S/PV.7184 Security Council

In accordance with rule 37 of the Council’s provisional rules of procedure, I invite the representatives of Belgium, Israel, Jamaica, Japan, Pakistan and the Syrian Arab Republic to participate in this meeting. In accordance with rule 39 of the Council’s provisional rules of procedure, I invite Mr. Thomas Mayr-Harting, Head of the Delegation of the European Union to the United Nations, to participate in this meeting. The Security Council will now begin its consideration of the item on its agenda. At the outset, Ambassador Raimonda Murmokaitė will make a joint statement on behalf of the Committees established pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999) and 1989 (2011), 1373 (2001) and 1540 (2004). Following the joint statement, the Council will hear briefings by the Chairs of those three Committees. I now give the floor to Her Excellency Ms. Raimonda Murmokaité, Chair of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1373 (2001) concerning Counter-Terrorism.

On behalf of the Chairs of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1373 (2001) concerning Counter-Terrorism; the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004), on the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction; and the Committee pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999) and 1989 (2011) concerning Al-Qaida and associated individuals and entities, 1 have the honour to brief the Council on the continuing cooperation among the three Committees and their respective expert groups. I would like to address three key areas of such cooperation: information sharing and joint meetings, outreach activities and country visits, and participation in a broader counter-terrorism framework. The three Committees and their respective expert groups continued the practice of sharing relevant information and of meeting, where appropriate, in order to discuss common issues, coordinate actions and exchange information on particular issues. For instance, the 1540 Committee’s Group of Experts and the 1267 Committee’s Monitoring Team held regular informal exchanges concerning new challenges, such as the implications of scientific and technological developments in chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear weapons in relation to non-State actors, including terrorists. The 1540 Committee’s Group of Experts and the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (CTED) shared experiences on compiling effective implementation practices in accordance with their respective mandates. In addition, the members of the expert groups participated in training sessions, such as on the relationship between the Internet and communication technologies and terrorism, organized by CTED in December 2013. The Committees also continued to extend invitations to each other and their expert groups when arranging thematic briefings and presentations, including those by visiting officials from international and regional organizations. One such briefing, which included the participation of the Secretary-General of the World Customs Organization, was organized by the 1540 Committee in February. Earlier this month, the 1267 Monitoring Team and CTED made a joint presentation to the 1373 Committee members on kidnapping for ransom. All three expert groups continued to coordinate their outreach activities and country visits on a regular basis. Where appropriate, the three groups consulted one another when planning country visits and other missions in order to facilitate the participation of their respective experts and to ensure a consistent and coherent approach. A noteworthy example of such cooperation is this week’s comprehensive assessment visit to Mongolia, conducted by CTED on behalf of the 1373 Committee, and joined by the 1540 Committee Group of Experts and the 1267 Monitoring Team. As regards broader regional perspectives, members of the 1267 Monitoring Team also participated in CTED-facilitated workshops in South-East Asia and South Asia in December and in West Africa in April, and both expert groups jointly facilitated a workshop for States members of the Eastern and Southern Africa Anti-Money-Laundering Group in April. Another step forward in regional engagement was marked by the establishment, pursuant to resolution 2129 (2013), of a shared focal point for the Caribbean region to work on issues relevant to the three Committees and their respective groups of experts. It is hosted by the Caribbean Community and funded by the Government of Australia and deals with requests from Member States of the region to facilitate the delivery of integrated technical assistance that addresses both counter-terrorism measures and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. The initiative may also be considered a pilot project that may lead, where appropriate, to the shared use of focal points in other regions. The expert groups continued to work closely with one another within the framework of the Counter- Terrorism Implementation Task Force (CTITF), notably its various thematic working groups, and contributed to the preparation of the fourth review of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. In addition, members of the 1267 Monitoring Team and CTED were actively involved in the launch of the CTITF global experts meeting on capacity-building for terrorist designations and asset-freezing, held this month. The expert groups also continued to coordinate among themselves during participation in the work of other entities and forums dealing with counter- terrorism, such as the United Nations Counter- Terrorism Centre, regarding design, facilitation and pursuit of technical assistance programmes and projects on a thematic and regional basis; the Financial Action Task Force, regarding the implementation of counter- terrorist financing measures, including Security Council sanctions; and the Global Counterterrorism Forum, on areas within their respective mandates. The work of the three Committees and their expert groups has been intensified, but continues to present opportunities for further synergies and for strengthening the delivery of results. The Committees and their expert groups will continue to explore ways to further strengthen their coordination and cooperation while maintaining respect for the mandates of their respective Committees and the independence of the respective expert groups. That concludes my joint statement to the Security Council. Allow me now to turn to a statement that I would like to make on behalf of the Counter-Terrorism Committee and to give an overview of developments in the work of the Committee and its Executive Directorate. As members of the Council are all aware, resolution 2129 (2013) renewed CTED’s mandate until 31 December 2017 and provided policy direction for the work of the Committee and CTED to assist Member States to achieve full implementation of resolutions 1373 (2001) and 1624 (2005). In that context, I would like to address some of the key aspects pertaining to the realization of that overarching goal. National and regional assessments and follow- up, including efforts to ensure that Member States are provided with timely and appropriate capacity- building assistance, continue to be the central focus of the work of the Committee and CTED. That work has been strengthened over recent months by the introduction of new assessment tools and an increased focus on regional engagement and targeted follow-up country visits. The new tools — namely, the overview of implementation assessment and the detailed implementation survey  — were designed to provide a more detailed assessment of national, regional and global challenges, shortfalls and good practices, as well as to help ensure more targeted and effective counter- terrorism capacity-building. Thus far, the Committee has assessed the implementation efforts of 27 Member States using the new assessment tools. In order to help the Committee provide ongoing policy guidance on capacity-building, CTED has continued to provide regular updates on progress on Member States’ implementation efforts in specific regions, as well as on specific terrorism-related issues, trends and developments. It has also continued to submit special reports on specific themes, events or situations that may have implications for capacity- building initiatives around the world. In addition, the Chair of the Committee, with the assistance of CTED, held an open briefing in April  — with the participation of the Secretary- General of INTERPOL, the Secretary-General of the International Civil Aviation Organization and the Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) — on preventing the misuse by terrorists of travel documents and on terrorism prevention activities. The CTED’s country assessment visits conducted on the Committee’s behalf continued to serve as a platform for direct interaction with Member States and as the foundation for facilitating the delivery of capacity-building assistance. The Committee approved a list of comprehensive, focused and follow- up visits to 40 Member States  — in addition to 15 previously approved visits  — for the period running from 2014 to 2017. The assessment process also includes in-depth and tailored regional dialogue with counter-terrorism practitioners conducted in focus group environments and aimed at achieving a more complete understanding of their working level needs, while also encouraging practical approaches to capacity-building and promoting regional cooperation. In that regard, for example, CTED launched in May the first annual meeting of professional networks of border police, customs and intelligence agencies to strengthen border control cooperation in the fight against terrorism in the Sahel and the Maghreb. Effective delivery of technical assistance and training often requires a sustained regional dialogue conducted over a number of years. That model has been successfully tested in South Asia, where it has resulted in the development of a platform that generates specific independent spin-off capacity-building deliverables developed through dialogue and delivered by donors and providers. In April, for example, CTED convened the eighth regional workshop for judges, prosecutors and police officers in South Asia, which examined the work of training academies in the region. Continuing the practice of convening regular regional and thematic meetings and workshops helps to create an environment that best serves the interests of potential recipient States, as well as the community of donors and technical assistance providers and to strengthen the coordination of activities and the identification of national and regional priorities. Member States and regional and subregional organizations may also request CTED to advise them on formulating national and regional counter-terrorism strategies. In that regard, CTED, acting in cooperation with the CTITF and relevant regional organizations, continued to assist Member States in Central Africa in their development of a regional integrated strategy on counter-terrorism and the non-proliferation of small arms and light weapons. In January and April, two regional workshops were held to draft the strategy’s border control and law enforcement-related elements. Another example of regional engagement is CTED’s continued participation in the United Nations integrated strategy for the Sahel and its implementation, working closely with other United Nations offices at Headquarters and on the ground, including the Office of the Special Envoy for the Sahel. The joint statement indicated heretofore how close collaboration of the Counter-Terrorism Committee with the 1267 and 1540 Committees, as well of CTED with the respective expert groups, continued to serve as a platform for raising awareness, encouraging implementation of related mandates and joint technical assistance projects, where appropriate. That process has been reinforced in the Committee’s dialogue with Member States, many of which have emphasized the need for the delivery of capacity-building that addresses both counter-terrorism measures and the non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. The Committee and CTED continue to promote the effective implementation of resolution 1624 (2005), which focuses on the threats posed by terrorist incitement and the need to take effective countermeasures, which may include legal sanctions, as well as increased emphasis on dialogue and understanding. Measures taken by Member States to counter incitement and violent extremism have been intensively discussed during the country visits and in other settings. In that regard, this month CTED facilitated the organization in Kenya of a national workshop on the effective implementation of resolution 1624 (2005). CTED also continued to gather examples of good practices related both to legislation and other aspects of counter-incitement measures, such as educational programmes promoting peace, dialogue and understanding among civilizations. In December 2013, senior prosecutors from around the world gathered in Tunis to discuss the growing phenomenon of individual radicalization, which results in terrorists acting alone or in small cells. That event, facilitated by CTED, was also attended by leading academics and representatives of international and regional organizations. The participants tested strategic assumptions and compared legal and operational tools to address that phenomenon, which remains little documented and ill defined. Even though the terrorist threat has become more diffuse, a strong and fair criminal justice system remains central to a comprehensive counter-terrorism approach. CTED continues to engage with Member States on ways to develop tailored and more effective judicial responses to emerging trends. As part of the Committee’s efforts to support States’ efforts to bring terrorists to justice, CTED and UNODC have launched a joint global initiative to strengthen the capacities of national investigative, prosecutorial and judicial authorities. This multi-year initiative will address the challenges involved in effectively investigating and prosecuting terrorism cases while respecting human rights and the rule of law. The Committee and CTED continued to pay close attention to relevant human rights and rule-of-law issues, consistent with the Committee’s policy guidance in that area. Human rights issues arise in virtually all areas of counter-terrorism, and the Committee and CTED remain committed to promoting the principle that all counter-terrorism measures must comply with Member States’ obligations under international law, including international human rights law, as a matter of both legal obligation and effectiveness of the implementation of such measures. Over the coming months, the Committee will continue to fulfil the mandates conferred by the Security Council, including through the preparation of a special meeting on the issue of kidnapping for ransom, in accordance with resolution 2133 (2014); continued Committee visits to Member States and stocktaking of their implementation efforts; and further interaction with civil society, the private sector and academic institutions. The Committee and CTED will also continue to arrange open briefings on regional and thematic counter-terrorism issues for the wider United Nations membership, with a view to further enhancing transparency and strengthening cooperation in the fight against terrorism.

I thank Ambassador Murmokaitė for her briefing. I shall now make a statement in my capacity as the Chair of the Security Council Committee pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004). I am pleased to report to the Council on the progress made in the implementation of resolution 1540 (2004) since my last briefing in November 2013 (see S/PV.7071). At the outset, I would like to express my appreciation for the support given by the members of the Security Council and the Secretariat to the work of the 1540 Committee, in particular the Security Council open debate held on 7 May (see S/PV.7169), on the topic “Commemorating the tenth anniversary of resolution 1540 (2004) and looking ahead”, which was held successfully. More than 60 Member States expressed their strong commitment to the implementation of the resolution. As encapsulated in presidential statement S/PRST/2014/7, adopted at that meeting and echoed by many, the 1540 Committee was recommended to consider developing a strategy towards the full implementation of resolution 1540 (2004). In the same vein, the Committee will continue to enhance the ongoing cooperation among relevant Committees as necessary, as well as to coordinate its non-proliferation work with other international, regional and subregional organizations. On the promotion of a universal reporting, the Committee received one additional initial report over the past six months, bringing the number of non-reporting States down to 21. With the support of the Group of Experts and the United Nations Office of Disarmament Affairs (UNODA), three special meetings are being held to engage and assist the remaining Member States. By the end of June, we will have engaged 19 out of the 21 non-reporting States. Since the last joint briefing, the 1540 Committee and its experts made two country visits, to Niger and Bangladesh at their invitations, and also participated in 46 outreach events worldwide. They provided excellent opportunities to further the implementation of resolution 1540 (2004) and facilitate assistance to support capacity-building in many States. The Committee has also embarked on the compilation of effective practices. I take this opportunity to thank all those Member States and international, regional and subregional organizations for submitting useful information in that regard. Facilitating matchmaking between assistance requests and offers also remains a priority for the Committee. We will review practical recommendations for strengthening our assistance mechanism in the coming weeks. I look forward to reporting that outcome to the Council at the next briefing in November. Since the last joint briefing on 27 November 2013, we also received new formal notifications of 15 points of contact. To date, the Committee has been advised of points of contact for 79 States and 12 international and regional organizations. A special meeting was held in early April in Vienna, organized by UNODA and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe. Points of contact from States, as well as from international organizations, were brought together to share experiences. That is an encouraging step in our efforts to move towards the development of a living network of points of contact. I would like to conclude by reiterating the Chair’s commitment towards achieving universal and full implementation of resolution 1540 (2004). As we celebrate the tenth anniversary of that seminal resolution, there is a substantial agenda before us. Under the guidance of the thirteenth programme of work, which was submitted to the Council last week, the 1540 Committee will continue to actively cooperate with all stakeholders to address all aspects of the resolution in preventing the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction to non-State actors. The collaboration between the Committees established pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999) and 1989 (2011), 1373 (2001) and 1540 (2004) and their experts is crucial in that regard, and I look forward to sustained cooperation in the future. I resume my function as President of the Council. I give the floor to His Excellency Mr. Gary Quinlan, Chair of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999) and 1989 (2011) concerning Al-Qaida and associated individuals and entities.

In my last briefing to the Council, I spoke of Al-Qaida’s structural changes, noting that the movement no longer follows a centralized command structure. I also emphasized that the threat to international peace and security posed by Al-Qaida emanates from a range of increasingly heterogeneous groups and affiliates. In today’s briefing, I will focus on those developments in the threat posed by Al-Qaida and its affiliates and outline the steps taken by the Security Council Committee pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999) and 1989 (2011) concerning Al-Qaida and associated individuals and entities to ensure that the Al-Qaida sanctions regime remains an effective response to that threat. The Committee seeks to act quickly and strategically to ensure that the sanctions imposed support national and regional responses to the evolving Al-Qaida inspired threat. That approach encourages Member States from all regions to take ownership of the listing process. It was evident last week when the Committee approved the addition of Boko Haram to its list of individuals and entities subject to the targeted financial sanctions and the arms embargo set out in paragraph 1 of resolution 2083 (2012). As a result of the new listing, any individual or entity that provides financial or material support to Boko Haram, including the provision of arms or recruits, is eligible to be added to the Al-Qaida sanctions list and subject to the sanctions measures. The fifteenth report of the Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team (S/2014/41) details the ways in which Al-Qaida and its affiliates take advantage of local conflicts or situations of limited State control. When a political situation shifts and opportunities to bolster Al-Qaida’s agenda arise, the organization and its affiliates have become adept at quickly seizing such opportunities to regroup and strengthen. Similarly, the restoration of political stability and security in one region does not necessarily serve to weaken the threat posed by Al-Qaida and its affiliates. It may simply mean that terrorists find safe havens and opportunities elsewhere. The shift in the geographical focus of Al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) in particular demonstrates such adaptability. AQIM militants have moved away from Mali and Algeria to regroup in southern Libya. That combined trend of localization and globalization demonstrates the need for the Al-Qaida Sanctions Committee to maintain a global approach, while at the same time constantly assessing and reassessing the threat. Al-Qaida has gained dexterity not only geographically but also structurally. In particular, the trend towards an ever-increasing recruitment of foreign fighters has given Al-Qaida and its affiliates a more global reach in a number of theatres of operation. That strategy has been employed with particular rigour with respect to Syria. The Monitoring Team’s fifteenth report raises the specific issue of large numbers of Al-Qaida-affiliated foreign fighters associating with the Jabhat-al-Nusra organization. As thousands of foreign fighters engage in conflict alongside local militants, ties that the Monitoring Team predicts could lead to new pan-Arab and pan-European networks of extremists are established. Furthermore, the return of those battle-hardened foreign fighters to their countries of origin or to third countries with new ideas and skills is a cause for concern. Member States in North Africa, the Middle East and Europe are already grappling with the reality of returning fighters with experience of working with Al-Qaida affiliates. For those reasons, the Al-Qaida Sanctions Committee will continue to maintain a global approach to the threat. In generational terms, Al-Qaida is getting younger, with its leaders increasingly shaped by the experience of the current social dynamics rather than the experiences of the 1990s. Leadership positions within Al-Qaida are being taken up by men in their late 30s and 40s. With that generational shift come new philosophical perspectives and outreach techniques. For instance, among the new generation of Boko Haram militants in northern Nigeria, a younger perspective has resulted in an increased propensity for violence and less tolerance for the local religious leadership. With Al-Qaida affiliates in Africa and Asia, mid-level commanders bring technological knowledge and a focus on innovative attack planning. Younger leaders are also more adept at connecting with the next generation of recruits, in particular through a sophisticated use of social media. While organizationally Al-Qaida is more splintered, the shift towards diverse and localized recruitment also means that it has become more durable. That trend is further amplified by the scope for domestic radicalization in a number of Member States, where violent Al-Qaida-inspired cells may generate themselves largely autonomously, influenced by Internet propaganda but disconnected from the Al-Qaida affiliate command structures. The Committee remains dedicated to ensuring that the Al-Qaida sanctions regime itself is as effective as possible. The threat posed by Al-Qaida and its affiliates is characterized by the fluidity of its organizational structure and geographical reach. Maintaining a sanctions list that most effectively responds to the threat means identifying potential targets and promptly adding those names to the list. Conversely, it also means removing from the sanctions list the names of individuals and entities that are no longer affiliated with Al-Qaida. To do that in a global context, the Committee relies on the engagement of all Member States. Any Member State may at any time propose a name for listing or delisting under the Al-Qaida sanctions regime, and I encourage all Member States to consider doing so. On 22 May, the coordinator of the Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team briefed the Committee on the current threat landscape. The Committee recognizes that sanctions will have the greatest impact if the individuals and entities targeted by the regime are those that currently have an influential role in or support, in particular financially, Al-Qaida and its affiliates. It is important for the Committee, as well as all Member States, to respond to the changing threat in the names that are proposed for listing and de-listing. An important focus of the Committee is to improve implementation of the sanctions measures. In its fifteenth report, the Monitoring Team highlighted the implementation value for the travel ban of publishing biometric data on listed individuals. The Committee now seeks to collect that data from Member States both for existing entries on the list and when new names are proposed for listing. Similarly, the Committee has initiated a Council-wide engagement with the World Customs Organization to seek an amendment to the joint guidelines on advanced passenger information that it issues with the International Civil Aviation Organization and the International Air Transport Association. The proposed amendment would raise awareness among national civil aviation authorities of the requirements and targets of Security Council travel bans. In view of the growing use by Al Qaida-inspired terrorists of improvised explosive devices (IEDs), the Monitoring Team concluded that IEDs are Al-Qaida’s weapon of choice and the principal cause of civilian casualties in attacks by Al-Qaida and its affiliates. More alarming still, Al-Qaida affiliates disseminate step-by-step guides to the manufacture of IEDs in a deliberate attempt to arm “lone-wolf” terrorists. The Monitoring Team has already engaged Member States, counter-IED specialists and those involved with private sector supply chains of components that may be used to construct IEDs. The Committee is now considering the best way forward. The Committee is currently in the process of reviewing more than 150 entries on the Al-Qaida sanctions list. That is over half the total number. The names under review include those lacking the identifiers necessary to ensure the effective implementation of the sanctions measures, entries corresponding to reportedly deceased individuals and to entities that are reported or confirmed to have ceased to exist. The Committee also undertakes a review of those entries that have not been reviewed in three or more years. The responsiveness of Member States remains crucial to the successful conduct of those reviews. I should like to take this opportunity to thank those Member States that have actively participated in such review processes by providing detailed and updated information. The Committee also continues to engage with the Ombudsperson on delisting requests. Such a process contributes to making the Al-Qaida sanctions list focused and effective. The rapid evolution of the threat that Al-Qaida and its affiliates pose to international peace and security requires dynamic and timely action by the Al-Qaida Sanctions Committee and by the broader United Nations membership. Ensuring the effectiveness of such a tool remains a shared undertaking. Member States have a dual opportunity in that regard. I encourage Member States to at once assess the threat posed by Al-Qaida and its affiliates and to actively contribute to making the sanctions list relevant. I also urge Member States to concentrate their efforts to fully implement the measures against listed individuals and entities within their jurisdiction. As always, the Committee and the Monitoring Team stand ready to support Member States in that crucial endeavour.

I thank Ambassador Quinlan for his briefing. I shall now give the floor to members of the Council.

I thank the Committee Chairs for their important briefings to the Council today. Terrorism is regrettably an agile and evolving threat that requires us to be a step ahead and to anticipate developments. Since our last meeting on this subject (see S/PV.7071), the Council has taken further steps to address the threat of terrorism. In December, the Council adopted resolution 2129 (2013), directing the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate to implement its core mandate of assessing States’ implementation of resolution 1373 (2001) and to identify emerging issues, trends and developments. One serious emerging trend is terrorists’ kidnapping for ransom payments to finance their operations. That is a significant challenge for us as we seek to constrict terrorist financing, and it is a terrible threat to nationals of all countries. In January, the Council unanimously adopted resolution 2133 (2014) to tackle this growing problem. The resolution sent a strong political signal and made clear the Security Council’s commitment to addressing the upward trend of terrorist kidnappings and breaking the vicious cycle whereby ransom payments strengthen terrorist groups and then incentivize future incidents of kidnapping. The upcoming special meeting on kidnapping for ransom will help States to better understand that pressing issue and will provide an opportunity to discuss practical information, including prevention measures, to break the vicious cycle. The nature and composition of Al-Qaida may have changed, but the threat it poses to nations across the world has not. Nearly 15 years after it was established, the Al-Qaida sanctions regime remains an essential tool for combatting terrorism. Boko Haram’s abduction of the schoolgirls in Nigeria on 14 April and its campaign of violence and intimidation demonstrate the horrors that terrorist groups can inflict on innocent people. The United Kingdom was the first country to proscribe Boko Haram and strongly supported its addition to the 1267 Monitoring Team’s list of groups subject to financial and armed sanctions. We co-sponsored Nigeria’s proposal that the United Nations take action. The international community as a whole supports Nigeria’s efforts to tackle terrorism. At the Paris summit on security in Nigeria, Nigeria’s neighbours, the United Kingdom, the United States and the European Union all agreed to pursue sanctions against Boko Haram at the United Nations. We look forward to supporting further efforts at the United Nations in New York. As we approach the mandate review next month, we must work to strengthen the implementation of the Al-Qaida sanctions regime and advance measures to ensure that processes are fair and clear so that sanctions are credible and robust. We must also encourage States to make use of the regime to take advantage of the global reach that United Nations sanctions offer. To effectively combat the threat of terrorism, we need that global reach and must also work together to anticipate and stifle terrorist activity. Mr. President, I congratulate your delegation on the successful open debate on non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction earlier this month (see S/PV.7169), which commemorated the tenth anniversary of resolution 1540 (2004), and on the accompanying presidential statement S/PRST/2014/7, adopted by the Council. That mandate remains as important today as when it was adopted in 2004, and we urge States, especially Council members, to ensure universal reporting on its implementation.

Chile welcomes the initiative of convening a joint meeting on the Committee pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999) and 1989 (2011) concerning Al-Qaida and associated individuals and entities; the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1373 (2001) concerning counter- terrorism; and the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004) on the non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. In regard to the Committee on Al-Qaida and associated individuals and entities, we thank Committee Chair Ambassador Gary Quinlan for his very informative briefing, as well as for the leadership and dynamic way in which he has led the Committee, which has contributed to combating the scourge of terrorism wherever it is found. We commend the work of the Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team for its assistance to the Committee, which provides us with a strategic vision of the key trends represented by Al-Qaida and its extensive network of affiliates. Equally important is the role of the Office of the Ombudsperson. We thank Ms. Kimberly Prost for the independence and professionalism with which she has been carrying out her work. There is no doubt that it is thanks to the collective effort that the regime is becoming increasingly effective and that sanctions are being implemented in an increasingly more diligent way. By the same token, we reaffirm the importance of the work of the Committee in maintaining and constantly reviewing the list of sanctions. That work is extremely important and represents the most rapid and effective way to implement the sanctions regime, taking into account the energy and versatility of that terrorist organization and the ease with which it recruits and incorporates new members in different parts of the world. In that regard, we commend the speed and effectiveness with which, on 22 May, the terrorist group Boko Haram was added to the list of individuals and entities subject to financial sanctions and an arms embargo. We call on Member States to continue to work to improve those procedures, which underscore the authority and legitimacy of the measures imposed by the Council. In that context, we would like to highlight the importance of the revision of resolution 2083 (2012) this year. My country supports the work of the Counter- Terrorism Committee aimed at ensuring the full implementation of resolutions 1373 (2001) and 1624 (2005). We congratulate the Ambassador of Lithuania, Ms. Raimonda Murmokaitė, for the way in which she has conducted the work of the Committee since her appointment. We also thank Ambassador Mohammed Loulichki of Morocco for his work as Chair of that Committee until December 2013. We also highlight the effective support work to the Committee carried out by the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate under the leadership of Mr. Jean-Paul LaBorde. We believe that the most important work of the Committee and its Executive Directorate is the promotion of the capacity of States to apply and implement resolutions 1373 (2001) and 1624 (2005) through effective international cooperation, technology transfer and the training of civil servants, inter alia, and through the unequivocal condemnation of the international community whenever a terrorist act is committed. We commend the efforts of the Committee and the Executive Directorate to create and use new national and regional assessment tools to identify the gaps of the countries and regions and the best practices that help to ensure the implementation of the most appropriate measures in the fight against terrorism. We support interaction among the Committee, the Executive Directorate, States and regional and subregional organizations, which is essential to the successful implementation of resolutions 1373 (2001) and 1624 (2005). In that regard, my country is organizing a visit of the Committee next year. We recognize that the activities just described, as well as the periodic country visits made by the Executive Directorate, contribute to strengthening the capacity of the various national actors in this area. Chile has high expectations for the special meeting mandated by resolution 2133 (2014), to be organized by the Committee and which will include the participation of Member States and relevant international and regional organizations. The meeting will consider measures to prevent terrorist groups from committing kidnappings and taking hostages in order to raise funds or obtain political concessions. In regard to the work of the 1540 Committee, on 7 May we held an open debate to commemorate the tenth anniversary of the adoption of resolution 1540 (2004), which was a milestone to which Chile contributed when it held a seat as a non-permanent member of the Council. We value the resolution, which was the first to link the threat of the proliferation of nuclear, chemical and biological weapons with non-State actors, thereby filling a void in the system of the maintenance of international peace and security. Over those 10 years, the 1540 Committee has raised the awareness of the international community by providing assistance, facilitating cooperation and disseminating good practices. However, much work remains because today, as in 2004, the threat of non-State actors and terrorist groups persists. We value activities fostering exchange of information. For example, the recent visits to the Niger and Bangladesh were excellent opportunities to promote the implementation of resolution 1540 (2004). Promoting joint information presentations is highly relevant, as they will strengthen awareness-raising among State authorities and civil society and ensure the training of civil servants and specialized units through workshops and seminars. It is our opinion that the Committee’s work is headed in the right direction in taking up challenges such as the financing of weapons proliferation and support provided by non-State actors in the form of associated or dual-use materials. From the start, my country has endeavoured to ensure the full and effective implementation of resolution 1540 (2004), a commitment that is in line with State policy. In that context, we reiterate our commitment to the aims and purposes of the resolution and again thank the Government of the Republic of Korea for its leadership.

Six weeks after nearly 300 Nigerian girls were kidnapped by Boko Haram and less than one month after a series of deadly attacks wracked Sana’a, we are reminded that terrorism remains one of the most serious threats to international peace and security. Since we last met on the topic in November (see S/PV.7071), thousands of foreign terrorist fighters continue to support Al-Qaida and its affiliates, and groups such as Al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb and Boko Haram continue to commit atrocities and instil fear in the Sahel. As the terrorist threat evolves, so too must our response. The need for a whole-of-United Nations approach to countering terrorism has never been greater. Only with a targeted, nimble and united approach can we respond appropriately to the ever-changing terrorist landscape. The Security Council’s three counter-terrorism Committees should focus on combating the growth of Al-Qaida and its ideology, building the counter- terrorism capacities of States and ensuring that terrorists do not have access to weapons of mass destruction. We are grateful to the Chairs of the Committees — Australia, Lithuania and the Republic of Korea — for their excellent work in promoting the implementation of the resolutions. Fifteen years after the creation of the sanctions regime under resolution 1267 (1999), those sanctions remain one of the most effective tools to curb the financing and flow of arms to terrorists. When the Security Council reviews the Al-Qaida sanctions next month, we should assess their effectiveness and calibrate them to the evolving Al-Qaida threat. We see three particular areas that need the Council’s undivided attention: kidnapping for ransom, the cross-border flow of terrorist fighters, and the threat posed by improvised explosive devices (IEDs). To combat those trends, the Council must focus on more effective implementation of those measures. That can help to isolate and defund groups like Boko Haram and deter future attacks of kidnapping for ransom — an appalling practice that the Council rightly condemned earlier this year in resolution 2133 (2014). Effective implementation can also curb the flow of foreign fighters, not only to Syria but also to the Afghanistan- Pakistan region, Yemen, the Sahel, East Africa and elsewhere. To stop those flows, States should review United Nations sanctions lists prior to issuing visas and share information with international partners. Finally, effective implementation can encourage States to exercise greater vigilance to prevent terrorists from using IEDs  — weapons that have killed more civilians than combatants. We encourage States to share information, establish partnerships and develop strategies to combat IEDs. In addition to the 1267 sanctions, we must work together to bring greater strategic coherence to the broader counter-terrorism efforts of the United Nations. As an important first step, we welcome the efforts of the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (CTED) and Assistant Secretary-General Laborde and his team to return CTED to its origins of providing assessments of counter-terrorism capacity-building gaps. CTED can and should serve as a matchmaker, connecting assistance providers with those States most in need of help. We see a particular need for the United Nations to strengthen the criminal justice sector in a rule-of-law framework, as well as to enhance border security in countering violent extremism. We welcome the important role of the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Centre (UNCCT) in building the counter-terrorism capacity of Member States and the central role of the Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force (CTITF) in coordinating those efforts. We hope that CTITF and the UNCCT will continue to increase the strategic nature and impact of their policies, including by focusing on regions and countries with the biggest capacity gaps and through the use of monitoring and evaluation efforts. We encourage Member States to contribute to the UNCCT. We encourage all United Nations entities to continue to interact with the Global Counter-Terrorism Forum and to use its framework documents and good practices in areas such as countering violent extremism, criminal justice, kidnapping for ransom, supporting victims of terrorism and community-oriented policing. We look forward to the creation, on 18 June, of the international institute on justice and the rule of law in Malta, which will help to strengthen criminal justice systems. We welcome the creation later this year of the global community engagement and resilience fund — the first global effort to harness the resources of the public and private sectors to support local, community-based projects on educational and vocational training, civic engagement, media and women’s advocacy. We encourage States to support and contribute to this important fund. We would like to thank the Republic of Korea for convening earlier this month an open debate on resolution 1540 (2004) (see S/PV.7169)  — another pillar of United Nations counter-terrorism efforts. The Council’s presidential statement S/PRST/2014/7, adopted at that meeting, can serve as useful guidance for the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004) as it plans its future work, such as its interaction with civil society and industry. The United States has most directly supported the work of the 1540 Committee through a $4.5 million contribution to the United Nations Trust Fund for Global and Regional Disarmament Activities. The contribution has helped to fund the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs and 1540 Committee projects, such as the recent meetings in Gabon and South Africa for non-reporting States. We urge Member States to consider how they assist others in implementation resolution 1540 (2004), including by contributing to the Trust Fund. To ensure the effective implementation of resolution 1540 (2004), we know what we need to do. Each State must identify its own vulnerabilities and gaps in implementation and develop a plan so that the next steps are prioritized. States that lack capacity should request help and those in a position to assist should do so. Finally, everyone should be open to sharing useful information on a timely basis. States should place special emphasis on improving the design of national and global approaches to the problem of biosecurity. As reflected in the joint statement issued at the Nuclear Security Summit in March, States should also seek the full implementation of the nuclear security elements of resolution 1540 (2004) by 2016. By identifying such priorities, the Committee can use its resources more effectively and efficiently.

I thank the Chairs of the Security Council Committees established pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999) and 1989 (2011), 1373 (2001) and 1540 (2004) for their briefings and commend them for their astute leadership. Nigeria commends the Chairs for the continued cooperation among their Committees in the areas of information-sharing, joint meetings, outreach activities, country visits and participation in the broader counter- terrorism framework. That cooperation has allowed the Committees to share ideas on new challenges and share experiences on compiling effective implementation practices. The regular coordination by the three groups of experts of outreach activities, country visits and participation in the work of other entities dealing with counter-terrorism has allowed them to work together in a coherent and consistent manner. That is clearly a win-win situation for the three Committees, as it allows them to benefit from their relative strengths and competencies, thus improving their overall ability to achieve their different mandates. What really counts is the delivery of results, and we see merit in the Committees strengthening their coordination and cooperation with a view to improving their performance. Turning to the issue of terrorism, I would like to state that Nigeria remains resolute in its determination to meet that challenge, which is a clear and present threat to our national security. It was in that context that, in March 2014, the federal Government launched a four-point plan aimed at deradicalization, reaffirmation of the national ethos, reorientation of the security services and economic revitalization of a part of the country where poverty is endemic in order to address terrorism at home. That plan, which is part of the national counter-terrorism strategy, is expected to boost the efforts by Nigeria and its partners to root out terrorism in the country. Nigeria appreciates the cooperation and assistance of United Nations counter-terrorism entities, in particular the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate, which has been engaged in Nigeria since 2006. That cooperation has led to the establishment of the office of a national counter-terrorism coordinator in Nigeria and the evolution of a proactive deradicalization effort. The contributions of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime in the criminal justice track in Nigeria are also significant. We acknowledge the role being played in the fight against terrorism by the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Centre (UNCCT) and the synergy evolving between the Centre and the Counter- Terrorism Implementation Task Force. Capacity-building in the fight against terrorism has become even more imperative. Terrorists are using the Internet to advance their cause and are exploiting modern technology to plan and launch attacks. They have developed expertise in many areas, including command and control, logistics and mobility, as evidenced by the operations in Nigeria and other parts of the world. In that regard, we thank the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for its generous contribution to the UNCCT. We urge other Member States to also contribute to funding the Centre in order to enhance its responsiveness to the capacity- building needs of Member States. Nigeria appreciates the universality of the Al-Qaida sanctions regime, which is in place to serve Member States in the global fight against terrorism. It is our hope that the recent listing of Boko Haram will aid our counter-terrorism efforts. We remain committed to implementing the sanctions, resolute in assisting the Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1267 (1999) deliver on its mandate and keen to render on-reserve support to the Office of the Ombudsperson, who strives hard to ensure fairness and transparency in the listing and delisting process. We take this opportunity to acknowledge the support of friendly States in our fight against terrorism. We are determined to work with our neighbours to strengthen coordination of our counter-terrorism efforts. I will now make a few remarks on nuclear non-proliferation. Nigeria recognizes the need for all States to continue to take effective measures to prevent the proliferation of nuclear, chemical or biological weapons and their means of delivery. In the interest of international peace and security, it is particularly crucial for us to ensure that non-State actors in particular are prevented from acquiring weapons of mass destruction. That underscores the importance of the work of the 1540 Committee. The decision of the 1540 Committee to strengthen its cooperation with other committees and with international, regional and subregional organizations, including in the compilation of effective practices, will enhance the attainment of its mandate. That multidimensional approach also serves as a viable means of achieving the objective of resolution 1540 (2004). We welcome the steps being taken by the Committee to promote universal reporting under the resolution and encourage the planned collaboration between its Group of Experts and the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs to engage with and assist Member States in the submission of their initial reports. The fight for non-proliferation can be greatly aided when requests for assistance are matched by offers. We therefore urge the Committee to continue to facilitate that form of matchmaking as it works to strengthen its assistance mechanism. Finally, terrorism and the risk of non-State actors acquiring weapons of mass destruction remain real threats to international peace and security. As Member States, we must unite in the face of those threats and continue to give our full support to the 1373 Committee, the 1540 Committee and the Al-Qaida Sanctions Committee.

I would like to thank Ambassador Murmokaitė, Ambassador Oh Joon and Ambassador Quinlan for their briefings. China appreciates the work of the three Committees under the leadership of those three representatives. I would like to focus my statement on the question of anti-terrorism. Terrorism is the common enemy of humankind. Recent violent terrorist attacks in Nigeria, China and other countries have once again demonstrated that any terrorist act, regardless of when, where, by whom or for what motive it is committed, is a grave and inexcusable crime. The international community must adopt a zero- tolerance attitude in the face of terrorism, separatism and extremism and firmly oppose and counter them. The United Nations should play a greater role in counter- terrorism. The Organization should apply clear-cut criteria on the question of counter-terrorism, oppose double standards and encourage the international community to enhance counter-terrorism cooperation in accordance with the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter and international law. China opposes efforts to link terrorism with any specific country, ethnic group or religion and supports enhanced dialogue among civilizations and the elimination of the breeding grounds for terrorism by various comprehensive means. China believes that terrorists and terrorist groups are currently using new information and technology, including incitement, recruitment, financing and planning through the Internet. The international community should be highly vigilant on this issue and seek appropriate solutions to it. The Eastern Turkestan terrorist forces, led by the Eastern Turkestan Islamic Movement, are the most serious terrorist threat to China’s national security. The Chinese Government will continue to take resolute action against those terrorists. We have the determination, the confidence and capability to fight them. These terrorists will never succeed, regardless of the purpose of their attacks. The Counter-Terrorism Committee bears a very important responsibility in the fight against terrorism, and we support its implementation of its mandate and its continuing efforts to improve the implementation of the relevant Security Council resolutions through measures such as the preliminary implementation assessment and by organizing relevant meetings and country visits. We hope it will continue to maintain a dialogue and communication with Member States, enhance its coordination and cooperation with other United Nations entities, and continue to help Member States build their capacity. China will continue to participate actively in international cooperation within the framework of the Council in order to fight the phenomenon of terrorism. The Committee pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999) and 1989 (2011) concerning Al-Qaida and associated individuals and entities represents an important tool for the United Nations and the Council in combating terrorism and imposing sanctions. We support its efforts to enhance communication with the countries concerned in listing and de-listing names and to review the sanctions lists as scheduled, in order to promote implementation of resolutions 1267 (1999) and 2083 (2012) and fulfil its mandate effectively. China supports the work of the Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team under the Committee’s leadership, and we have taken note of the efforts of the Office of the Ombudsman to enhance the impartiality and transparency of the sanctions regime. We hope the membership will continue to support the work of the Committee and work together to maintain the authority, effectiveness and impartiality of the United Nations sanctions regime. Resolution 1540 (2004) was the first Council resolution to be assigned the important role of preventing non-State actors from acquiring nuclear, chemical, biological and other weapons of mass destruction. This year marks its tenth anniversary, and earlier this month the Council held an open debate (see S/PV.7169) at which it adopted a presidential statement (S/PRST/2014/7) that reflected the determination and commitment of the international community with regard to non-proliferation. The next step for all countries should be promoting the universal, comprehensive and balanced implementation of the resolution, and the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004) should do its part in that regard. China supports the work of the Committee in collecting reports from Member States, summarizing useful experiences in the implementation of the resolution and promoting international assistance and cooperation in accordance with its mandates. China is ready to work with all parties to enhance global governance in the area of non-proliferation and advance the international non-proliferation process in the interests of promoting universal security.

I would like to thank Ambassadors Raimonda Murmokaité of Lithuania, Oh Joon of the Republic of Korea and Gary Quinlan of Australia for their statements. Ambassador Bénédicte Frankinet will mention this in her statement, but I would also like to take this opportunity to strongly condemn the terrorist attack on the Jewish Museum in Brussels on Saturday. We offer our deep condolences to the families of the victims and to the people and Government of the Kingdom of Belgium. Terrorism is a cowardly act that targets the most vulnerable. It can hit anywhere at any time. We must therefore remain vigilant. I would also like to express my appreciation to the Committees for their commitment to enforcing measures for maintaining and restoring international peace and security, as enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations. We understand the need for the objective use of sanctions as an important instrument for enforcing Council decisions without resorting to force. On that basis we welcome the opportunity presented by these biannual briefings on the work of the three United Nations subsidiary bodies designed to fight terrorism and non-proliferation, including by overseeing the implementation of sanctions imposed on individuals and entities and by monitoring their violations. Rwanda believes that Al-Qaida and its affiliates still pose a serious threat to international peace and security. Though it is believed that Al-Qaida has had no central command since the death of its former leader, his absence, or the absence of that central command, has not discouraged religious radicalization, kidnappings and terrorist attacks in various parts of the world. However, we should remember that these extremist groups do not manufacture weapons or other military logistical supplies, and they do not operate in isolation. They receive arms supplies clandestinely through individuals, entities and even Member States. We are very concerned about the branching out of Al-Qaida into almost every corner of Africa, creating affiliated groups such as Al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb in the North, Al-Shabaab in the East and Boko Haram in Western and Central Africa. The persistent conflicts and instability, lack of solid institutions and the supply of uncontrolled weapons could make for fertile ground for incubating terrorism across Africa if concerted efforts are not made to address the root causes of conflicts, to provide a sustainable solution to crises and to neutralize terrorist organizations on the continent. In that regard, my delegation welcomes the inclusion of Boko Haram on the list of entities subject to targeted financial sanctions and arms embargoes, as laid out in resolution 2083 (2012). On Monday, this group  — which, as we all know, is responsible for the abduction of more than 200 young girls from a school in northern Nigeria — also attacked a Nigerian military base and police barracks in the town of Buni Yadi, killing 31 security personnel. It is important to support the Governments of Nigeria and its neighbours at this time in their efforts to eradicate this terrorist organization. In accordance with resolution 1373 (2001), Member States are obliged to prevent and criminalize incitement and to strengthen international cooperation and border control. However, porous borders, inadequate financial means and lack of technical capacity of some Member States facilitate terrorist movements across borders without hindrance, especially in the Middle East, North Africa and the Sahel region. On that note we reiterate our appeal to the Counter-Terrorism Executive Directorate to support Member States in building their national counter-terrorism capacities and to foster international cooperation among the United Nations system, States and other governmental bodies. As time has gone on, terrorism has benefited from technical advances and the power of the Internet, and from religious radicalization, poverty and lack of education. Although the masterminds of terrorism are political extremists and religious radicals, its proliferation, especially among young people, is amplified by poverty and a lack of education. While it is therefore critical to continue the fight against terrorist networks, we should at the same time invest heavily in education and povery eradication if we want to curb this scourge in the long term. Rwanda supports the work of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004) and appreciates the efforts of Ambassador Oh Joon, particularly in improving outreach programmes and visibility for the Committee. In fulfilling the Committee’s mandate, the outreach events around the world have raised global awareness and facilitated information-sharing on the implementation of resolution 1540 (2004) and discussion of identification of possible needs for assistance and any future steps that Member States should undertake in support of the resolution’s implementation. We thank the Republic of Korea for its organization on 7 May of an open debate on non-proliferation (see S/PV.7169), which was presided over by His Excellency Mr. Yun Byung-se, the Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea. During that debate the Security Council adopted a presidential statement (S/PRST/2014/7) marking the tenth anniversary of the adoption of this landmark resolution, in which it expressed grave concern about the threat of terrorism and the risk of non-State actors acquiring, developing, trafficking in or using nuclear, chemical and biological weapons, given the rapid advances in science and technology. It is on that note that the 1540 Committee has strongly urged that we map out key areas requiring focus, so the resolution can be fully achieved by 2021. We believe that overcoming new proliferation challenges requires new approaches to evolving situations and a consensus on the international security order that effectively addresses genuine proliferation concerns. 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. In our joint efforts, the fundamental issue should be that of enhancing consistency and cooperation among the various counter-terrorism committees, as well as addressing the root causes of terrorism. In that regard, we are confident that increased partnership among the sanctions committees will contribute to a significant decrease in terrorism.

First of all, allow me to express my sincerest gratitude to the Chairs of the Committee established pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999) and 1989 (2011) concerning Al-Qaida and associated individuals and entities, the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1373 (2001) concerning Counter-Terrorism, and the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004), respectively, for their comprehensive briefings today. Al-Qaida and its associated individuals and entities remain a very clear and serious threat to international peace and security despite a certain weakening of its core and its central organization. We are observing with great concern the emergence of new entities associated with Al-Qaida and its terrorist ideas, which are carrying out various dangerous activities around the world. In addition, they are using new methods, such as information technology of all types, to carry out terrorist activities through innovative tactics, using very low-cost and easily available materials. Al-Qaida therefore continues to threaten peace and security in the Middle East. There is no doubt that the conflicts that are ravaging certain States of the region provide environments conducive to the activity of terrorist organizations and entities. The clearest proof of that is the emergence of such terrorist organizations as the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria and Jabhat-al-Nusrah. The Al-Qaida Committee added the latter organization to its sanctions list about a week ago. In that context, we think that it is extremely important for the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1373 (2001) concerning Counter-Terrorism to continue to work tirelessly in the Middle East and in other regions of the world where terrorism is emerging. Today Al-Qaida and its associated individuals and entities pose threats to international peace and security, and the international community has to confront those threats through a practical methodology consisting of a number of elements. They include, in particular, fostering international and regional cooperation among States; improving the exchange of relevant information, expertise and good practices; and assisting States in implementing sanctions regimes and in participating in the process of inscription on and deletion from lists on a case-by-case basis at the national and regional level. The role of the Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team of the Al-Qaida Committee should be strengthened. We would like to confirm the importance of the Team’s recommendation regarding the need to provide biometric data on individuals on the Al-Qaida sanctions list. Cooperation with the Office of the Ombudsperson, which plays a very important and transparent role, should also be strengthened Jordan appreciates the important role played by the Counter-Terrorism Committee and its Executive Directorate in terms of capacity-building, raising awareness about the offices in charge of countering terrorism in various States, and coordinating visits to States. We would like to reiterate in that regard how important it is for the Committee and its Executive Directorate to coordinate technical assistance with Member States in accordance with their needs and on the basis of the constantly evolving security situation that we are witnessing. We call on the Executive Directorate to develop a strategy for a periodic review of the assistance provided to Member States so that the members of the Committee are duly informed of it. Not much time has passed since the Council’s open debate under the leadership of His Excellency Mr. Yun Byung-se, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea, to mark the tenth anniversary of the Council’s adoption of resolution 1540 (2004) (see S/PV.7169). During that debate, a number of proposals and ideas were presented to strengthen the work of the 1540 Committee. I would like to take this opportunity to thank you, Mr. President, and the entire delegation of the Republic of Korea, for your efforts in the work of the Committee. We appreciate the role of the Committee and of the Group of Experts in ensuring that all States are represented in the global reports, in establishing a network of contact points, in raising awareness and in facilitating the provision of assistance by contributing States to recipient States. Lastly, my delegation would like to say how important it is for the Counter-Terrorism Committee to cooperate with Member States and how important it is to strengthen national, regional and international efforts to confront the scourge that threatens the peace and security of people around the world. Jordan would like to reiterate that it will continue to play its leading role in fighting terrorism by adopting necessary measures, developing effective national legislation, sharing its expertise in combatting terrorism with other countries of its region and around the world, strengthening cooperation with the subsidiary bodies of the Security Council and other relevant bodies of the United Nations, and continuing to support international initiatives aimed at fostering the values of understanding, cooperation and rejection of terrorism and intellectual extremism, such as through “A Common Word Between Us and You” and World Understanding Week.

Allow me, first of all, to thank the Ambassadors of Australia and Lithuania and you, Mr. President, for your briefings and leadership as the Chairs of the respective committees. My delegation aligns itself with the statement that will be made by the Head of the Delegation of the European Union. Terrorism is a threat more present than ever, as illustrated by recent tragic events. France joins others in condemning with the greatest firmness the terrible killings that took place at the Jewish Museum in Brussels. We express our full solidarity with the Belgian people in that ordeal and offer our condolences to the families of the victims. For the struggle against the terrorist scourge to be effective, the Council, through its Committee established pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999) and 1989 (2011) concerning Al-Qaida and associated individuals and entities, must have at its disposal a flexible tool enabling it to implement swift sanctions when an emergency requires it. In that regard, several days following the Paris summit on security in Nigeria held on 17 May, the Committee took a decision, on 22 May, to place Boko Haram under sanctions, a decision that my country co-sponsored. It is important to continue our efforts to update the sanctions list so that it correctly reflects the emerging threats in the fight against Al-Qaida. Today, France is particularly concerned about a new phenomenon, that of foreign combatants. These fighters are self-radicalized young people who travel to fight alongside terrorists. They represent a threat not only to the countries to which they travel, but also to their countries of origin, where they will probably return to settle. It is urgent that the sanctions Committee take action against that phenomenon, and in particular against the networks that aid and abet them. Finally, the listing and delisting procedures of the sanctions list must respect the fundamental freedoms of the persons on the list. By creating and strengthening the Ombudsperson’s mandate, the latest resolutions have allowed us to improve the procedural guarantees. While the Council is about to review the mandate of the 1267 (1999) and 1989 (2011) Committee, it is important that it continue to improve those guarantees. Besides the Al-Qaida sanctions Committee, the issue of foreign combatants, which poses a new threat, must be taken seriously by all United Nations counter- terrorism bodies. We therefore encourage the Counter- Terrorism Committee to continue to address that issue, especially as its new mandate, defined by resolution 2129 (2013), includes the need to focus on recent trends in the field of terrorism. We also commend the Committee’s particular focus on new threats through the holding of discussions on resolution 2133 (2014), on abductions for ransom. Lastly, we would like to thank the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate for its programme of work, including several follow-up visits, to ensure the due implementation by Member States of the Council’s requirements in the fight against terrorism, namely, resolutions 1373 (2001) and 1624 (2005). It is essential to pursue that dialogue with Member States by carrying out regular follow-up visits. With regard to the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004), I would like to recall that the proliferation of nuclear, radiological, biological and chemical weapons and their means of delivery and the risk of their falling into the hands of terrorists pose a genuine threat. Resolution 1540 (2004) and its rigorous implementation by Member States plays an important role in averting that risk. In that regard, I would like to thank and congratulate you, Mr. President, for the successful organization of the high-level Security Council debate to commemorate the tenth anniversary of resolution 1540 (2004) (S/PV.7169) in early May. Presidential statement S/PRST/2014/7, which the Council adopted on that occasion, also serves as a road map for the work of the 1540 (2004) Committee. Since its adoption in 2004, the progress noted in the implementation of resolution 1540 (2004) has been important. Today, a majority of States in the world have adopted measures to replicate the provisions of the resolution in their national legislation, and the main international, regional and subregional organizations have adopted strategies to promote and implement that important resolution. In that regard, we must continue to encourage countries that have not yet done so to provide the Committee with a report on the implementation of the resolution in their national legislation. Over the past 10 years, the Committee has also continued its cooperation with several international, regional and subregional organizations, as well as with other subsidiary bodies of the Council whose activities are aligned with the goals of resolution 1540 (2004). The Committee has much to gain from expanded cooperation with the international bodies responsible for combating the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, in particular in developing partnerships related to technical assistance. We hope that this cooperation will continue unhindered. In the light of those developments, the Committee should undertake a strategic review of the implementation of resolution 1540 (2004) in the longer term and to incorporate the results of that analysis in the Committee’s comprehensive review in 2016. The presidential statement adopted at the start of the month paves the way for conducting that important exercise. In conclusion, to meet the growing challenge of terrorism, we must continue to promote close cooperation between all structures combatting that phenomenon. It would be useful for the fourth review of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, which will take place in June, to address strengthened coordination, as well as emerging problems, such as that of foreign combatants, so that the international community is better equipped to confront those threats.

At the outset, allow me, through you, Mr. President, to thank the Permanent Representatives of Lithuania, Australia and yourself, in your capacity as Chair of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004), for your informative briefings and your work in leading the subsidiary bodies. I would like to begin by reaffirming that the General Assembly, together with the Security Council and its competent bodies, are the most appropriate forums for effective action to prevent and eradicate terrorism. In that sense, we consider it important to continue to strengthen the coordination and coherence of the United Nations activities in the fight against terrorism. That is particularly important this year when the General Assembly will hold the fourth review of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy in June. First, I would like to refer to the work of the Committee pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999) and 1989 (2011) concerning Al-Qaida and associated individuals and entities, and to underscore, as noted by the Chair of the Committee in his briefing, the importance of ensuring that the sanctions regime remains an effective response to the threat represented by Al-Qaida and its associated entities. In that regard, we agree with Ambassador Quinlan that is essential to ensure that the list of individuals and entities subject to sanctions remains relevant and evolves in line with the evolution of Al-Qaida and its associated entities. On that point, we join the support for the inclusion of the Boko Haram group in the list, as was done just a few days ago. Furthermore, we believe that in order to maintain the effectiveness of the sanctions regime, it is important to guarantee respect for due process. As on previous occasions, I would like to acknowledge the work of the Ombudsperson, Kimberly Prost, who is an example of efficiency, professionalism and independence. In that connection, we have carefully considered her report to the Security Council (S/2014/73), dated 31 January 2014, and we regret that, in accordance with paragraph 70, she has been obligated to submit reports on her travels, which is a clear interference in the independence of the work of the Office of the Ombudsperson and compromises its efficiency. We consider it essential that the impartiality of the Ombudsperson and the confidential nature of her work be respected. Therefore, we believe that the Security Council should closely monitor that issue to ensure that the Ombudsperson can carry out her duties independently and without restrictions. We also believe that the Ombudsperson should have the appropriate tools to carry out the mandate entrusted to her by the Council. Therefore, we note the challenges and pending issues identified in the report, for example, the need for a database and the importance of improving methods in certain issues related to transparency. Finally, let me reaffirm the importance of the availability of the list in the six official languages ​of the Organization. This issue is directly relevant to the implementation of the list by the competent authorities and the relevance of the sanctions regime. On that issue, I would like once again to thank the Chair of the Committee for his efforts to find a solution to that problem, which we hope will be resolved as soon as possible. I would also like to underscore the work carried out by the Working Group on Documentation and Other Procedural Matters, which examined the practice of the different sanctions Committees in the area of the translation of their respective lists, in order to contribute, from a general point of view, to the way in which the 1267 (1999) and 1989 (2011) Committee deals with that issue. The Counter-Terrorism Committee plays an important role in ensuring that the international community’s efforts in the fight against terrorism are more effective. In that context, we welcome the adoption of resolution 2129 (2013) and the extension of the mandate until 31 December 2017 of the Counter- Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (CTED), which assists the Committee in its work. In that regard, we hope that respect for human rights and the validity of the rule of law in the context of the fight against terrorism continue to be cross-cutting aspects of the Executive Directorate’s work. The open debate of 7 May on the occasion of the tenth anniversary of the adoption of resolution 1540 (2004) and the prospects for its implementation, which was presided over by the Minister for Foreign Affairs of your country, Mr. President, clearly demonstrated that Member States agree on underscoring the 1540 Committee’s work and the resolution’s provisions as essential tools to prevent weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery from falling into the hands of terrorists (see S/PV.7169). At the same time, the debate allowed the international community to reaffirm that, in combating terrorism, effective international efforts depend on the adoption and implementation of the necessary national measures and regional coordination. It also underscored the need to mobve forward in the area of nuclear disarmament, since, while weapons of mass destruction continue to exist, there will be the risk of them falling into the hands of terrorists. As many delegations, including mine, pointed out during that open debate, the only way to eliminate that risk is the complete elimination of weapons of mass destruction. In conclusion, I would like to reiterate our support for initiatives that help to improve transparency in the work of the Security Council and its subsidiary bodies, as well as actions to strengthen their coordination and cooperation so as to enhance the Security Council’s contribution to the fight against terrorism and allow for consideration of the issue in a more comprehensive manner.

I join other speakers before me in thanking Ambassadors Raimonda Murmokaitė of Lithuania, Oh Joon of the Republic of Korea and Gary Quinlan of Australia, the respective Chairs of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1373 (2001) concerning counter-terrorism, the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004) on the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, and the Committee pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999) and 1989 (2011) concerning Al-Qaida and associated individuals and entities, for their briefings. I congratulate them on their leadership at the head of those Committees. Allow me also to add my voice to those of previous speakers in condemning the attack against the Jewish Museum in Brussels and to offer our condolences to the families of the victims and the Government of Belgium. Chad welcomes the growing cooperation among the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate, the Group of Experts of the 1540 Committee and the Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team. With regard to the Counter-Terrorism Committee, Chad welcomes the adoption of resolution 2129 (2013), which renewed the mandate of the Executive Directorate by providing it with guidance in order to better assist Member States in fully implementing resolutions 1373 (2001) and 1624 (2005). Furthermore, Chad welcomes the Committee’s activities set out in the briefing by its Chair and underscores the threat posed by ransom payments. Such a practice is a source of revenue that perpetuates criminal and terrorist acts. In that regard, we look forward with interest to the special meeting to be held on the issue of kidnapping for ransom. With regard to the 1540 Committee, Chad commends the adoption of its programme of work from 1 June 2014 to 31 January 2015, the visits to Niger and Bangladesh and the 46 global awareness-raising actions. Moreover, Chad awaits with interest the development of a strategy for the full implementation of resolution 1540 (2004), recommended by the Security Council in the presidential statement of 7 May (S/PRST/2014/7) and the review of recommendations on strengthening assistance mechanisms. Chad reiterates its commitment to working for the implementation of resolution 1540 (2004) and calls for increased dialogue between the 1540 Committee and the 21 Member States that have still to submit their reports. With regard to the Committee pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999) and 1989 (2011) concerning Al-Qaida and associated individuals and entities, Chad welcomes the fact that Boko Haram is now on the Al-Qaida sanctions list. Chad is concerned about the growing threat posed by Boko Haram, which is increasingly organized and professional, as demonstrated by its modus operandi. Boko Haram has human, materiel and logistical resources. Chad is also concerned about the regrouping of the militants of Al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) in southern Libya following their defeat in Mali, as the fifteenth report of the Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team (S/2104/14) notes. We are also concerned about the diverse and sophisticated means used by the terrorist group and their movement around the world. The use of the Internet, its social media and improvised explosive devices and the regrouping of more than 9,000 foreign fighters in Syria are likewise of concern. Chad calls for the identification of the main leaders in order to include them on the sanctions list and encourages the ongoing review of that list, in which all Member States should participate by providing detailed and up-to-date information. With regard to the sanctions regime, like many other States, Chad believes that the listing and delisting procedures of individuals on the sanctions list should be examined in depth to ensure a more transparent mechanism that is consistent with the relevant legal standards and practices. Finally, with regard to the considerable threat posed by a number of terrorist groups in Africa, such as Boko Haram, AQIM and Al-Shabaab, Chad calls for increased cooperation among the Committees, Member States and regional and subregional organizations in order to strengthen legal, technical and professional capacities, including in the military and security fields, with a view to the effective implementation of sanctions. In line with its means, Chad is ready to participate in joint and coordinated actions to restore peace and stability in Africa and elsewhere.

We thank the Permanent Representatives of Lithuania, Australia and your country, Mr. President, for their briefings on the work of the respective Committees. Such activities are an important contribution to strengthening the central coordinating role of the United Nations and the Security Council in the area of international cooperation to counter terrorism. The events of recent months demonstrate that terrorism remains a key threat to international peace and security. At the heart of anti-terror activities is the conflict in Syria, which is fanning the flames in northern and western Africa, including the Sahel region, and continues to destabilize Afghanistan and the Middle East. Extremists of various affiliations are trying to harness the turbulence in unstable regions by skilfully feeding off social problems, the lack of an alternative to criminality and long- standing sectarian and religious differences. Terrorists are actively taking advantage of recent information technology developments, including to recruit extremists remotely. They move unhindered through porous borders and exploit loopholes in legislation on criminal activities. A subject of worry, terrorism continues to weave itself into the fabric of modern regional and other armed conflicts. In that context, the most pressing problem is the participation of citizens of various countries in such conflicts on the side of terrorist organizations, above all, Al-Qaida and its affiliates. It is necessary to address such risks at the early stage, to continue efforts to improve knowledge-sharing among competent Government departments, to make terrorist activities less attractive, and to combat the spread of the ideology of terrorism and violent extremism, including in the media and on the Internet. The Security Council’s Counter-Terrorism Committee (CTC) continues to set the tone in counter-terrorist cooperation within the Organization. Increasing attention is being given to a comprehensive approach in combating terrorism, taking into account preventive measures for combating that scourge. There is a growing understanding of a need to involve civil society, academia and the media in the efforts of Government structures and international organizations in that sphere. That was confirmed by the adoption in December of resolution 2129 (2013), which adapted the mandate of the CTC and its Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (CTED) to the new realities. We commend the role of CTED in providing assistance to the Counter-Terrorism Committee. We think CTED should focus, in the framework of its updated mandate, on one of its key elements, which is supporting the CTC in monitoring the implementation of resolutions 1373 (2001) and 1624 (2005) and coordinating the provision of technical assistance to Member States. CTED activities that prepare comprehensive counter- terrorist strategies are of particular significance. We are in favour of strengthening its role as a key expert organ in that field, commanding necessary experience and methodology. It is necessary to maintain the current rate of successful CTC country visits. We find useful the initiatives of the new CTED leadership to stimulate direct contact between prosecutors and judges in various States directly involved in prosecutions and trials of cases of a terrorist nature. It is relevant to update the global review of the implementation of resolutions 1373 (2001) and 1624 (2005) and the plan of action for the implementation of resolution 1624 (2005). We believe it is important to further strengthen CTC contacts with other structures and organizations with a view to expanding the network of counter-terrorist cooperation under the aegis of the United Nations. In that respect, we note the interactions of the CTC, 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) at the meeting of heads of special services, security agencies and law enforcement organizations on the issue of terrorism, which was organized by the Russian Federation’s Federal Security Services. We intend to continue the practice of holding briefings by representatives from that meeting to the CTC. The Committee on Al-Qaida remains one of the most effective Security Council mechanisms in the field of counter-terrorism. Its sanctions list must adequately reflect the Al-Qaida threat, which, as recent events in the Arab world and in Africa have shown, has not faded. We support proposals on inclusion in the list of new entities by Member States. We think that the Committee needs to swiftly respond to the changing nature of the threat and to consider applications without excessive red tape. The powers of the Ombudsperson, set out in resolution 2083 (2012), provide an optimal level of transparency for the Committee’s work. However, the practical activities of that entity sometimes fall short. Sadly, at times it suffers from a narrow, short-sighted approach, ignoring the opinion of interested States. A top priority should be improving the effectiveness of the sanctions mechanism, which fully depends on implementation by States of relevant commitments. In that context, we are troubled by references to the opinion of national judicial forums being used as a pretext for ignoring Security Council decisions. Such a policy calls into question the prerogatives of the Council in combating terrorism. The adoption in 2004 of resolution 1540 (2004), which Russia initiated, was the result of a general understanding of the need to prevent weapons of mass destruction and their delivery systems falling into the hands of non-State actors, above all, terrorists. The goals set out in the resolution are more relevant than ever for all members of the international community. In recent months, the 1540 Committee’s Group of Experts has continued successful work. We trust that new members of the Group, given their experience and qualifications, will be able to join that work smoothly. The 7 May Security Council high-level open debate on the theme of non-proliferation (see S/PV.7169) was a milestone. The main outcome was agreeing on a presidential statement (S/PRST/2014/7) that will serve as a benchmark for the work of the 1540 Committee for the period up to the comprehensive review in 2016. All of us, all responsible members of the international community, have collective, long-term interests in the sphere of non-proliferation. One of our priorities should be continued, full implementation of resolution 1540 (2004) by all countries. In that resolution, all three kinds of weapons of mass destruction — nuclear, chemical and biological — are treated as a whole, which confirms the equal danger of any of them falling into the hands of terrorists. In the last 10 years, much has been done to implement that binding document. While 172 Member States have presented their first reports on implementation, there is still a long way to go. A remaining priority in the Committee’s work is providing technical assistance to States. It is vital that the 1540 Committee effectively carries out the functions of the central coordinator of activities on implementation of the resolution, to define its goals and priorities and to focus the main efforts on the work of countries that have yet to present their first national reports.

At the outset, I would like to join others in thanking Ambassador Raimonda Murmokaité, Ambassador Gary Quinlan and you, Mr. President, Ambassador Oh Joon, for the briefings and the commitment with which all have presided over the Committees established under resolutions 1373 (2001), 1267 (1999) and 1989 (2011), and 1540 (2004), respectively. I would like to thank our Lithuanian colleague for her joint briefing, which highlighted the continued cooperation between the three Committees and their groups of experts. Luxembourg associates itself with the statement to be made by the European Union. Current events, whether in the Sahel, the Horn of Africa or the Middle East, remind us every day to what extent terrorism continues to threaten international peace and security. In the face of that scourge, we welcome the fact that the three competent Security Council Committees and their groups of experts continue to interact with a view to coordinating their activities and to exchange information on the issues before them. We encourage the three groups of experts to continue coordinating their outreach activities and their field visits in order to facilitate the participation of their respective experts and to ensure a consistent approach. The assessment visit to Mongolia — which takes place this week, headed by Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate, on behalf of the the Counter-Terrorism Committee, with the participation of the Group of Experts of the 1540 Committee and the Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team of the 1267/1989 Committee — is a good example in that respect. We welcome the commitment of the three groups of experts in the framework of the Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force, which has contributed to the preparation for the United Nations fourth global counter-terrorism strategic review. The sanctions regime established under resolutions 1267 (1999) and 1989 (2011) on Al-Qaida and associated individuals and entities is one of the most important multilateral tools that the international community has for combating terrorism. It targets the various factions of Al-Qaida and its affiliates to deprive them of weapons and funding, limit their movements and thus weaken their ability to perpetrate acts of terrorism. For the regime to be effective, the listing process for persons and entities and the delisting procedures must be guided by the principles of equity, respect for the rule of law, credibility and transparency. Similarly, sanctions must be applied diligently. The consolidated list must also evolve in step with the threat. We support the rapid and strategic work by the Al-Qaida Sanctions Committee, which seeks to ensure that the sanctions imposed by the Security Council support national and regional responses to the evolving terrorist threat from Al-Qaida. That approach encourages Member States to take ownership of the listing process. It proved its worth last week when, at the request of Nigeria, the Committee approved the listing of Boko Haram on the sanctions list. That designation is welcome and fully justified. We commend the role of the Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team in highlighting the changing nature of the Al-Qaida threat and for recommending ways to adapt sanctions to the noted changes in the protocol and scope of that threat. Мr. Evans and his Team can rely on our full support in discharging their mandate. We support the recommendations of the Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team and believe it is necessary for the Committee to maintain a comprehensive approach linked to an ongoing assessment of the threat. The Office of the Ombudsman plays an important impartial role in applying the sanctions regime. The Committee continues to work with the Ombudsman on delisting requests. That process helps in ensuring that the Al-Qaida sanctions list is targeted and effective. We congratulate Ms. Kimberly Prost on the independence, professionalism and courage with which she fulfils her mission. The review of resolution 2083 (2012) next month will be a useful opportunity to further strengthen the procedures and effectiveness of the Committee and the Office of the Ombudsman. The Group of Like-Minded States on Targeted Sanctions has made ​constructive proposals in that regard, in particular to improve information-sharing between the Office of the Ombudsman and the Member States and to strengthen the transparency of decisions to delist or maintain elements on the sanctions list. Regarding the work of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1373 (2001) concerning counter- terrorism, we support the efforts of the Committee to strengthen the capacity of Member States to help them to fully implement resolutions 1373 (2001) and 1624 (2005). Those efforts are a response to the guidance given by resolution 2129 (2013), which renewed the mandate of Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate. We welcome the fact that the Committee has decided to pay enhanced attention to the fight against hostage-taking for ransom and the prevention of terrorists’ misuse of travel documents. We commend the work of Mr. Laborde at the head of the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate. The close interaction between the Executive Directorate and Member States is essential for the full implementation of their commitments in the fight against terrorism. We encourage the Executive Directorate to continue its capacity-building activities and to propose mechanisms for technical assistance to countries that request it. Luxembourg is prepared to assist in that regard. We have thus sponsored a regional workshop on the freezing of terrorist assets, which is organized jointly by the Executive Directorate and the Middle East and North Africa Financial Action Task Force. The workshop is being held today, tomorrow and the day after tomorrow in Tunis. Finally, regarding the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004), it cannot be stressed enough that the proliferation of nuclear, chemical and biological weapons and their means of delivery constitutes a threat to international peace and security. The threat from terrorists or other non-State actors who might acquire, develop, traffic or use such weapons is elevated. It is the duty of all Member States to fight against that threat. During the open debate (see S/PV.7169) held on 7 May by the Korean presidency on the occasion of the tenth anniversary of the adoption of resolution 1540 (2004), the Council renewed the commitment it had undertaken 10 years earlier. It acknowledged the role of the 1540 Committee as a clearinghouse that connects applicants and providers of assistance and recognized the essential contribution that civil society, industry and the private sector have to make. To counter the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, we must indeed mobilize all possible efforts. The Council also stressed the importance of close and effective cooperation and coordination between the 1540 Committee, the Al-Qaida Sanctions Committee and the Counter-Terrorism Committee. The cooperation of those three Committees and their Groups of Experts has created synergies. We must continue on that path. Everyone will thus win, and terrorists will lose.

I now give the floor to the representative of Israel.

I would like to thank you, Mr. President, for presiding over this important meeting. We would also like to express our gratitude to the Permanent Representatives of Lithuania, Australia and the Republic of Korea for chairing the Committees and for their comprehensive briefings. Israel believes that the United Nations counter-terrorism Committees are essential to global efforts to isolate terrorists. We appreciate their dedicated work, along with that of other relevant agencies. For the past month, the world’s attention has been focused on the kidnapping of hundreds of girls from a school in north-eastern Nigeria by Boko Haram. When our children are not safe in their schools and our families are not safe in their homes, then we, as an international community, have failed. Israel welcomes the inclusion of Boko Haram on the sanctions list of the Committee pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999) and 1989 (2011) concerning Al-Qaida and associated individuals and entities, but there is still much more work to be done. In its 66-year history, Israel has not known a single day free from terrorism. With every siren that wails, every report of a terrorist attack and even every car backfiring, our hearts miss a beat. There is not a family in Israel that does not know the bitter taste of tragedy. This past weekend, a gunman stormed the Jewish Museum of Belgium in Brussels, killing Dominique Chabrier, a French citizen; Alexandre Strens, a Belgian citizen; and Emanuel and Miriam Riva, two Israeli citizens. That horrific act proves yet again that both anti-Semitism and terrorism are not confined by national borders. Since the beginning of this year, over 100 rockets have been fired from the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip into southern Israel. Hamas now seeks the veneer of international legitimacy by partnering with Fatah. In case the Council thinks Hamas has changed its tune, 48 hours after forging a unity agreement, Hamas leader Khaled Mashaal stated, “Our path is resistance and jihad is our choice”, and if anyone had any further doubt, he also stated, “This is the original Palestinian strategy”. It is clear from that statement that lending support to the Hamas-Abbas partnership is the same as lending legitimacy to terror attacks against Israel. The reach of terrorist organizations has grown dramatically and dangerously. Israelis have become the targets of an Iranian terror campaign executed by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard and Hizbullah. Those groups are responsible for attacks throughout the world, from Burgas and Buenos Aires to Bangkok. Just last month, authorities in Thailand foiled a plan by Hizbullah agents to attack Israeli tourists. Hizbullah has built its arsenal to unprecedented levels, amassing over 80,000 deadly missiles and rockets, which it stores throughout Lebanon in schools, homes and hospitals. In doing so, it is committing a double war crime: first by using Lebanese civilians as human shields; and secondly by targeting Israeli civilians. Both Hamas and Hizbullah receive funding and support from the world’s primary sponsor of terrorism, Iran. In March, the Israeli Defense Forces intercepted a cargo ship, the KLOS C, sent by Iran and carrying advanced weaponry destined for the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip. The KLOS C was a close call. That time, it was a ship carrying rockets bound for Tel Aviv. Next time, it could be carrying a bomb meant for a capital city in Europe or Asia or the Americas. Iran is not easily discouraged, and it continues to fan the flames of conflict across the Middle East. In Syria, where the worst humanitarian crisis of this generation is taking place, Iran has sent terrorist groups from Lebanon and Iraq to fight alongside the brutal Al-Assad regime. Directing this network is Qasem Soleimani, the chief of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard’s Quds Force. Thousands of foreign fighters from all over Europe and the Middle East have joined Al-Qaida in Syria and are aggravating sectarian tensions in the region. Syria has become the foremost academy for both Sunni and Shiite terrorists, teaching the philosophy of fundamentalism, the engineering of explosives and the calculus of chaos. The international community must stand firm in combating terrorism. Terrorism cannot be justified on any grounds or for any reason, and it must be condemned in all its forms and manifestations. The Counter-Terrorism Committee, the Al-Qaida Sanctions Committee and the 1540 Committee all remain essential parts of the global effort to isolate terrorists and deny them the means to inflict harm. Israel attaches great importance to the work of the United Nations counter-terrorism agencies and commends the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (CTED) for its ongoing contribution to coordinating action against terrorism. CTED has done an excellent job monitoring the implementation of resolution 1373 (2001), which Israel fully implements and which constitutes the centrepiece of the United Nations efforts to create a robust counter-terrorism system. We support the United Nations Global Counter- Terrorism Strategy, which is currently being negotiated. Israel believes that all four pillars of the Strategy must be treated as a whole. Israel also recently submitted its periodic report in accordance with resolution 1540 (2004) . In Israel, the threat of terrorism is not theoretical. It is prevalent and it is persistent. Out of necessity, we have become experts in the field of counter-terrorism and are sharing our knowledge with Governments throughout the world. Israeli experts have contributed their expertise on a range of issues, from terrorist financing to forensic investigation and from aviation security to border protection. Those activities reflect our fundamental belief that terrorism can only be effectively confronted through international cooperation. There is a specific kind of ecosystem that creates terrorism. It is seeded in hate, watered with instability and cultivated by rogue regimes. As an international community, we must attack the roots of terrorist infrastructure and stem the flow of arms and money from its sponsors. Working together, we can abolish the weapons of war before they abolish us.

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

I now give the floor to the Head of the Delegation of the European Union to the United Nations. Mr. Mayr-Harting: I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union (EU) and its member States. The candidate countries Turkey, Montenegro and Serbia; the country of the Stabilization and Association Process and potential candidate Bosnia and Herzegovina; as well as Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova, Armenia and Georgia, align themselves with this statement. I thank the President very much for organizing this annual briefing. This is a very important discussion, and it is clearly also important that we find the right sort of language. I am sorry that the preceding speaker was unable to do so in his concluding remarks. Let me start by expressing our appreciation to the Committee Chairs for their extensive updates and summaries of the actions and initiatives that they have taken. This year has already seen several events to mark the tenth anniversary of the adoption of resolution 1540 (2004). Those included a Security Council briefing on 10 April and an open debate on 7 May (see S/PV.7169). We strongly support such initiatives. Outreach is an essential part of our work to raise awareness of the challenge and our response and to garner broad political support. Resolution 1540 (2004) is often viewed through the lens of counter-terrorism, but it is more than that. The proliferation of nuclear, chemical and biological weapons, as well as their means of delivery, constitutes a threat to international peace and security. The threat of terrorism and the risk that non-State actors may acquire, develop, traffic in or use nuclear, chemical or biological weapons and their means of delivery remain high. Therefore, it is the duty of all States of the world to fight the threat. The full implementation of resolution 1540 (2004) is not simply a legal requirement. It is incumbent upon us all and in all of our interests. We therefore applaud the efforts of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004), efforts at matchmaking between donors and those that seek support. We will redouble our efforts to play our part in helping partners to implement resolution 1540 (2004). For example, we have adopted an EU Council decision in support of the practical implementation of that resolution and signed an agreement with the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs as the implementing agency. A large component of the EU Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Centres of Excellence initiative is devoted to supporting national action plans on resolution 1540 (2004). Universal reporting under the resolution is within reach, and I hope that we will achieve that goal this year. Finally, we support the recommendations that were agreed in the 2013 annual review, including the sharing of effective practices, the development of a living network of points of contact and interaction with civil society and the private sectors, as well as with parliamentarians. We hope that those recommendations can be implemented quickly. The terrorist threat that we face continues to evolve, with more active terrorist groups than before. In 2013, there were nearly 10,000 terrorist attacks, resulting in more than 18,000 deaths and over 32,000 injuries. Terrorism remains a threat to global peace and security. Resolutions 1267 (1999) and 1373 (2001) are therefore still as pertinent and important as ever. They play a crucial role in our security. That is underscored in the recent report of the Secretary-General on the activities of the United Nations system in implementing the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy (A/68/841). We remain committed to the idea that the scourge of terrorism can be overcome only by measures that adhere to the highest human rights standards and are in full compliance with the rule of law. Terrorism needs to be fought as a crime by law and within the law with full respect for fundamental rights. We welcome the fact that the Security Council has taken significant steps to further reinforce fair and clear procedures for United Nations sanctions. We commend the Ombudsperson’s work and reiterate our support for her unwavering efforts. We reiterate our call upon all Member States to extend their full cooperation to the Office of the Ombudsperson in each and every case. The discussions in the Council in June on the Al-Qaida Sanctions Committee will provide an excellent opportunity to further advance those procedures and to strengthen the effectiveness of the Committee and the work of the Ombudsperson. We welcome the work of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1373 (2001), in particular the vast array of counter-terrorism efforts and activities. In the period of concern, we participated with great interest in a number of events focused on countering the financing of terrorism and preventing terrorist travel, such as the high-level open briefing on 25 April on preventing the misuse of travel documents by terrorists, traveller identification management and document security. That is a crucial issue, in particular as many countries are faced with the growing threat of an increasing flow of international recruits to terrorist organizations, including foreign fighters. Such foreign fighters can pose an acute terrorist threat on their return to their home countries. Sharing information and best practices on detecting those who travel abroad to fight and on preventing them from doing so is vital. We strongly support further work in that area. We warmly welcome resolution 2129 (2013), which renews the mandate of the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (CTED). The resolution calls on the Committee and CTED to be more active in countering violent extremism and to focus on prevention in response to the global terrorist threat. Communities, civil society and other partners should be involved in finding solutions. The resolution also highlights the positive role that victims of terrorism and women can play in that process. Finally, it is worth drawing attention to resolution 2133 (2014), which is the first resolution dedicated to the issue of kidnapping for ransom. Building on the commitments made in resolution 1373 (2001), it calls upon all Member States to take action to prevent terrorists from benefiting directly or indirectly from ransom payments or from political concessions and to work together to secure the safe release of hostages. I would like to conclude my intervention by underscoring that our resolve to defeat terrorism and the proliferation of chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear weapons must never weaken or falter. We remain committed to working with the three Committees. Their work must remain a priority for the United Nations and its Member States.

I now give the floor to the representative of Japan.

At the outset, I would like to thank the Chairs of the Council’s three counter- terrorism committees for their comprehensive briefings. As several other colleagues have mentioned, the threat of terrorism is still a reality. We are all deeply enraged by the abduction of more than 200 schoolgirls by Boko Haram, which has renewed our determination to fight against terrorism. Any violence committed by terrorists against innocent people cannot be justified on any grounds or for any purpose. Japan firmly condemns any act of terrorism. The international community should continue to work together to eliminate all kinds of violence. In that context, since the fourth review of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy is now under way, there is no doubt that such an opportunity can serve to enhance awareness of the importance and necessity of counter-terrorism measures and to further promote the efforts of Member States in that regard. Japan has participated in the process in a constructive manner in order to achieve such objectives. I would like to take this opportunity to suggest a renewed focus on the importance of each relevant body working not only individually in an effective manner but also in close coordination with other relevant bodies in order to generate synergy. For example, Japan highly appreciates the initiative of the Chair of the 1540 Committee in organizing the briefing to Member States on 28 February, with the presence of Mr. Kunio Mikuriya, Secretary General of the World Customs Organization. Japan would like to support such ongoing cooperation among the three committees and other relevant organizations. In commemorating the tenth anniversary of the adoption of resolution 1540 (2004), Japan highly appreciates the initiative of the Chair of the 1540 Committee to hold an open debate on 7 May (see S/PV.7169) and strongly supports presidential statement S/PRST/2014/7, adopted on that occasion. As many States stated at the open debate, and as mentioned in the presidential statement, resolution 1540 (2004) has played a significant role in promoting the importance of non-proliferation efforts. At the same time, we have to make further and continued efforts with a view to achieving its full implementation. In this context, we commend and fully support efforts of the Chair of the 1540 Committee to strengthen its activities, such as raising awareness of the importance of non-proliferation efforts, in particular among high level policymakers. For its part, Japan intends to advance its activities in support of resolution 1540 (2004), inter alia by collaborating with the 1540 Committee and its Group of Experts, and in organizing relevant seminars in Tokyo and in New York. I would like to reconfirm Japan’s strongest support for and continued commitment to be deeply involved in the long-term process towards the full and universal implementation of resolution 1540 (2004). Finally, let me introduce briefly our recent efforts to fight terrorism. Japan has continued support for the international community, especially in the field of capacity-building. After the latest briefings, Japan newly pledged approximately $3 million to support capacity building through the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime in the Middle East and Africa, and to strengthen the legal regime against terrorism, as well as criminal justice and law enforcement capacities. Japan has also conducted dialogues and consultations with several countries to enhance capacities to cope with terrorism and share the practices and lessons learned. Last December, the leaders of Japan and the countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) decided to strengthen cooperation in this area at the Japan-ASEAN Commemorative Summit in Tokyo. Tomorrow, we are going to hold the ninth Japan- ASEAN dialogue on counter-terrorism in Singapore. Japan expects that the three committees will continue to carry out their roles actively, and we will continue to support the efforts of the three committees.

I now give the floor to the representative of Pakistan.

We thank the Chairs of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004), 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 1373 (2001) concerning Counter-Terrorism for their comprehensive briefings today. We appreciate the coordination between the three Committees and the efforts being made by them to promote dialogue and transparency with Member States. Pakistan strongly condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, committed by whomever, wherever and for whatever purposes. Terrorism and extremism should not be associated with any religion, race, ethnicity, faith, value system, culture of society. Pakistan has adopted a comprehensive approach that emphasizes the importance of development, dialogue and deterrence. If we are to attain sustainable solutions, we need to intensify our efforts to resolve festering conflicts and crises that spawn extremism. A comprehensive approach at the international level is also required to address the immediate issue of violence, as well as its root causes. The response of the international community has to be comprehensive, long-term and multi-pronged; it must involve dialogue among civilizations, economic development, cultural harmony, dispute resolution and political settlements. Al-Qaida has changed in many ways. Self- radicalized individuals have made the prevention of terrorism more difficult. Terrorists now use electronic safe havens to host websites for inspiration and training. The Al-Qaida sanctions regime needs a more effective, targeted and evidence-based approach. It should use clear, fair and transparent procedures. The Ombudsperson’s good work should be emulated in all other sanctions regimes and her role expanded to delisting issues. A large number of recommendations made by the Ombudsperson have led to the delisting of individuals and entities, clearly indicating that the Committee’s listing process needs to be streamlined. The Counter-Terrorism Committee efforts to build the capacities of States are very helpful. We particularly appreciate the focus of the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate on assets freezes, the prosecution of terrorism cases, and seminars and workshops on specific themes it has held in various regions. In Islamabad in October 2013, Pakistan hosted the seventh regional workshop for judges, prosecutors and police officers in South Asia on effectively countering terrorism. Pakistan fully supports the shared goal of preventing the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction to non-State actors. The 1540 Committee has been a strong catalyst in preventing proliferation. It supports many treaty regimes and, even without being a treaty regime, ensures compliance through voluntary measures. We support the measures taken by the 1540 Committee and its experts in such areas as awareness- raising, outreach, implementation assistance and capacity-building. The Committee plays an important part in mobilizing assistance. It should enhance its matchmaking role by mapping assistance needs and working as a clearinghouse between assistance providers and recipients. As the Committee promotes universal reporting and implementation, assistance and capacity-building will serve as anchors for such activities. Pakistan supports efforts to promote cooperation and coordination among the subsidiary bodies of the Council and their respective expert groups. This objective is best advanced when joint activities are conducted in close consultation with all Council members and are consistent with the mandate and nature of the work of each subsidiary body and expert group.

I give the floor to the representative of Belgium.

At the outset, I should like in my national capacity to thank the delegations that have condemned the terrorist attack on the Jewish Museum in Brussels for their expressions of sympathy. (spoke in English) I am pleased to take the floor on behalf of the Group of Like-Minded States on Targeted Sanctions. This group is comprised of Austria, Costa Rica, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Liechtenstein, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland and Belgium. First of all, we thank the Committee Chairs for their informative briefings. We commend the Security Council for organizing this biannual meeting, and for creating the opportunity to discuss United Nations sanctions regimes. The need to further develop fair and clear procedures in United Nations sanctions regimes is widely recognized, as we have heard again today. As in previous years, the Group of Like-Minded States aims to support the efforts of the Security Council to enhance the fairness and transparency of its various sanctions regimes, thereby contributing to their credibility and effectiveness. Much has been done with regard to the Committee pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999) and 1989 (2011) concerning Al-Qaida and associated individuals and entities. In particular, the creation and strengthening of the Ombudsperson process were vital steps towards an independent and effective sanctions review mechanism. However, considerable due process concerns persist and legal challenges have been filed in jurisdictions around the world. The ruling of the Court of Justice of the European Union in the Kadi case in July last year, concerning the Al-Qaida sanctions regime, is one of several judicial decisions confirming that in the implementation of United Nations measures, the actions of Member States are subject to full judicial review as to their conformity with fundamental norms, such as the right to be heard, the right to have access to one’s file — subject to legitimate interests in maintaining confidentiality — the right to ascertain the reasons behind a decision, and the right to an effective remedy. The right to have cases decided upon within a reasonable time frame should also be respected. Therefore, as long as national and regional Courts consider United Nations sanctions to fall short of the minimum standards of due process, national authorities may find themselves unable to fully implement them at the national level. In order to further strengthen the effectiveness of the United Nations sanctions regimes and in line with the continuous need to ensure due process, the Group of Like-Minded States on Targeted Sanctions invites the Security Council and Member States to consider the following proposals and ideas, which were submitted in writing on 17 April in document S/2014/286. First, the Office of the Ombudsperson should be made permanent. That will give more weight and credibility to the Ombudsperson’s work. Secondly, information-sharing between Member States and the Ombudsperson, as well as between the Sanctions Committee and Member States, national or regional courts and other authorities should be improved. Thirdly, transparency should be enhanced. All decisions regardless of whether they maintain a listing or delist an individual or entity should contain adequate and substantial reasons. Moreover, those reasons, as well as a redacted version of the comprehensive report of the Ombudsperson, should be published, while allowing for legitimate privacy, security and confidentiality interests to be adequately protected. Fourthly, the Committees must continue to conduct the triennial review in a timely and thorough manner and to regularly inform Member States about the results of all reviews provided for under resolution 2083 (2012). In the course of the review, the Committee should actively confirm each listing in order to maintain it on the list. In so doing, the Committee should give reasons why a listing remains appropriate. In case a listing is not reviewed and confirmed within the required three-year period, it should automatically be deleted. Besides these four proposals for the immediate future, the Group of Like-Minded States would also like to submit a few ideas for the longer term, aimed at ensuring the effectiveness of all the Council’s sanctions regimes, while improving their fairness and thereby bringing them in line with human rights jurisprudence: First, we recommend providing the Ombudsperson with the authority to decide, when a delisting request is made, whether to maintain a listing or to delist an individual or entity. At the same time, Member States and relevant international organizations and bodies should encourage individuals or entities that may consider challenging their listing through national and regional courts to first seek their removal from the Al-Qaida sanctions list by submitting delisting petitions to the Office of the Ombudsperson. Secondly, we propose beginning a reflection on improving due process in other sanctions regimes as well, given that one of them is already subject to a review by the European Court of Human Rights. We should consider gradually extending the important procedural safeguards of the Ombudsperson process to other appropriate sanctions regimes. In so doing, the need for possible adaptations to the Ombudspersons mandate should be explored. Besides that, other due process safeguards should be introduced in other sanctions regimes, such as informing in a timely manner the listed individual or entity of the designation and communicating a narrative summary of reasons for listing. Lastly, the holds procedure time limits adopted by the Committee pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999) and 1989 (2011) could be extended to other sanctions regimes. The Group of Like-Minded States would be happy to further discuss these proposals with the members of the Security Council and all members of the General Assembly.

I give the floor to the representative of Jamaica. Miss Richards (Jamaica): It is my distinct honour to register Jamaica`s support for the innovative, integrated and coordinated approach outlined by the Chairmen of the Security Council’s counter-terrorism committees, which will undoubtedly serve to advance our common efforts to prevent nonproliferation and to deepen our fight against terrorism. Without question, Jamaica and other Member States from the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) remain committed and resolute in meeting our obligations, particularly in relation to resolutions 1267 (1999), 1373 (2001) and 1540 (2004), which together constitute the cornerstone of our continuing global efforts to prevent non-State and State actors alike from acquiring and using weapons of mass destruction or engaging in asymmetric warfare, including terrorism. We take these obligations seriously and always mindful of the fact that the maintenance of peace and security is indeed a shared responsibility and one that must be fully assumed by all within the international system. Since 2009, CARICOM has demonstrated its full embrace of this reality with the institution of a region-wide initiative aimed at fully implementing resolution 1540 (2004). This mechanism, devised and constituted within the Caribbean Community, has allowed CARICOM members to effectively meet their responsibilities under the resolution and to advance national and regional non-proliferation activities in unprecedented ways. It is important, however, to recognize that the genesis of this regional implementation initiative was the result of CARICOM members’ recognition of the inherent challenges in devising national programmes and activities that would allow States to meet the necessary legal and enforcement obligations ensuing from the resolution, and to appropriate the necessary human and financial resources that this effort would require. Member States recognized that a regional programme to implement resolution 1540 (2004), which would leverage the considerable security cooperation that has existed within the region, would constitute the most logical and efficient way to address these priorities. The submission by the Chairman of the Counter- Terrorism Committee (CTC) fully demonstrates an appreciation of this innovative thinking, which will undoubtedly allow States like ours in the Caribbean Community, with limited resources, to better coordinate important non-proliferation mandates, such as that of resolution 1540 (2004), with other Security Council obligations. The submission also fully takes on board views recently expressed in the Council by the delegation of Australia, which has been clear and constant in its assertion that advancing non-proliferation goals cannot be piecemeal, but should be practical, coordinated, coherent and, indeed, appropriately linked to achieving Security Council aims in relation to terrorism and the implementation of relevant sanctions. In this vein, Jamaica would also like to recognize the Government of Australia for its assistance to CARICOM in its efforts to leverage its existing 1540 implementation programme to now include initiatives that will be also counter-terrorism-focused, even as it continues to meet core obligations relating to non-proliferation. We would further like to register our full support for the CTC and the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate as it fashions practical approaches and mechanisms to ensure that States meet their obligations under resolution 1373 (2001) and fully undertake relevant legislative, regulatory and administrative action to implement the sanctions regimes, even while meeting important non-proliferation goals as required by resolution 1540 (2004). It is through that concerted and innovative joint effort that we will continue to make meaningful and measurable gains in preventing proliferation and in providing Member States with the necessary tools to effectively confront terrorism in a comprehensive, coordinated and indeed successful way.

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.