations Global Counter- Terrorism Strategy in West Africa and the Sahel. That subregional project is expected to galvanize Member States, international organizations, civil society organizations and other regional stakeholders to work in concert towards the attainment of the common objective of tackling the threat of terrorism. We are also a member of the Global Counter-Terrorism Forum, as well as the CTITF. We will work within those frameworks to reach the common objective of blunting the dangers and threats caused by terrorist movements and organizations. It is evident that close cooperation is required among Member States as a prerequisite and effective strategy in tackling terrorism. The overarching challenge is to find ways to sustain international cooperation, despite the divergence in the perception of threat by various countries. My delegation recognizes the unique and invaluable contributions of the United Nations to the global efforts to combat the scourge of terrorism. At the same time, we would like to highlight the nexus between terrorism and extremism, illiteracy, poverty, maladministration and human rights violations, and to emphasize that those factors should always be taken into consideration when formulating counter-terrorism strategies. My delegation therefore calls for the formulation and adoption of long- term strategies based on subregional, regional and international cooperation to support national measures and to assist individual Governments facing threats of terrorism to deal with the scourge effectively, while observing established best practices, including respect for fundamental human rights. We therefore believe that the fight against terrorism should, as much as possible, take into account the peculiar contexts and environments in which such struggles are being waged. Nigeria will continue to collaborate with the United Nations with respect to the terrorist challenge in our country. In that regard, we will work with the relevant United Nations agencies and the Security Council to coordinate activities and ensure that, in the end, a successful campaign to eradicate extremism and terrorist violence is achieved.

The President: I now give the floor to the representative of Kazakhstan.

Mrs. Aitimova (Kazakhstan): First of all, let me congratulate the Permanent Representative of Pakistan for his stewardship of the work of the Security Council for this month and to thank him for convening today's important meeting. I take this opportunity to welcome Australia, Argentina, the Republic of Korea, Luxembourg and Rwanda as incoming members of the Council. I am confident that they will make significant contributions to its agenda. Kazakhstan consistently advocates the strengthening of global security through the efforts of the United Nations and the international community to fight international terrorism. No terrorist activity has any justification; nor is it tied to any nationality or religion. It does cause serious damage to international peace and security and to global sustainable development. Terrorism has a criminal undertaking. Behind the rhetoric of terrorist groups lies criminal activity that undermines the foundations of society. We are convinced that no country in the world can sufficiently address contemporary challenges alone, especially terrorism. We therefore attach great value to the development of cooperation on counter-terrorism, and we support in practice all international and regional efforts in that direction. We advocate the further implementation of the main provisions of the United Nations Global Counter- Terrorism Strategy at the national and regional levels. A concrete step in that direction was the adoption of the Joint Plan of Action for the Implementation of the Strategy in Central Asia, which took place in the city of Ashgabat in 2011. The Plan is the fruitful outcome of thejoint efforts of countries of the region, the Counter- Terrorism Implementation Task Force, the European Union and the United Nations Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia. In 2012, a consultative meeting was held in Almaty, with the support of the Government of my country, to discuss how to implement the Plan in conjunction with the major regional organizations. Kazakhstan is an active participant in the anti-terrorist centre of the Commonwealth of Independent States, the regional anti-terrorist structure of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and the efforts of the Collective Security Treaty Organization in the fight against terrorism and extremism. My country is also undertaking counter-terrorism measures in accordance with its individual partnership action plan with NATO. In addition, it is currently engaged in ongoing dialogue and collaboration with the European Union. The Astana Declaration on the Prevention of Terrorism, adopted at a conference, reaffirmed the commitment of participating countries of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe and State partners to the fight against the scourge of terrorism. We support the international community's efforts to combat the threat of nuclear terrorism. We attach great importance to international cooperation and to the implementation of measures to prevent the spread of weapons of mass destruction and to avoid having them all into the hands of terrorists. My Government therefore organized a conference on the Global Initiative to Combat Nuclear Terrorism, with special focus on countering the financing of terrorism, and held the first meeting of the Implementation and Assessment Group. At the national level, within the framework of the Kazakhstan 2050 Strategy, adopted this year, we have started to develop a new State programme to combat religious extremism and terrorism, an important part of which will be devoted to regional and international cooperation, improving national antiterrorism legislation, including questions on providing assistance to victims of terrorist attacks, and preventing terrorism. Terrorism, as experience proves, cannot be completely eliminated by methods of force alone. We therefore consider it necessary to promote sustainable economic development and education. We wish to promote the elimination, as far as possible, of preconditions for conflict situations in every region and to create new, reliable mechanisms for overcoming social, ethnic and religious tensions. In that context, my country intends to use the advantages of the interactive platform of the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions to create a new platform for the resolution of conflicts on religious grounds. A ministerial meeting of the Istanbul Process on Afghanistan will be held in Astana in April, with a view to developing concrete proposals for reducing the threat of terrorism to the region as a whole. We are confident that that forum will make an important contribution to the process of the political settlement, reconstruction and regional integration of Afghanistan. We live in the age of the Internet and advanced technology, where the flow of information is enormous. It is regrettable that those new information capabilities are used by terrorist and extremist organizations to spread their destructive ideology. In that regard, we support the efforts of the Russian Federation and China to develop a mechanism for ensuring international information security.

The President: I now give the floor to the representative of Canada.

Mr. Rishchynski (Canada) (spoke in French): Before beginning my statement, I would like to congratulate Pakistan on its assumption of the presidency of the Security Council for the month of January and to thank you, Mr. President, for this opportunity to speak. (spoke in English) I would like to thank Pakistan, as President of the Security Council, for initiating this debate on the need for a comprehensive approach to counter-terrorism. May I also express Canada's strong condemnation of the deadly attacks of 10 January in Pakistan, which have killed scores of innocent people. On behalf of all Canadians, we extend our deepest sympathies to the families and friends of those killed. (spoke in French) Canada stresses the continuing obligation of every State to prevent terrorist groups from receiving training on their territory or crossing international borders to conduct terrorist operations in other States. That applies equally to the countries of the Sahel and the Horn of Africa, to Iran, Lebanon, the West Bank and Gaza, and Pakistan. (spoke in English) Canada recently added the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Quds Force to our list of terrorist entities, in response to their provision of arms, funding and paramilitary training to terrorist groups that include the Taliban, Lebanese Hizbullah, Hamas, the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, the Popular Front for the Liberation of PalestinefGeneral Command, and networks inside Iraq. Indeed, dubious networks thriving in ungoverned spaces, at the confluence of State and non-State actors, must be confronted for what they are, wherever they aspire to fulfil their hegemonic ambitions. This debate is particularly timely in view of the destabilizing developments in Mali. Armed groups, including terrorist organizations listed by this body, are collaborating to control an increasing amount of territory, with disastrous humanitarian and human- dignity consequences for the people of Mali. It is indisputable that terrorism is a global scourge that has targeted all our nations, undermining civilization and subverting popular sovereignty across the face of the Earth. We are compelled to work more closely together, united in purpose and coordinated in practice, to combat the radical sectarianism that manifests itselfin the lives of the innocent through acts of unmitigated terror. The United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy is a valuable supporting mechanism for international cooperation against terrorism. The Strategy emphasizes our shared condemnation of terrorism in all its forms. It commits us to urgent and comprehensive action to prevent and combat terrorism around the world. Canada was very pleased to play a role in the Strategy's renewal during the last review period, and we look forward to further consideration of the Secretary-General's proposal concerning the establishment of the post of a United Nations counter-terrorism coordinator, as provided for in the Strategy renewal resolution (General Assembly resolution 66/282). We also continue to serve in our role as facilitator on behalf of the bureau of the annual General Assembly resolution on measures to eliminate international terrorism. Canada launched its own national road map against terrorism last year. Our strategy aims to prevent individuals from engaging in terrorism, detect the activities ofindividuals who may pose a terrorist threat, deny terrorists the means and opportunity to carry out their activities and respond proportionately and rapidly to terrorist activities in order to mitigate their effects. Combating the financing of terrorism is a key aspect of our approach. Canada is a founding member of the Financial Action Task Force, the global leader in standard-setting for combating money laundering and terrorist financing. Canada has worked hard to establish a robust domestic anti-money laundering and anti-terrorist-financing regime and continues to adjust it so as to fully implement the Task Force's international standards. (Spoke in French) Helping to build the capacity of Member States to fight terrorism is another important part of our approach. Canada's counter-terrorism capacity-building programme provides significant training, equipment and technical and legal support, as well as assistance in matters of security, to help our partners prevent and respond to terrorist activities. In that context, Canada is pleased to be a founding member of the Global Counter- Terrorism Forum (GCTF) and to co-chair its working group on the Sahel. The GCTF provides members with an action-oriented forum to enable them to work together to identify gaps and mobilize the resources necessary to build States' capacity to combat terrorism. (spoke in English) Responding to the needs of victims is also crucial to Canada's overall approach to countering terrorism. Our recently adopted Justice for Victims of Terrorism Act provides victims with the means to seek justice by holding the perpetrators of terrorism and those who support them, including States, accountable for their actions. Respect for human rights and the rule of law frames Canada's entire approach and underpins each and every one of our counter-terrorism efforts. The Council can rest assured that Canada is committed to building on our shared successes and contributing to our collective duty to combat the global terror threat in all its manifestations.

The President: I now give the floor to the representative of Uganda.

Mr. Kafeero (Uganda): At the outset, I would like to convey Uganda's deep sympathy and condolences to the Government and people of Pakistan following the recent terrorist attacks. I wish to congratulate you, Mr. President, and the delegation of Pakistan on your assumption of the presidency of the Security Council. I also thank you for organizing this important debate. We also thank the Secretary-General for his informative briefing this morning. Terrorism is a global threat to international peace and security. This debate is an affirmation of the significance ofthe Security Council and ofits important contribution to the global efforts to counter that threat. The indiscriminate and callous acts of terrorism around the world are a reminder of the vulnerability of all States. On 11 July 2010, Uganda was the target ofa cowardly attack by Al-Shabaab terrorists. That attack resulted in the deaths of 78 innocent people and the injury of 200 others. Uganda continues to face threats from that group and others, such as the Lord's Resistance Army and the Allied Democratic Forces which, like Al-Shabaab, is linked with Al-Qaida. Uganda strongly condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. We reaffirm that all terrorist acts are criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation or of who commits them. Uganda strongly supports the full implementation of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy as an effective framework in the fight against terrorism. Since 1998, the Government of Uganda has adopted several measures at the national, regional and international levels aimed at preventing and combating both local and international terrorism. At the international level, we continue to support the full implementation of relevant United Nations resolutions, conventions and international agreements to prevent, combat and eliminate terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. At the regional level, Uganda has strengthened cooperation through frameworks such as the East African Community, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region and the African Union. At the national level, Uganda adopted an anti-terrorism act in 2002 that established the legal framework within which counter-terrorism efforts are regulated. Uganda has also taken the necessary measures to prevent its territory from being used for cross-border terrorist acts. We have swiftly brought to justice persons or entities participating in terrorist acts, including prosecuting those involved in the July 2010 attacks in Kampala. Uganda formulated and has been implementing a strategy of public awareness and sensitization through a police-led security education and training programme since 2007. Tenets of the programme include raising security awareness among the public to enable them to appreciate, cooperate with and support law enforcement agencies' efforts to ensure safety and security in their neighbourhoods. We continue to organize counter-terrorism dialogues with various communities, including in schools, shopping malls and faith-based organizations, whereby those communities are given a platform to discuss issues of concern, including terrorism. Our experience has shown that such meetings are very important in ensuring good community relations and acceptance by the public that law enforcement measures are appropriate and proportionate. Those counter terrorism efforts are conducted under an inter-agency body, which is important for the synergy of efforts, coordination, creating team spirit and ensuring effective resource mobilization and utilization. We have seen increasing levels of sophistication in terrorist networks through their ability to exploit the benefits ofinformation and communication technology, such as social media, and linkages with transnational criminal networks to finance and promote their activities. The strong links between terrorism and such transnational organized crime as money laundering, human trafficking and drug trafficking have become a threat to the territorial integrity and sovereignty of some States. Since terrorism and transnational criminal activities thrive on the same vulnerabilities and utilize similar actors, it is necessary for the United Nations to support the implementation of counter-terrorism measures that will sever the mutually reinforcing and symbiotic relationships that exist or may emerge. Our collective efforts should aim at denying terrorists any safe haven, eradicating sources of terrorist financing, reducing States' vulnerability and enhancing States' preparedness and response capabilities. Priority attention in the fight against terrorism should be given to prevention. A comprehensive approach to counter-terrorism should support addressing fundamental vulnerabilities such as economic deprivation and weak State structures, in order to effectively deprive terrorists of safe havens and recruiting grounds and, in turn, strengthen the ability of States to effectively counter terrorist threats. Our collective approach should also place emphasis to building national and regional capacity and facilitating cooperation among States. That requires an effective system to be put in place to provide technical assistance for capacity-building that is responsive to the needs of States. In that regard, it is essential to put greater emphasis on fostering better information-sharing, operational planning and initiatives that strengthen regional counter-terrorism capabilities and cooperation. Closer cooperation between the United Nations and such regional and subregional organizations as the African Union, IGAD, the Southern African Development Community and the Economic Community of West African States in counter-terrorism activities is crucial. Such cooperation is an essential and a necessary approach towards more effective counter- terrorism measures. Finally, countering terrorism goes beyond the individual abilities of any State. By working together, we can counter and combat those threats. I would like to reaffirm Uganda's resolve and support to contribute constructively to international efforts in the comprehensive approach to counter-terrorism.

The President: I now give the floor to the represenative of Armenia.

Mr. Nazarian (Armenia): I would like to thank you, Mr. President, for having convened this open debate and for the opportunity it provides Armenia to present its views and reaffirm our united efforts to strengthen dialogue and mutual understanding among States, the United Nations and civil society in combating the scourge of terrorism. Let me join previous speakers by expressing our deepest condolences to the Pakistani people with regard to the horrific acts of terrorism of last week, which claimed so many innocent lives. The enormity of the threat of terrorism around the world and its implications necessitate a multilayered approach. Moreover, the strategy adopted to address the problem can only be implemented successfully with the coordinated action and support of various United Nations counter-terrorism bodies, agencies and other intergovernmental organizations that deal with transnational crime. At the national level, Armenia has developed effective multilateral cooperation over the past decade in the fight against transnational organized crime and international terrorism. We work closely with various international and regional partners, such as the Council of Europe, the European Union, the Collective Security Treaty Organization and NATO, in such areas as legal reform, improving national law enforcement capacities, border control and intelligence systems. A network of bilateral agreements has also been established with many countries. Unilaterally, we have adopted practical and effective border control measures and demonstrated our strong interest in acquiring the technology and equipment needed to further enhance the existing border security regime. However, closed borders with some of our neighbours discourage regional border security cooperation in this very sensitive geostrategic area. Secure borders are particularly important in volatile regions such as the South Caucuses, where still- unresolved conflicts have become a convenient excuse for the accumulation of enormous amounts of weaponry, very often in violation of existing international treaties and instruments. Illicit flows of armaments, drugs, terrorist groups and terrorist activities remain a matter of concern in a very global sense. Because of the transnational nature of the crime of terrorism and the lack of regional cooperation, we have to be vigilant not to allow the situation to be exploited again in our region by radical elements for the purposes of terrorist recruitment or provocation. Armenia also believes that terrorism should not be equated with the legitimate struggle of peoples for self-determination. We condemn the use of State power and mercenaries to suppress the exercise of the inalienable right to self- determination. As we focus on a comprehensive approach to counter the scourge of terrorism, given the fact that conditions conducive to the spread of this international crime include, among other things, prolonged unresolved conflicts, we have to encourage public education and awareness-raising programmes in conflict-prone societies. The broadcast and dissimination ofhate speech on a State level, which we sadly continue to witness in our neighbourhood, is a preludeto the incitement and ignition of terrorism. That behaviour has to be replaced by the promotion of tolerance and inclusive dialogue. Such engagement and confidence-building measures play a key role in the prevention of extremism and the radicalization of societies and are a way forward to advance long-term development and security goals, which we all are committed to achieving. In conclusion, I cannot but agree with the statements of previous speakers that countering terrorism and violent extremism is a shared mission, and we have the tools and the political will to do that. The scope and magnitude of this assault require an even greater level of innovation and enhanced coordination of our joined efforts in this critical area. I would also like to take this opportunity once again to congratulate the incoming members and to wish the Council a productive year ahead.

The President: I now give the floor to the representative of Afghanistan.

Mr. Tanin (Afghanistan): I would like to begin by congratulating you, Mr. President, on Pakistan's assumption of the presidency of the Security Council and by expressing our appreciation for the convening of today's important meeting to address an issue of special importance and relevance to my country, Afghanistan. I wish to take this opportunity to reiterate our condemnation of the terrorist attacks that took place in Quetta and the Swat Valley, which left more than 100 innocent people dead and many more wounded. Such horrific incidents reaffirm the fact that terrorism is still a formidable threat. That is why we all must redouble our efforts to defeat this menace. My delegation is pleased to know that the Security Council continues to pay serious attention to the fight against terrorism. In May of last year, the Council held a high-level meeting on threats to international peace and security caused by terrorist acts (see S/PV.6765). The outcome of that meeting underscored the changing nature of the terrorist threat and the need for a strengthened global response in dealing with the problem (see S/PRST/2012/17). Today, more than ever before, the fight against terrorism is being conducted in a more results-oriented, balanced and integrated manner. Afghanistan has lived with, and suffered from, terrorism for more than two decades. It was not too long ago when Afghanistan's territory was used by Al-Qaida and affiliate groups not only as a site for brutal attacks against the Afghan people, but as a staging ground for terrorist attacks around the world. Over the past 11 years, since the fall of the Taliban, Afghanistan has made important headway in its fight against terrorism and in transforming itself into a more peaceful, stable and democratic society. Despite the progress made thus far, terrorism and insecurity remain serious challenges facing the Afghan people. The effects of terrorism resulting from attacks on innocent civilians, including women and men, tribal and religious elders, members of civil society and even young school children, are felt throughout Afghan society. Just last month, in another cowardly attack, a terrorist posing as a peace negotiator carried out a suicide bombing against our chief of intelligence, Mr. Asadullah Khalid. Gratefully, the assassination plot failed and Mr. Khalid is now recovering successfully. Such acts will in no way weaken the determination of Afghans to defeat terrorism and succeed in their journey towards peace and prosperity. Our comprehensive counter-terrorism approach, which is central to our national security strategy, is being carried out by our national security institutions. At the operational level, scores of terrorists and enemy combatants have been captured and brought to justice. Through intelligence-gathering, we have subverted hundreds of terrorist plots in various parts of the country. Operating with increased capability, our security forces are increasingly taking charge of combat operations nationwide, including in counter- terrorism operations. Insecurity and terrorism are not only a threat for Afghanistan, but for our wider region, which we hope will be dealt with fully and effectively within the framework of our joint efforts with regional partner countries. We therefore cannot overstate the importance of regional cooperation. Over the past year, we have stepped up efforts to defeat terrorism, improve security and ensure prosperity in our part of the world. To that end, we are making important progress through bilateral, trilateral and quadrilateral mechanisms, as well as through regional efforts such as the Istanbul Process on Regional Security and Cooperation for a Secure and Stable Afghanistan. We have enhanced our cooperation with Pakistan in a number of areas, including counter-terrorism efforts, in order to bring about lasting peace, security and stability to both of our countries. Consistent with our struggle against terrorism, we attach great importance to the body of legal instruments concerning this problem. Afghanistan is party to 13 international counter-terrorism conventions and protocols. In that regard, the relevant ministries and governmental agencies are working closely towards the implementation of national legislation. I would be remiss ifI failed to commend the respective important work being done by the counter-terrorism subsidiary bodies of the Security Council - the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999) and 1989 (2011), concerning Al-Qaida and associated individuals and entities; the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1373 (2001), concerning counter-terrorism; and the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004). Afghanistan will continue to present national reports with regard to the implementation of the relevant Security Council resolutions. The role of the United Nations lies at the core of an effective fight against terrorism. The third biennial review of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, conducted last June in the General Assembly, marks another milestone in strengthening United Nations counter-terrorism efforts and has generated new impetus in the efforts of States against that global threat. Furthermore, we believe that greater synergy and coordination among the relevant United Nations bodies and agencies will enable the Organization to enhance cooperation as efficiently as possible, both internationally and regionally. In that regard, we look forward to further discussions on the topic of the appointment of a United Nations counter-terrorism coordinator. We also commend the important work being done by the Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force. Through various initiatives, such as workshops in different regions, including Central Asia, the Task Force is playing an important role in helping States to build their counter-terrorism capacities. Another important development was the establishment of the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Centre, in November 2012. We are confident that the Centre will go a long way towards enhancing coordination efforts. The Global Counter-Terrorism strategy underscores a holistic approach in the fight against terrorism. Our success is dependent upon the extent to which we are able to make further progress in a number of areas. The dangerous link between terrorism and transnational organized crime must be broken. The problem of terrorist safe havens, alongside the outstanding issue of financial and logistical resources made available to terrorists, has yet to be resolved. Those are real problems that require real solutions. Moreover, we believe that conflict prevention and resolution are essential facets of the counter-terrorism effort. The United Nations role is of particular importance in that regard. In addition, ensuring job opportunities for youth and poverty eradication will help curtail the recruitment of new individuals to terrorist networks. In that connection, we would like to highlight the activities of the Department of Economic and Social Affairs in promoting development for all. It goes without saying that terrorism is a common enemy that does not discriminate against any particular religion, nationality or culture. Everyone is a target. We call for increased measures to strengthen interreligious and cultural dialogue and understanding. In conclusion, I would like to underscore Afghanistan's long-standing commitment to the fight against international terrorism. As a prime victim of the threat, we are well aware of its devastating effects on societies, yet we are also well aware ofthe progress that can be made in that regard through joint and concerted efforts. We greatly value the support we have received from our international partners over the past 11 years in our struggle against the global threat, and look forward to our continuing partnership with the international community on the way forward.

The President: I now give the floor to the representative of Spain.

Mr. Arias (Spain) (spoke in Spanish): I thank the Security Council for this opportunity to participate in today's open debate on a subject that is very important to the international community and which Spain considers to be an undeniable priority. I thank Pakistan for organizing this debate and I wish it luck and success in its presidency of the Council during this difficult month of January. Terrorism is a crime that must be prosecuted solely with the instruments that are granted by the rule of law. Criminal justice must act in its fullest capacity, always guaranteeing due process. Spain is fully convinced that the fight against terrorism and the strict respect for human rights not only are compatible but also reinforce and complement each other. Terrorism is a threat to all that must be combated with efficacy. To that end, we need a strategy that guides the actions necessary at the international, regional and national levels. In 2006, the General Assembly adopted the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy by consensus in resolution 60/288. National and regional strategies are also necessary to help avoid duplicating efforts and eliminate existing dangerous gaps. In that regard, I believe that the Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force must intensify its work in order to facilitate a better integration and coordination of national and international actions. Terrorism must be condemned firmly and emphatically, and we must accept no justification for it. That is compatible with undertaking a serious analysis of the origins of violent radicalization and the best way to combat it. Combating terrorism requires the indispensable cooperation of the police and the courts. However, we must keep in mind that the current economic and social situation in different parts of the world creates very fertile ground for the development of violent radicalization. We must therefore develop new strategies that conform to a concept in which security and development are closely connected. The events in Mali are a good example of what happens when citizens do not have recourse to a reliable security and development framework, because terrorist groups can then take power, posing a serious threat to the country in question and the international community with their mafioso behaviour. For that reason, and in the light of that preventive concept, it is very important that the greatest possible effort be made at the international level to use instruments, such as the United Nations Development Programme, that can provide better technical assistance on the ground. Prevention is a very broad-based concept that includes the development of intercultural dialogue and brings civilizations closer together as a means of combating fanaticism. It is important, therefore, to highlight the value of the Alliance of Civilizations, which in a short time has become a multidimensional instrument of preventive diplomacy, encompassing the political, social, economic, religious and legal spheres, and, in addition, attaches great importance to the media and other forms of communication. The Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy must also develop a responsible interaction between local communities and police forces. It must also give special attention to social integration at the local level, to dialogue with representatives of religious minorities, and to the responsible education of religious leaders. In the light of the foregoing, Spain is participating in efforts to distribute educational material in schools that will help develop pluralism, coexistence, tolerance and respect towards others. In that area, organizations such as UNESCO can make a major contribution. One essential area is the Internet. Messages must be spread throughout the Internet that discredit terrorism, stripping it of the supposedly glorious and generous image presented in many forums and highlighting its religious doctrinal contradictions. With that in mind, it is important to give a special role to prestigious personalities, the victims of terrorism and certain religious leaders. To that end, it is necessary to work with the private sector in research to develop databases, encourage the exchange of information, and appropriately manage borders and procedures in airports and train stations. The relationship with the private sector is also of utmost importance in guaranteeing the protection of tourism, of certain infrastructure and mass events. The victims of terrorism must play a central role in national, regional and international strategies because their stories carry moral weight and they can be an effective instrument against terrorism through their testimony and experience. A policy of acknowledgement, support and assistance to victims will be a strong factor in discrediting terrorism even further. Spain thanks the Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force for its work in collecting and issuing recommendations and best practices of States in connection with victims. That work goes hand in hand with that of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime with regard to victims and the response of criminal justice to their needs. Despite the suffering caused by terrorism in the past few years, it is regrettable that there is still no binding international standard of a universal nature aimed at protecting the rights of victims. Spain considers it to be of utmost importance that we promote the drafting of an international statute for the victims of terrorism that would embody their rights. I wish to restate Spain's firm and active support for the Working Group on Supporting and Highlighting Victims of Terrorism, which is a part of the Counter- Terrorism Implementation Task Force, with a view to carrying out the United Nations Global Counter- Terrorism Strategy. The Plan of Action on Victims of Terrorism that was approved by the Global Counter- Terrorism Forum (GCTF) at the High-level Conference on Victims of Terrorism held in Madrid in July 2012 is a good reference point because it collects proposals addressed to the members of the GCTF and to any State that wishes to participate. In conclusion, Spain takes this opportunity to appeal for consensus in the negotiation of an international convention against terrorism, which would be an essential building block in fighting the scourge.

The President: I now give the floor to the representative of Botswana.

Mr. Ntwaagae (Botswana): Mr. President, Botswana is pleased to see you personally presiding over the business of the Council today. I wish to express my delegation's appreciation to your country for including this item on the agenda of the Council, and my delegation is pleased to share its views on it. Let me also express my condolences to you and your country, Sir, for the loss of lives as a result of the terrorist attacks that took place in your country on Friday. My delegation also aligns itself with the statement delivered on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement. Despite the challenge of resource limitations, Botswana remains committed to the full and effective implementation of its international obligations in the fight against terrorism. Botswana joins the international community in condemning acts of terrorism in all their forms and manifestations wherever, however and whenever they occur. There can never be any justification for the motive behind such dastardly acts. Terrorism remains a serious threat to national, regional and international peace and security. Acts of terrorism have shown that this phenomenon knows no boundaries and that its impact is indiscriminate and deeply wounds the soul of every society. The fact that it is a violent form of transnational crime that thrives on the proceeds of crimes ranging from illegal trade to money-laundering requires the common resolve of the international community to offer an effective global response and action. My delegation strongly believes that the international community should move a step further in its concerted efforts against acts of terrorism and consolidate all 13 existing multilateral conventions and protocols in order to intensify and harmonize action against this scourge. That is the united action that is needed to send the strong message to perpetrators of violence and potential terrorists that the international community is unrelenting in its commitment to fulfilling its obligation to stop countless numbers of innocent lives from being claimed by terrorist activities. Above all, we need to strengthen the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy in order to stop arbitrary killings, the destruction of property and livelihoods, and the spread of terrorism. My delegation therefore agrees that the international community should scale up its cooperation and assistance in support of counter-terrorism activities, programmes, institutions and training, which are usually lacking in developing countries. Botswana believes that the development of strong institutions of governance, the promotion of the rule of law, and the promotion and protection of human rights serve as a useful foundation for countering terrorism. The sharing of knowledge, experience and best practices, including through the establishment of unified customs systems and border control facilities, could facilitate a seamless flow of information among neighbouring countries. That is also critical for addressing the problem of the illicit trafficking of drugs, small arms and light weapons, the proceeds of which cannot be separated from the financing of terrorism and terrorist activities. At the national level, Botswana has established a national counter-terrorism committee, with the mandate of ensuring the implementation of counter-terrorism strategies. There has been steady progress in the areas of legislative reforms and strengthening the capability of the security apparatus to combat terrorism. That includes the drafting of comprehensive anti-terrorism legislation to deal with the threat of terrorism and the creation of new institutions, such as the Directorate on Intelligence and Security, the Financial Intelligence Agency and the Non-Bank Financial Institutions Regulatory Authority. On the multilateral front, Botswana continues to intensify its cooperation in the fight against terrorism at the subregional, regional and international levels. Botswana's participation in bodies such as the Southern African Regional Police Chiefs Organization, the Eastern and Southern African Anti-Money Laundering Group, INTERPOL and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime is an additional effort to enhance the implementation capacity of our national counter- terrorism strategy.

The President: I now give the floor to the representative of Switzerland.

Mr. Guerber (Switzerland) (spoke in French): I would first like to thank the Government of Pakistan for organizing today's open debate on a comprehensive approach to counter-terrorism and for the related concept paper (S/2013/3, annex). I take this opportunity to express Switzerland's sincere condolences and deepest sympathy to Pakistan for the losses it suffered as a result of the horrific terrorist attacks that took place in Quetta and the Swat Valley on Thursday. Switzerland condemns terrorism in all its forms and rejects any association of terrorist acts with a particular race, ethnicity, civilization, nationality or religion. The manifestations of terrorism are manifold. Terrorists arbitrarily kill or injure people and kidnap targeted individuals for ransom. They destroy property and hurt our economies. They seek to undermine the security of aircraft, ships and nuclear facilities. The preparations for terrorist acts, their financing and the recruitment of their perpetrators take place both in the real world and in cyberspace. Switzerland fully subscribes to a comprehensive approach when dealing with the various aspects of terrorism. At the multilateral level, this approach is best reflected in the United Nations Global Counter- Terrorism Strategy, which is the foundation of the United Nations counter-terrorism programme. The Strategy integrates four different pillars into one common vision: the use of non-military tools, capacity- building, law enforcement cooperation and addressing the underlying societal and political conditions that are conducive to the spread of terrorism. The Strategy also asserts that counter-terrorism efforts must respect human rights, due process and the rule of law. Success in the fight against terrorism depends on the equal implementation of all four pillars of the Strategy. At the United Nations level, such a balanced approach should be systematically reflected in the resolutions adopted by its organs, in the composition of the Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force (CTITF) and in the subjects dealt with by its various working groups. The appointment of a United Nations counter-terrorism coordinator remains a priority for Switzerland. A holistic approach to counter-terrorism is also needed at the domestic level. In Switzerland, the Counter-Terrorism Coordinator at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs chairs the Interdepartmental Group on Counter-Terrorism, in which over 30 agencies from across the Swiss federal administration take part. Since its adoption in 2006, Switzerland has actively supported the integrated implementation of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. Together with other countries, and in close cooperation with the United Nations, in 2007 we launched the International Process on Global Counter-Terrorism Cooperation. The Process seeks better coordination of the national, regional and global counter-terrorism efforts towards the implementation of all four pillars of the Strategy. Since the establishment of the Strategy, several meetings have taken place at the global and regional levels. Together with the CTITF, we are preparing another global counter-terrorism coordinators meeting, to be held in Geneva in June. By specifically focusing on the conditions conducive to the spread of terrorism and on regional cooperation, we seek to better understand the complex reasons that make people from different regions of the world become terrorists in order to find appropriate regional solutions to destroy the appeal of terrorism at the local level. For Switzerland, a global approach also means a close and mutually beneficial relationship among States, the United Nations and other international, regional and subregional organizations and institutions, such as the new Global Counter-Terrorism Forum. However, we cannot content ourselves with international efforts. With the threat of terrorism becoming more widespread and networked, we must better integrate civil society in our efforts to prevent and combat terrorism. Non-governmental organizations, academia, independent research centres, religious organizations and other social networks play an essential role in advancing global counter-terrorism objectives, even without openly declaring it. That role can also be assumed in terrorist kidnappings because, in our view, paying a ransom is not an option. Civil society actors have a constructive role to play in preventing and countering kidnappings for ransom in order to rescue hostages and to ensure their safe and sound release. We are absolutely convinced that States will be able to prevent terrorism only with the assistance of societies.

The President: I now give the floor to the representative of Norway.

Mr. Pedersen (Norway): I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Nordic countries Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Sweden and my own country, Norway. I will make six brief points. First, no country is immune to terrorism. Norway experienced it in July 2011. Preventing terrorism requires a comprehensive approach, including political, economic, legal and military means. It is also necessary to take a long-term perspective, while still addressing urgent issues without delay. That is the essence of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, as pointed out in the background document for today's meeting (see S/2013/3, annex). Secondly, respect for human rights and the rule of law is the starting point for all our efforts against terrorism, at both the domestic and the international levels. In that respect, the strengthening of correctional capacities, such as the judiciary, police and border control, remains important to be able to combat transnational organized crime and terrorism. Thirdly, we are pleased to note that the mandate of the Ombudsperson for the Al-Qaida sanctions system was extended for 30 months in resolution 2083 (2012). We commend Judge Prost for her impressive work, and encourage all Member States to give their full support to her Office and to provide her with all relevant information. Fourthly, it is the responsibility of Member States to take all necessary steps to counter terrorism. The Nordic countries have provided voluntary contributions through the Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force, the Counter-Terrorism Executive Directorate, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and other United Nations entities to assist Member States in their counter-terrorism efforts and in implementing the Strategy. The United Nations plays a vital coordinating role. Important steps have been taken by the Counter- Terrorism Implementation Task Force and the Counter- Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate, in particular, but there is a continued need to increase efficiency and avoid overlap or gaps. It is also important to improve coordination with initiatives, such as the Global Initiative to Counter Nuclear Terrorism. Therefore, we welcome the proposal to appoint a United Nations counter-terrorism coordinator. Fifthly, a key element in the Strategy is to prevent the financing of terrorism. We support the close and constructive cooperation that has been developed between the Counter-Terrorism Committee, the Executive Directorate and the Financial Action Task Force. The Task Force has developed practical recommendations to prevent the financing of terrorism, and we urge all Member States to implement them. The recommendations of the Financial Action Task Force are also useful in the fight against international organized crime, which again plays a role in funding terrorism. Furthermore, United Nations organizations must strengthen their financial and other control mechanisms, especially in complex emergencies, in accordance with international standards in order to prevent terrorist financing or other illegal practices. My sixth and final point is that, in certain situations, counter-terrorism measures and strategies constrain humanitarian action and can even criminalize humanitarian activities. As set out in the 2010 report of the Secretary-General on the protection of civilians in armed conflict (S/2010/579) and reiterated by the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, the restrictions imposed by State and non-State actors on personnel and humanitarian supplies are indeed a major concern. Such restrictions include those imposed by donor Governments in relation to certain armed actors in armed conflict. We need to ensure clarity on the part of States regarding the scope and applicability of counter-terrorism laws and measures so that they do not undermine humanitarian commitments and in order to fully ensure complete and unimpeded humanitarian access.

The President: I now give the floor to the representative of Tunisia.

Mr. Khiari (Tunisia) (spoke in French): At the outset, I would first of all like to say how happy my delegation is to see you, Sir, assume the presidency ofthe Council. We congratulate you and thank you for having chosen the very important topic of a comprehensive approach to counter-terrorism. My delegation welcomes the convening of this open debate, which provides my country the opportunity to reiterate its firm condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and to reaffirm its full support for the efforts of the international community in our fight against the threats of terrorism and its causes. The comprehensive approach to counter-terrorism is of particular importance because the terrorist threat remains very real, given the tensions and risks that characterize the international and regional geopolitical context and the presence of terrorist groups and criminal networks, whose activities gravely threaten international peace and security. The situation in the African Sahel is a cause of great concern to the region and the international community. The serious and many problems facing the countries of that region, exacerbated by arms and drug trafficking and the emergence of new terrorist groups, are a threat to international peace and security. It requires urgently establishing a comprehensive, concerted and holistic approach that tackles the root causes of the lack of stability, including in the African Sahel region. Tunisia, for its part, has always shown a strong commitment at the national, regional and international levels to tackling terrorist threats. That commitment can be seen nationally through the adoption of a multidimensional national strategy to deal with the causes that promote the spread of terrorism. The strategy takes into account the right of all individuals to enjoy the benefits of dignity, justice and prosperity. At the regional level, Tunisia has acceded to almost all initiatives and actions on the issue, in particular by ratifying all regional counter-terrorism agreements. Deeply convinced that counter-terrorism exceeds the individual capacities of a State or any international organization, my country has also acceded to most international treaties and agreements to combat terrorism and continues to strive to meet its obligations under the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. Post-revolution Tunisia places a high priority on protecting human rights in the context of counter- terrorism measures and is committed to ensuring that all of our counter-terrorism measures are in conformity with our obligations regarding human rights law and humanitarian law. Just as terrorism has neither race, religion or nationality, it is also multiform and ever-changing in its manifestations, methods and means. Moreover, today terrorism is also electronic. It leans increasingly on new communication and information technologies and evolves in tandem with cybercrime. We believe that purely security-oriented and sometimes unilateral measures have shown their limitations. The worldwide persistence of political injustice, the continued non-resolution of certain conflicts, notably that in Palestine, increasing economic disparities, exclusionary policies and the defamation of religions are all factors that fuel hatred and the rejection of the other, to feed extremism and to encourage the indoctrination and recruitment of terrorists. On this subject, Tunisia wishes to reiterate its proposal for a United Nations summit to be convened in the near future renew the contract of peace among members of the human family and to solidify common plans to fight all attempts to turn civilizations against one another. Today, the global challenge of the growing terrorist threat can be addressed only by strengthening the United Nations anti-terrorist architecture and by a balanced and comprehensive implementation of all the pillars of the United Nations Global Counter- Terrorism Strategy. In that context, Tunisia stresses the importance of strengthening the capacities of Member States and their security institutions to effectively fight terrorism, money-laundering, the illicit movement of funds and arms proliferation, as well as their ability to contend with terrorists' use of new communication and information technologies. A global response to the challenge of terrorism requires that we mobilize genuine international solidarity, based on effective regional and international cooperation and on unity among all international actors 4 Governments, international, regional and subregional organizations, civil society and the media - so as to avoid a diffusion of our efforts and to increase our ability to prevent and fight terrorism and reduce its impact.

The President: I now give the floor to the representative of Colombia.

Mr. Alzate (Colombia) (spoke in Spanish): I want to thank Pakistan for its initiative in convening today's meeting and its Minister for Foreign Affairs for presiding over it earlier today. We also thank the Secretary-General for his comprehensive statement. We express our solidarity with Pakistan and our deep sadness about the recent events there. Terrorism is a threat to international peace and security. That is why the international community must intensify its efforts to fight it in a coordinated and effective way. As we have made clear, Colombia condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, and reiterates that no motives or circumstances can justify it. The international community is endowed with an ample legal framework in the matter, including 14 international treaties and four additional protocols, as well as resolutions of the Security Council and the General Assembly. We note the progress made towards the universalization of that framework in recent years, and we call on Member States to remain vigilant in their effective implementation of those measures. The ongoing efforts in the fight against terrorism have highlighted the need for a more coordinated and creative approach. Achieving that goal will require us to address the complexities of terrorism through international cooperation and coordination. To address such a global phenomenon, the United Nations, especially the General Assembly as its principal organ, will have to act as a central axis of policy cooperation, even as the Security Council, in the framework of its mandate, must adopt measures to complement and supplement international counter-terrorism activities through its resolutions and subsidiary organs. My country supports all efforts to avoid duplication of effort and to promote coherency and coordination among the Organization's various entities involved in the fight against terrorism. The United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy is the instrument that best reflects the consensus of the international community, and its four pillars must therefore continue to guide a balanced response to terrorism. Building the capacities of States is a fundamental aspect of global counter-terrorism activities and should serve to support the development of internal normative frameworks. Counter-terrorism measures must be in full accordance with the rule of law, due process and human rights. We must continue to provide technical assistance to States to facilitate national capacity-building so that they can implement their international obligations. Colombia reiterates the importance, as a central aspect of the fight against terrorism, of adopting measures to protect the rights of victims and of compensating them for the harm they have suffered. We must continue to work to ensure that victims are heard and that States have appropriate mechanisms for helping them, healing them and protecting their rights. Fighting terrorism requires us to attack its financing sources. We believe that this should be one ofthe highest international priorities in the struggle against terrorism. Most sources of terrorist financing can be traced to organized crime. In order to prevent terrorist networks from tapping into the financial and logistical resources that fundamental their activities, we must develop comprehensive measures incorporating elements of judicial instruments addressing transnational organized cr1me. Terrorist financing derived from crime opens new opportunities for States to engage in effective international cooperation in exchanging information and intelligence. That is why we continue to work with the Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force and the Executive Directorate of the Counter-Terrorism Committee, to which we have made consistent financial contributions. Late this month, our country will host an international conference to develop national strategies for the fight against terrorism, the purpose of which is to strengthen countries' national capacities and support them in developing strategies. No country is immune to terrorism, which is why the international community must remain united in the project to eliminate the scourge of terrorism in a comprehensive way. Colombia will continue to work bilaterally, regionally and multilaterally to achieve tangible results in the fight against terrorism.

The President: I now give the floor to the representative of Sri Lanka.

Mr. Kohona (Sri Lanka): 1 thank Pakistan for facilitating this important debate at a time when terrorism is taking a terrible toll on the nations of the world. I am particularly conscious of the terrorist violence in our own region, and join other speakers in condemning the recent violence that caused widespread death and destruction in Pakistan. My delegation aligns itself with the statement delivered by the representative of Iran on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement. We hope that this meeting will have a lasting impact on strengthening United Nations counter-terrorism initiatives and further invigorate the Security Council's commitment to strengthening international cooperation in combating terrorism. Given the ramifications of modern terrorism, the United Nations must remain the most appropriate entity to spearhead the global campaign against terrorism, which targets mostly civilians, with women and children being the main victims. The world has watched helplessly, far too frequently, images of the shredded bodies of innocents scattered around pockmarked buildings. The United Nations must grapple firmly with this hydra-headed evil and develop appropriate multifaceted and lasting strategies. Our goal must be to end or dramatically lessen the misery and human suffering wrought by this scourge. We must not let our efforts be diluted by exhaustion as we seek to create a safer world for all. We wholeheartedly support the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. Sri Lanka ended a terrorist conflict three and a half years ago. We determined early on that no terrorist group could survive for long without critical support from international linkages and networks. We were assisted substantively through complex, multifaceted and comprehensive coordination with the international community, and we will remain grateful to all our friends who came to our assistance. While our security forces confronted the terrorists militarily, after many efforts to engage them in negotiations, a carefully developed international strategy, which included financial measures that denied access to funds collected overseas; law-enforcement coordination, which included the seizure and destruction of illegally acquired weapons; and robust prosecutions and intelligence-sharing, which assisted in securing the arrest and punishment of fundraisers and arms procurers, contributed to achieving our goal. Our efforts continue as the evil minds of terrorist sympathizers devise new strategies to pursue their goals. The Security Council, the General Assembly, the Secretary-General, other agencies of the United Nations and the Member States themselves, through the adoption of 13 anti-terrorism conventions and other action plans, have made it abundantly clear that terrorism, the terrorizing of civilians for political gain, is totally abhorrent to the international community. Sri Lanka continues to chair the Ad Hoc Committee on terrorism, which seeks to conclude a comprehensive convention on terrorism. We have also taken the view that unless the underlying conditions conducive to terrorism are addressed, the problem will persist. We are glad that the Security Council has emphasized the need to address the conditions conducive to the spread of terrorism and to counter the forces that fuel extremism. Sri Lanka also continues to improve its own capacity to fight terrorism by providing training for law-enforcement and judicial officers in the areas of intelligence- and information-sharing, investigation skills, the gathering and analysing of financial intelligence, and so on. We collaborated with the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate in the hosting of a regional workshop for police officers, prosecutors and counter-terrorism focal points in South Asia, held in Colombo in 2010. The Galle dialogue, hosted by Sri Lanka, focuses increasingly on the threat of piracy. It is well established that international linkages and international networks help terrorists and their front organizations to profit from human and arms trafficking - a widespread phenomenon at present - money-laundering, credit-card fraud, weapons smuggling and cybercrime. Having been a victim of terrorism for almost three decades, Sri Lanka learned early on the value of confronting all those aspects in order to address our terrorist problem. In that undertaking, we were particularly assisted by our international partners. Sri Lanka works closely with the countries of the region, in particular Australia, in addressing the problem of human smuggling. Sri Lanka wishes to underline that the root causes of terrorism are complex and that terrorism cannot be associated with any ethnicity or religion. Countering terrorism should not be viewed primarily in a military context. Sri Lanka's decision to engage the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam terrorists militarily in 2006 followed their persistent refusal to engage in peace negotiations and their ready embrace of unmitigated violence targeting civilians. Since the end of the terrorist conflict in Sri Lanka, the country has prioritized rehabilitation, reconstruction, reintegration and reconciliation to achieve a sustainable peace. Through vast development efforts, Sri Lanka has adopted measures encompassing the political, economic and social spheres to ensure that terrorism will never again find a foothold in our land. Democratic processes have been re-established, and local government elections have been held in former conflict-affected areas after a lapse of three decades. Sri Lanka embarked upon a domestic process - the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission process - to ensure that there will be no recurrence of internal conflict and to identify any infractions of the law committed during the military operations. The reconciliation process, which is very complex, has been approached from different angles. The Government has adopted an extremely conciliatory attitude towards former combatants. Consistent with our culture, forgiveness was the theme. More than 11,000 former combatants, including over 560 child soldiers, have been rehabilitated and allowed to return to their homes and communities. That was less than three years since the end of the conflict. The Tamil community, scattered around the world, is an important factor in the reconciliation and reconstruction effort. Any concerns on the part of the minorities will be a priority as Sri Lanka seeks reconciliation. A political process, through a parliamentary select committee involving the elected representatives of political parties, has also been initiated. It is our hope that the international community will maintain vigilance and not create opportunities, even inadvertently, for terrorists and their sympathizers to achieve through international mechanisms what they were unable to achieve through bullets, suicide bombs and shattered lives. The encouragement of one group, in whatever form, will send a clear message to the others to adjust their tactics. It is important that we soon conclude our negotiations on the comprehensive convention on terrorism. We note the discussions that have been taking place since the adoption of General Assembly resolution 51/210, of 1996, and hope that these will be brought to a successful conclusion urgently.

The President: I now give the floor to the representative of Cuba.

Mr. Reyes Rodriguez (Cuba) (spoke in Spanish): Cuba endorses the statement made by the representative of Iran on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement. The Government of the Republic of Cuba reaffirms its strongest opposition to all acts, methods and practices of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, wherever and by whomsoever committed, whatever the motives, including those in which States are directly or indirectly involved. Cuba likewise condemns any action aimed at encouraging, supporting, financing or covering up any act, method or practice of terrorism. Our country has an impeccable record of fighting terrorism and has never allowed, nor will it ever allow, Cuban territory to be used to carry out, mastermind or finance terrorist acts against any country. Cuba has adopted and implemented legislative, administrative and institutional measures aimed at preventing and suppressing all terrorist acts and activities and others directly or indirectly connected with them, including those related to the financing of terrorism, border protection and surveillance, arms trafficking, judicial cooperation, and adherence to international legal instruments on the prevention and suppression of international terrorism. Cuba has effective legislation against acts of terrorism - Law 93, adopted by the National Assembly of People's Power of the Republic - which defines all acts of international terrorism as serious crimes and establishes very heavy penalties in accordance with international obligations. Cuba is a State party to 14 of the existing international conventions on terrorism and strictly complies with its obligations under Security Council resolutions 1267 (1999), 1373 (2001) and 1540 (2004), and other related resolutions. 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 internal affairs, and the sovereign equality of States. We also believe that the international community should not accept that, under the pretext of the so-called fight against terrorism, certain States commit acts of aggression and interference in the internal affairs of other States; commit or allow flagrant violations of human rights and international humanitarian law; or carry out unilateral acts that are contrary to the Charter of the United Nations and the principles and norms of international law. Cuba has been the victim of terrorism. The Cuban people have lost 3,478 sons and daughters as a result of terrorist actions committed against our homeland for half a century. Another 2,099 have been disabled for life for the same reason. Most of these actions have been organized, financed and carried out from United States territory. The arbitrary and unjustifiable inclusion of Cuba in an annual list of States that allegedly sponsor international terrorism, drawn up by the United States Department of State on groundless pretexts and without the slightest evidence of the participation or involvement of our country in any terrorist act, is a spurious and politically motivated exercise. Cuba rejects as illegitimate the mechanism whereby the United States Government arrogates to itself the right to certify the conduct of other nations in relation to terrorism and to issue discriminatory and selective lists for political purposes, while adopting a double standard by failing to prosecute self-confessed perpetrators of horrendous terrorist acts against Cuba and other countries in our hemisphere and allowing them to remain free. The United States Government has also spurned the cooperation offered by Cuba and failed to respond to reiterated Cuban proposals to create a bilateral cooperation programme to combat terrorism. Cuba reiterates its denunciation of the most notorious terrorist of the Western Hemisphere, Luis Posada Carriles, who moves freely about the United States under the protection of its authorities. Nothing justifies the failure of the United States Government to meet its international obligations to prosecute or extradite that terrorist for his crimes. In documents declassified by that Government's Central Intelligence Agency and Federal Bureau ofInvestigation, he has been identified as the mastermind ofthe mid-air explosion of a Cubana de Aviacion airliner on 6 October 1976. Paradoxically, the United States Government maintains five innocent Cuban fighters against terrorism, who have been arbitrarily and unfairly deprived of their freedom simply for seeking, with extraordinary altruism and courage, to obtain information on terrorist groups based in Miami in order to prevent violent acts and save the lives of Cuban and United States citizens alike. Therefore, Cuba demands the immediate release of Gerardo Hernandez Nordelo, Ramo'n Labafiino Salazar, Fernando Gonzalez Llort, Rene Gonzalez Sehwerert and Antonio Guerrero Rodriguez. The General Assembly is mandated to address and advance the measures necessary to eliminate international terrorism and develop effective international cooperation to combat that phenomenon. The General Assembly provides the proper framework for achieving those objectives. Cuba reaffirms the importance of the United Nations Global Counter- Terrorism Strategy, adopted by the General Assembly in resolution 60/288, as a primary instrument for guiding States' efforts in the global fight against terrorism. Cuba endorses the adoption of a comprehensive convention on international terrorism that defines terrorism in a clear and comprehensive manner, including the activities of persons in charge of a State's armed forces and other acts not regulated by international humanitarian law, and making a clear distinction between terrorism and the legitimate fight of peoples for their independence and in defence of their right to self-determination. Such a convention should eliminate the deficiencies and omissions of the existing legal framework. At the same time, Cuba confirms its conviction that terrorism cannot be eradicated through war, selectivity, impunity and double standards, and that there can be no effective cooperation if only some terrorist acts are condemned while others are ignored, tolerated or justified, or if this issue is simply manipulated for narrow political benefit. In conclusion, I reiterate the willingness of the Cuban Government to cooperate with any State in preventing and combating international terrorism on the basis of mutual respect, sovereign equality and the principles and rules of international law, including the Charter of the United Nations.

The President: I now give the floor to the representative of Cote d'Ivoire.

Mr. Bamba (Cote d'Ivoire) (spoke in French): I take the floor on behalf of the 15 States members of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Allow me to begin by conveying my country's congratulations to Ms. Hina Rabbani Khar, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Pakistan, and her delegation on Pakistan's assumption of the presidency of the Security Council for the month of January. I thank her most sincerely appreciation for her choice of theme for today's debate, which unfortunately spares no region of the world. We honour the memory of the victims of the bloody terrorist attacks in the Pakistan province of Balochistan and in the Swat Valley, which recently led to the deaths of at least 100 people in the region. The scourge of terrorism is present on the African continent, with the Al-Shabaab network in East Africa, Boko Haram in Nigeria, and a collection of other terrorist groups associated with Al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb that are most active in West Africa, the Sahel and beyond, as stressed during the ministerial meeting of the Security Council on the situation in the Sahel, organized by the Moroccan presidency of the Security Council on 10 December 2012 (see S/PV.6882). It is clear that identifying a global approach to fighting terrorism is the foremost concern of the States members of ECOWAS. Indeed, since the beginning of the crisis in Mali about a year ago, ECOWAS - through President Alassane Ouattara of the Republic of Cote d'Ivoire and Acting Chair of the Conference of Heads of States and Government of ECOWAS - has called the attention of the international community to the threat to regional and international peace and security posed by the presence of terrorist groups in Mali. In that regard, we welcome the joint vision and action shared by the African Union, ECOWAS and the Security Council with regard to Mali, leading to the adoption of resolution 2085 (2012), authorizing the deployment of the African-led International Support Mission to Mali (AFISMA). Far more than in the past, we are all seeing on the ground the manifest effort of terrorists to make Mali a safe haven for terrorist groups and organized crime by using that country and its vast territory to recruit and train terrorists, launch operations across the world and then withdraw in total impunity. The most recent terrorist offensive launched last week in southern Mali confirmed the concerns that have led the African Union and ECOWAS to stress continuously to the Security Council the urgent need to adopt a resolution authorizing the deployment of an international force to Mali. Recent events clearly testify to the relevance of resolution 2085 (2012), adopted by the Security Council on 20 December 2012. The attacks carried out by terrorist groups in southern Mali clearly pose a direct, genuine and immediate threat to regional and international peace and security. First and foremost, they represent an imminent danger to the lives of civilians and the territorial integrity of Mali. In view of the situation on the ground, ECOWAS - in its communique of 11 January signed by President Alassane Ouattara of C6te d'Ivoire as Acting Chairman of the Conference of the Heads of States and Governments of ECOWAS - thanked the members of the Security Council and the French Government for their swift response aimed at stabilizing the military situation in Mali and maintaining the territorial integrity of that State Member of the United Nations. Furthermore, the ECOWAS Committee of Chiefs of Defence Staff are meeting today and tomorrow in Bamako with a view to finalizing an evaluation of the situation and developing a plan of operations for the effective deployment of AFISMA with troops from Nigeria, Senegal, the Niger, Burkina Faso, Benin and Togo. In the light of ongoing events in Mali, a summit meeting of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government is scheduled to take place in Abidjan on 19 January. ECOWAS considers France's intervention in Mali to be absolutely legitimate as, on the one hand, it responds to the explicit request for assistance expressed by the legitimate Malian authorities and, on the other, it is aligned with resolution 2085 (2012) of the Council. We offer our sincere thanks to France for its leadership in managing the Malian crisis, as well as to the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Germany, Belgium and Denmark for their multifaceted support to the operations under way in Mali. ECOWAS condemns terrorism in all forms and manifestations, irrespective of the motivation, and believes that nothing can justify an act of terrorism. ECOWAS backs the joint activities of the international community in that context and fully supports the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy adopted in September 2006. Moreover, ECOWAS urges its member States to adopt the Strategy's Plan of Action based on the four pillars of addressing the conditions conducive to the spread of terrorism; preventing and combating terrorism; building States' capacity to prevent and combat terrorism and strengthening the role of the United Nations system in that regard; and ensuring respect for human rights in the fight against terrorism. Many members of ECOWAS have established legal frameworks to combat terrorism, including the adoption by some States of specific legislation on terrorism, as recommended by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. Indeed, many international tools adopted in the fight against terrorism have also been ratified by ECOWAS member States in the context of their efforts to adopt specific measures to prevent, identify and combat threats of terrorism. Such instruments include the 1992 ECOWAS Convention on Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters; the 1994 ECOWAS Convention on Extradition; the Intergovernmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa, established 1999; the 2002 regulation of the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU) on the freezing of assets and other financial resources under the framework to combat the funding of terrorism; the 2006 ECOWAS Convention on Small Arms and Light Weapons; the 2007 directive on combating the financing of terrorism by member States of the WAEMU; and the 2009 Regional Action Plan to Address the Growing Problem of Illicit Drug Trafficking, Organized Crime and Drug Abuse in West Africa. As has been reiterated many times, no State can combat terrorism alone. That is why our approach must be global. In particular, strengthened coordinated action is necessary nationally, regionally and internationally. In that respect, the support of the international community is crucial, particularly through an effective capacity-building programme to assist our States in their resolve to implement the necessary inclusive and integrated regional and global strategy to effectively respond to the threat of terrorism. In conclusion, ECOWAS cherishes the hope that this important debate on terrorism will contribute to further galvanizing the international community around the need for the close and genuine cooperation of all towards putting a definitive end to a scourge that affects all States and undermines the foundations for development necessary to ensure the peace, security and stability of our States.

The President: I give the floor to the representative of Saudi Arabia.

Mr. Al-Mouallimi (Saudi Arabia) (spoke in Arabic): At the outset, I would like to congratulate you, Sir, on Pakistan's assumption of the presidency of the Security Council for this month. I am confident that your experience and wisdom will enable the Council to achieve appropriate outcomes on the sensitive issues under consideration. Moreover, I express my deep gratitude to you for convening this open debate on counter-terrorism, and particularly thank Her Excellency Ms. Hina Rabbani Khar, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Pakistan, for attending and presiding over our meeting today. In addition, we underscore our alignment with the statements delivered on behalf of the Group of Arab States, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the Movement of Non-Aligned Countries. There is clearly no need for us to reiterate the well- known fact that terrorism is a global phenomenon, unassociated with a specific religion or race. Although it threatens no specific country or region, it represents a threat to the entire world; the international community must therefore combat it with determined action and cooperation aimed at achieving the desired results. My country remains a leader in the fight against terrorism. At the international level, the Kingdom continually reiterates its rejection and condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, regardless of its source or objectives. Since 1963, my country has acceded to 14 regional and international agreements and conventions against terrorism and its funding. Moreover, the Kingdom has implemented all resolutions ofthe Security Council to counter terrorism and its funding, including through the freezing of assets, travel bans and arms embargos against all persons and entities listed on the Security Council sanctions committees consolidated list, and through its close cooperation with other countries and international organizations in the fight against terrorism. Those include, in particular, United Nations entities and their subsidiary bodies, such as the Committee pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999) and 1989 (2011) concerning Al-Qaida and associated individuals and entities and the Working Group on Counter-terrorism. I also recall the High-Level Meeting on Countering Nuclear Terrorism, with a Specific Focus on Strengthening the Legal Framework, which was held at the start of the sixty-seventh session of the General Assembly on 28 September 2012. In that regard, I take this opportunity to commend the efforts of the Security Council, especially its Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004), to control and prevent the use of nuclear, chemical or biological weapons and their means of delivery to non-State actors, whether individuals or organizations, who attempt to develop, acquire, manufacture, possess, transport, transfer or use those weapons. In that context, last year the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia contributed an $500,000 in support of the work of that Committee. We reiterate the importance of such resolutions in limiting terrorist organizations' access to weapons of mass destruction and in intensifying the policing of providers of nuclear services in order to ensure that they are not providing illegitimate entities with nuclear materials or technology. As always, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has continued to undertake effective leadership initiatives in support of international cooperation in combating terrorism, in the form of the International Conference on Counter-Terrorism, held in Riyadh in 2005 by invitation of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud. An idea emerged at the Conference that is today a reality, namely, the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Centre, which is now effectively and actively shouldering its responsibilities in strengthening international cooperation in combating terrorism. Saudi Arabia's support for the Centre demonstrates our commitment to collective action and the maintenance of international peace and security. Accordingly, we call on all members of the international community to cooperate with the Centre in providing it the benefit of their expertise, which will in turn enable the Centre to achieve the goals for which it was established. In that respect, I am pleased to announce that my country is cooperating with the United Nations on convening meeting, to be held in mid-February, on cooperation between internationals centres to fight terrorism in Riyadh. At the national level, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has instituted several important measures and security safeguards aimed at combating and limiting terrorism. Those include establishing new security departments specialized in counter-terrorism activities; enacting and amending many laws, rules and regulations related to combating terrorism; and strengthening rules and restrictions regulating the weapons, munitions, equipment and/or spare parts industry and the import, sale, possession and/or trade in such weapons, so as to prevent them from falling into the hands of terrorists. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has also tightened border controls in order to prevent the infiltration of terrorists and arms smuggling. However, my country's efforts to combat terrorism are not limited to security measures. Saudi Arabia has been keen to address the ideological, economic and social aspects of terrorism, as well as to compensate the victims of terrorist crimes and provide them with the necessary psychological treatment. In that regard, we have established the Prince Mohammed Bin Nayef Rehabilitation Centre, which provides counselling and guidance to repentant terrorists, in order to reintegrate them into the societies of their homelands as active citizens. The Centre has now become a model for the eradication of the roots of terrorism and its ideologies. I would like to recall the outcome of the third review of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, which was adopted by consensus by the General Assembly at its sixty-sixth session (General Assembly resolution 66/282). While I reiterate my country's support for, and commitment to, all the elements and pillars of the Strategy, I should like point out that most international efforts have focused on the Strategy's second and third pillars, concerning ways to confront and combat terrorism, build countries' capacity and develop the role of the United Nations. We are fully aware of the sensitivity of discussing the first pillar of the Strategy, which refers to the factors that lead to the spread of terrorism. But in order to be fair and honest with ourselves, we must admit that it is important that we look into ways to eradicate the causes that lead to terrorism. Those include occupation, oppression, colonization, ethnic cleansing, and, finally, depriving people of their right to self-determination, achieving national independence and meeting people's aspirations to freedom and dignity. In particular, they include the aggressive Israeli practices perpetrated on a daily basis against the Palestinian people in the State of Palestine, which is still under occupation. It is important to note that the acts of resistance to such occupation cannot be classified as terrorism, because acts of legitimate resistance are no more than a form of self-defence against the systematic State terrorism manifested through occupation. With regard to the fourth pillar, which addresses human rights, I would like to express our appreciation for the efforts of Mr. Ben Emmerson, Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism, particularly for his report to the Human Rights Council on framework principles for securing the human rights of victims of terrorism (A/HRC/20/14). We emphasize that the fight against terrorism cannot retain its high morals unless they are fully aligned with respect for human rights. We also stress that combating terrorism can never justify harming innocent civilians or considering them mere collateral damage.

The President: I thank the representative of Saudi Arabia for his gracious remarks about me. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank all Council members, and other Members of the United Nations, who in their speeches today expressed their solidarity with Pakistan and conveyed their condolences to us in this moment of national tragedy, when we became victims of terrorism. We appreciate their vocal expressions of solidarity with Pakistan. I now give the floor to the representative of Turkey, who wishes to make an additional statement.

Mr. Sahinol (Turkey): The delegation of Turkey feels compelled to take the floor in response to the unfounded allegations made by another delegation against Turkey, which we categorically reject. Turkey will continue to stand by the Syrian people, who must be the masters of their own future.

The President: I now give the floor to the representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran, who wishes to make an additional statement.

Mr. Mottaghi Nejad (Islamic Republic of Iran): I know it is late and that we have had a long day debating important issues related to our joint efforts to combat terrorism. However, I have asked for the floor to make a brief reply to two statements made during the course of this debate, by the representatives of the Israeli regime and Canada, in the course of which allegations were made against my country. With reference to what was said by the representative of the Zionist regime, it is not really my delegation's intention to comment on such a rambling statement. That regime is responsible for so many terrorist acts and crimes that it would exceed the patience of this meeting for me even to enumerate them. State terrorism, the assassination ofIranian nuclear scientists, sabotage and cyber attacks are just a few examples of that. With regard to what was said by the representative of Canada and the allegations raised against the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, I should say that, while my delegation categorically rejects such baseless and malicious allegations against an important segment of the Iranian defence forces, it is a pity that Canada, based on its narrow-minded foreign policy, once again used this body to show its animosity towards Iran. Raising such unfounded and baseless allegations against my country is yet another politically motivated attempt to deviate from the main issues at hand that we should be discussing in this body. Iran is a victim ofterrorism and, surprisingly, some of the main terrorist elements whose hands covered in the blood of thousands of innocent Iranian have been provided asylum in Canada. Not only is Canada harbouring such elements, but it is also misusing international organs, including this body, to hide the true nature of its support for terrorism. As today's debate in the Chamber has made clear, the fight against terrorism should be non-selective and universal in its scope and applicability.

The President: The Security Council has before it the text of a draft presidential statement on behalf of the Council on the subject of today's meeting. I thank the Council members for their valuable contributions to the draft statement. In accordance with the understanding reached among the members of the Council, I shall take it that the members of the Security Council agree to the draft presidential statement, which will be issued as a document of the Security Council under the symbol S/PRST/2013/1. It is so decided. I wish to thank all speakers for their statements. We have had a full and comprehensive debate that has lived up to the importance and scope of the topic. The condemnation of terrorism was unequivocal. The determination to address and combat it was strong and unambiguous. The importance of a comprehensive approach for more effective counter-terrorism efforts emerged as a prominent and recurring theme. I am sure that many of the important ideas and proposals that came up in the debate will receive due consideration in our work related to counter-terrorism. There are no more names inscribed on the list of speakers. The Security Council has thus concluded the present stage of its consideration of the item on its agenda. The meeting rose at 7pm.