The international community is unified in condemning terrorism and terrorist acts. This provides a unique platform for international cooperation and the adoption of effective measures to curb terrorism.
The UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy demonstrates the UN member states’ resolve in this regard. The strategy underlines the need to take a broad and comprehensive approach in combating terrorism. It requires a wide range of measures, both political and legal, which have a short-term and long-term perspective. Measures to promote human rights and the rule of law are integrated parts of the strategy. The UN has a key responsibility in coordinating global efforts and monitoring national implementation of these measures.
As regards the UN’s efforts to combat terrorism, the coordination of the various UN agencies by the Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force (CTITF) is particularly valuable and important. As others also have referred to, the CTITF should be ensured a solid financial basis. In this regard, Norway welcomes the outcome of the review conference and the Secretary-General’s plan to institutionalise the CTITF.
I will now turn to the question of the elaboration of a comprehensive convention against terrorism. Let me start by highlighting the commitment we made at the World Summit ”to make every effort to reach an agreement on and conclude a comprehensive convention on international terrorism”. Norway continues to attach great importance to the adoption of a comprehensive convention. Such a convention is not the final answer to the threat posed by international terrorism, nor will it be the international community’s only response. However, we believe that a comprehensive convention will complete the framework in which the existing so-called sectorial conventions are the initial elements, and that it will serve to fill any gaps that these conventios might prove not to cover. It will also establish a framework for assistance and cooperation between states in all cases of international terrorism.
Furthermore, the adoption of a convention will reaffirm the unity of the international community in condemning terrorism. We call upon all states to heed the call from the World Summit and mobilise the political will to reach an agreement. My delegation believes that the facilitator’s proposal merits careful consideration and that it could provide the foundation on which consensus could be built.
Let me once again on behalf of Norway thank the chairman of the Working Group, Ambassador Rohan Perera, and to the facilitator, Ms Maria Telalian, for all their hard work to further advance the work of the Committee with regard to finalising the convention.
This being said, we believe it would be appropriate and useful to convene a high-level conference on terrorism once the convention has been successfully concluded and adopted. Such a conference could also provide an excellent opportunity to take stock, provide technical assistance and enhance co-operation among all member states.
Finally, Mr Chairman, let me reassure you of Norway’s continued interest in and firm commitment to this very important issue. We thank all delegations for their valuable inputs, and look forward to continuing our work on this agenda item.