Mr. Chairman,
Like so many speakers that have taken the floor before me, Norway condemns terrorism in all its forms.
Terrorism must never be tolerated and can never be justified. It must be prevented and combated, both at the national and international level.
Terrorism can only be defeated by applying a broad range of measures: by improving education, fostering cultural understanding, promoting development and encouraging peace and reconciliation efforts in an effort to improve conditions otherwise conducive to the spread of terrorism and extremism. Acts of international terrorism can only be combated by establishing closer police and judicial cooperation, and, as a last resort, by using force as authorized by the Charter of the United Nations.
The fight against terrorism is ultimately a struggle over values and our efforts to combat terrorism will only succeed if they are in full accordance with the principles of the rule of law and universal human rights.
Mr. Chairman,
On this background, Norway has developed a national Foreign Policy Strategy for Combating International Terrorism. The strategy takes a comprehensive and broad approach based on fundamental values. The strategy is in line with the UN Global counter-Terrorism Strategy, and will be an important tool for Norway’s future contributions to the fight against terrorism.
We need the UN to take a leading role in the global fight against terrorism. Norway would like to thank the Secretary-General and the Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force for their important contribution to the adoption of the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy and we are prepared to work with the Task Force in their effort to support the implementation of the Strategy.
Mr. Chairman,
We look forward to the work under this agenda item are confident that it will carry on the spirit of the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy so as to ensure the continuation of recent progress made. Norway fully supports the statement given by Finland on behalf of the European Union, including the priorities for the work of the 6th Committee on this important topic.
Important progress has been made. The role of the General Assembly in the fight against terrorism can, however, be further strengthened by reaching agreement on the draft Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism. Norway will therefore give high priority to the efforts to conclude the convention without further delay, and we look forward to working constructively with other delegations to this end.
Thank you Mr. Chairman,