General Assembly Session 56 meeting 13

Mr. Niehaus (Costa Rica)

I would like at the outset to thank you, Sir, for having allowed the participation of the Mayor of New York City, Mr. Rudolph Giuliani, in this morning's meeting.

On 11 September, this city fell victim to the most heinous and despicable terrorist attack in world history. On that day, New York became a symbol of irrational violence and hatred and an incomprehensible image of grief and destruction. However, since then, this town has raised itself, shaken off the dust and faced adversity courageously. Today, New York is a true example of humanity and solidarity and a symbol of courage and fortitude against evil. I would therefore like to take this opportunity to convey to the Mayor, through you, the condolences of the people and Government of Costa Rica and our deepest feelings of brotherhood at this difficult time to the people of New York and of the United States as a whole.

Costa Rica most categorically condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, wherever and by whomever committed. We recognize terrorism as a most serious crime against humanity that victimizes the innocent civil population as a whole and threatens the entire international community. There is no political, philosophical, racial, ethnic or religious motive that justifies this crime. My country condemns most categorically all those States and political groups that promote, support or finance the commission of terrorist acts.

The recent events call for a coordinated response of the international community against the scourge of terrorism. When faced by the cruelty of fear and hatred, we must raise up the flag of civilization, tolerance and brotherhood. Before irrational violence, we must take up the arms of reason, law and order. Against terrorism, we must resort to the rule of law, to justice and to due process through international legal and police-work cooperation. We must create new models of public security and mature police institutions that can protect our societies effectively. It is urgent to formally proscribe the transfer of weapons and funds to all rebel, extremist and terrorist groups, as well as to those Governments that support them.

We must be aware, however, that the prevention of terrorist attacks cannot be limited to the adoption of police measures. A real war against terrorism will require us to confront and rectify the political and economic injustices that feed hatred and conflict. The fight against terrorism requires courage to overcome fear and hatred, fortitude not to fall into the cycle of violence and bravery to choose the best instrument against the criminals. We must therefore avoid the danger of making martyrs out of the terrorists.

In the long run, respect for human rights and democracy in all spheres of life is the best protection against terrorism. We are well aware that political oppression, extreme poverty and the violation of basic rights are the essential fuels of extremism and terrorism. Conversely, true and sustainable peace is born out of mutual respect, dialogue and the renunciation of violence. That is why it will be possible to eradicate terrorism only once a decent quality of life is guaranteed to every person, fundamental rights are respected and political disputes are solved through democratic means.

The fight against terrorism should drive us to create more tolerant and open societies. We should not allow ourselves to be carried away by intolerance and hatred. We cannot lapse into oppressing religious or ethnic minorities. The war against terrorism neither justifies the use of totalitarian methods nor legitimizes the existence of dictatorial regimes. On the contrary, the fight against this scourge must follow closely the principles of human rights. We will be able to overcome terrorism only once we adopt a true culture of peace and life.

To create such a culture of peace, all nations must work to increase awareness at all levels of society. In this regard, my country is making its own contribution through the University for Peace, an institution of higher education devoted to provide training in academic disciplines that promote peaceful relations among peoples and individuals. We should increase such efforts so as to broaden the context for the full achievement of global peace.

In the context of this General Assembly session, we welcome the progress achieved by both the Ad Hoc Committee and the working group responsible for drafting a series of legal instruments to prohibit and punish terrorism in all its forms. My delegation has taken an active part in that work, and we have been honoured with a vice-chairmanship of the Committee. Costa Rica recently ratified the International Convention for the Suppression of Terrorist Bombings, which was drafted by the Committee, and we are finalizing the ratification process for the International Convention for the Suppression of the Financing of Terrorism. In the light of the recent events, my delegation believes that the working group should this year finalize the drafting of a comprehensive convention against terrorism. My delegation believes that such a comprehensive convention must preserve the delicate balance between the obligation to punish those responsible for such crimes within the legal system of each State and the need to ensure respect for due process and the basic rights of the accused, as existing instruments have done. My delegation also believes that the draft convention should guarantee the customary human rights principle of non-refoulement.

Furthermore, we believe that a comprehensive convention should preserve the integrity of international humanitarian law, which establishes clear conditions for undertaking military operations and makes no provision for granting immunity to those who commit terrorist attacks within the context of an armed conflict. This prohibition, which applies both to States and to combatants fighting for their right to self-determination in the context of a non-international conflict, should be properly reflected in the text of the convention.

A few days ago, we witnessed a bloody and atrocious act of international terrorism. Those despicable acts shocked the conscience of all humanity. Under today's difficult circumstances, the world is looking to the United Nations for leadership. The decisions made over the past few days in the Security Council and the General Assembly are a first step in that direction. Now it is for each of us to implement those measures.

Mr. Ordzhonikidze (Russia)

This session of the General Assembly is taking place in the immediate aftermath of the tragedy that occurred in the United States on 11 September. The entire civilized world is mourning with the American people. The hearts of Russians, who know first-hand what terrorism is like, are filled with grief for all those who fell victim to terrorist acts in another part of the world.

In the statement that he made on the day of the tragedy, the President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, expressed sincere and profound condolences to all who were injured and to the families of those who were killed, and stressed that the unprecedented terrorist aggression against the United States was an outright challenge to all humanity. The tragedy has underscored the fact that the international community does not have a single day to lose. Humankind is facing not an abstract, but a real, threat to people's lives, to the security of States and to the stability of the political and economic systems of entire nations, posed by the forces of international terrorism. That threat has acquired unprecedented proportions: in a matter of minutes, innocent people from more than 60 States perished, and enormous economic damage was done, the consequences of which have yet to be fully assessed.

All sensible people throughout the world, even those who do not deal professionally with law enforcement issues, now understand that only by working together can we put an end to terrorism in the world. The Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, Mr. Ivanov, speaking during the 7th plenary meeting of the fifty-sixth session of the General Assembly, said that the international community was facing the tremendous task of responding adequately and, most importantly, collectively to the challenges of our time.

Terrorism is not only a dangerous, but an insidious enemy; it takes advantage of any weak link in the chain of States that fight against it. We are particularly concerned about the expanding ties between international terrorism and transnational organized crime, illegal drug-trafficking, money-laundering and illegal trafficking in nuclear, chemical, biological and other hazardous materials. That is why we, for our part, are not only ready for, but insist on, the closest possible interaction among members of the international community in fighting against this scourge of the twenty-first century. The priority task is to establish a global system to counteract new threats and challenges that would, inter alia, ensure certain punishment for all those responsible for organizing and perpetrating terrorist acts. There is no doubt that the key role of universal coordinator of States' efforts to create such a system should be played by the United Nations.

It is now particularly important to create an international legal framework that makes it possible to respond effectively and promptly to acts of terrorism and to prevent them. The 12 universal conventions dealing with the issue, many of which were adopted under United Nations auspices, provide a solid basis for anti-terrorist cooperation among States. In our rapidly changing world, however, this foundation needs to be strengthened on an ongoing basis. In this connection, we expect the General Assembly to adopt, as soon as possible, two new instruments that are now under consideration: a convention for the suppression of acts of nuclear terrorism and a comprehensive convention on international terrorism. We must not forget that every minute that passes before the adoption of those two vital instruments will be used by terrorists to develop their potential.

For its part, Russia is doing its best to ensure that a sound international legal system is in place for fighting terrorism. This year our country ratified the International Convention for the Suppression of Terrorist Bombings, the Convention for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts against the Safety of Maritime Navigation and the Protocol thereto. Our country is thus now a party to most of the universal anti-terrorist conventions.

It is especially important for the Security Council to embark upon a substantive discussion of international terrorism. The Council gave a clear and timely exposition of its fundamental approach and action programme in this field in resolution 1269 (1999), adopted as a result of a Russian initiative, and in resolution 1368 (2001). Another major milestone on the path towards eradicating terrorism was reached last week when the Security Council adopted resolution 1373 (2001). For the first time ever, a resolution has initiated a mechanism for the Security Council to exercise international control over compliance by all States with United Nations decisions in combating terrorism. We see it as a serious step towards an effective response to terrorist threats, especially with respect to blocking its channels of financing and banning the operations of organizations that essentially act as accomplices to terrorists. It is important for this mechanism to start working effectively as soon as possible. The full and unconditional implementation of measures provided for in that document is a must if we are to deal a powerful blow to the forces of international terrorism and deprive them of their roots and refuge across the globe. In accordance with its mandate determined by the United Nations Charter, the Security Council should keep playing an active part in preventing the threats to international peace and security posed by terrorism.

With respect to enhancing United Nations anti-terrorist capacity, we should not overlook the need to strengthen the relevant structures of the Secretariat. In this context, we could discuss the prospects of reinforcing the Terrorism Prevention Branch of the United Nations Office for Drug Control and Crime Prevention in Vienna with additional staff and financial resources. This issue is important for providing technical support to States as they comply with their obligations under the universal anti-terrorist conventions and United Nations decisions in this sphere.

We are confident that the future global anti-terrorist system should be built on the foundation of regional and subregional structures and institutions active in this field. In this context, we attach great importance to relevant work carried out within the framework of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS).

In 1999, the heads of Governments of the CIS countries signed a Treaty on Cooperation among CIS Member States in Combating Terrorism, which forms the legal framework for interaction among competent authorities in preventing, disclosing, suppressing and investigating terrorist attacks. The Antiterrorist Centre established last year by the Council of the heads of CIS States is now in operation. The position of the CIS with regard to the tragedy of 11 September and the resolute desire of the member countries to rebuff international terrorism were reflected in the joint statement by the heads of member States made on 28 September. The statement stresses, in particular, the need to take concrete steps to ensure the effectiveness of anti-terrorist measures.

We expect a lot from the anti-terrorist structure that is being actively formed within the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. We would also like to express our great appreciation of the interaction in fighting international terrorism pursued within the framework of the Group of Eight.

The elimination of international terrorism is a goal that will take a long time to achieve. However, this only means that we should start moving towards this goal without delay.

Mr. Bennouna (Morocco)

First, the Kingdom of Morocco reiterates its unambiguous and firm position in condemning without reservation terrorism in all its forms and regardless of its origin or perpetrators.

It is true that the United Nations has been debating the issue of terrorism for thirty years. This question has been the subject of thorough and often controversial deliberations that have led to the adoption of numerous declarations and conventions aimed at fighting this scourge and developing the international legal instruments to combat it. However, the tragic events of unprecedented scope that plunged New York, Washington and Pennsylvania into mourning on 11 September have shaken our collective conscience so much that we are forced to reconsider the approach used so far in combating terrorism.

It is certain that the process of globalization we are experiencing does not require only the globalization of rules but also the strengthening of the international institutions and their adaptation to the new issues involved.

In this context, my country is resolved, after the adoption by the Security Council of resolution 1373 (2001) on 28 September 2001, to comply with all the decisions contained in it and to cooperate fully with the international mechanism to supervise its implementation. We will also continue our cooperation with all other countries in order to intensify the fight against terrorism, and we will make sure to accelerate our participation in all relevant legal instruments. We will fully support India's comprehensive draft convention on this subject, and we will do our best so that it can be finalized during this session.

No doubt the purpose behind the attacks directed at innocent civilians in the United States was to spread terror and panic through this country and the world. But the attacks also undoubtedly aimed at triggering a clash of civilizations and religions. This is the danger of terrorist acts, which by their very nature carry the seeds of unprecedented threats to international peace and security. The threats of this new type aim to set off conflicts between religious or cultural groups -- the dire premise of a return to barbarism.

The terrorists who struck thousands of people in the United States and sent thousands of families into mourning wanted at the same time to destroy the common values of all humanity: tolerance, the respect for differences and the acceptance of a diversity of cultures and civilizations. In the end, it is the heritage of all of us, our beliefs, our spirituality and our abiding creativity that are being targeted.

We would like to pay our respects to the innocent victims and to express our compassion to their families. At the same time, we would also like to emphasize that in such situations, and as a general rule, we should avoid equating the acts of certain criminals with the behaviour of a religious community or of any cultural group. This was energetically affirmed by the authorities of the host country, at all levels.

We would like to take this opportunity to recall the constant position of the Kingdom of Morocco. Any attempt to hold one group responsible for the acts of a few of its extremist members paves the way, undoubtedly, to serious attacks on human beings that vary from everyday racism -- though racism cannot be considered normal -- to institutionalized discrimination and even to crimes against humanity.

The Kingdom of Morocco is convinced that any culture or nation can emerge, thrive and sustain itself only through multiple contributions and numerous influences. There is no such thing as a "pure" civilization. We are all in some way "impure", with varied characteristics. His Majesty King Mohammed VI stressed in his throne speech of 30 July the relationship between democracy and respect for regional cultural characteristics. His Majesty reached the conclusion that there exists in Morocco a pluralist identity

"built on diverse contributions -- namely, Amazigh, Arabic, sub-Saharan, African and Andalusian, all of which constitute valuable components that have refined and enriched our identity, thanks to an openness to and an interaction with a large variety of cultures and civilizations".

The recognition of the pluralism within this identity by His Majesty the King in no way affects the homogeneity of the Moroccan nation as a whole; rather, it should ensure the strengthening and greater cohesion of the nation, and thereby its ability to cooperate more broadly with all neighbouring countries. This vision, which harmoniously integrates diversity and unity, is a source of hope for the future of the Arab Maghreb, an area of privileged relations between Europe and Africa.

The sectoral approach, which has been used for a definition of terrorist acts in international conventions with a view to criminalizing these acts, has proven to be inadequate to fight this scourge. On the other hand, all those who believed that the mere invocation of the term "terrorism" would suffice to heap shame and discredit on "the Other", who is always the enemy, unfortunately trivialized the concept of terrorism. It is, therefore, high time for our Organization to start a process of clarifying the concept of terrorism in light of recent developments in international law and particularly the adoption of the Statute of the International Criminal Court in Rome in July 1998. Henceforth -- and this is the most important innovation -- notorious criminals can no longer seek refuge within State borders and invoke the principle of non-interference.

The end of the twentieth century has also signalled the end of philosophies that, in line with Machiavellianism, justify the means, however despicable, for the sake of political goals.

Indeed, therein lies the crux of any definition of terrorism. Any indiscriminate act against innocent civilians constitutes a terrorist crime that international law condemns, regardless of the perpetrator's status or position in State hierarchy. As stated this morning by the Mayor of New York City, there can be no moral relativism. From now on, he said, there are limits to the extent to which any organization, underground or official, could go in the use of given means.

Needless to say, exceptions to the non-use of force apply in the case of a country defending itself against an act of aggression or an armed attack or when action is authorized by the Security Council under its primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security.

However, even recourse to the legitimate use of force must be adapted to the objective sought, be it self-defence, the pursuit and prosecution of criminals, or the restoration of international peace and security under a Security Council resolution. This is why any retaliation must not be excessive and must avoid further endangerment of innocent lives.

Here I would mention just a few famous authors -- Montesquieu or Hobbes, for example -- who remind us that security is the primary form of freedom. But we also must see to it that the pursuit of security does not jeopardize the freedom of individuals themselves. In this connection, our Organization has an essential role to play in allowing the voice of the international community to be heard, which must also be the voice of reason. That voice of reason -- the voice of the international community -- must address the serious imbalances that still plague our planet and that drive disadvantaged groups in cultural and religious seclusion to seek refuge in extremism.

While, as I have said, security concerns should be addressed with due regard to cultural particularities, this security will not be universal unless solutions are found to the dire poverty being experienced by increasing numbers of people. It will not become universal until solutions are found to the flagrant humiliation and injustice affecting people worldwide, making victims of entire populations, including children and the most vulnerable groups, either in Palestine or elsewhere. Restoring hope to the oppressed must figure among the priorities of the community of nations.

The Kingdom of Morocco, as an Arab and Muslim country, has consistently advocated, in all international forums, dialogue among religions, cultures and civilizations. Need we recall that Morocco was the first Arab-Muslim country to be visited by His Holiness the Pope in 1985. More recently, Moroccan religious dignitaries prayed in Rabat, the Moroccan capital, on the day after the tragic event of 11 September, in unison with representatives of the Christian and Jewish communities. And for a very good reason we prayed as sons of Abraham, whose message has been carried on by all prophets and messengers shared by us all.

It is not just now that we Muslims have learned to advocate and practise tolerance. As early as the thirteenth century, the great mystic scholar Jalaluddin Rumi delivered to us this inspiring message of tolerance, which will be my concluding words:

"Oh Muslims, you are asking me who I am ... I am partly from here and partly from everywhere ... I am partly of pearls and partly from remote shores ...".

Mr. Enkhsaikhan (Mongolia)

International reaction to the terrorist attacks of 11 September on our host city of New York, on Washington, D.C., and on Pennsylvania has been overwhelming, swift and unreserved. The world community has not only strongly condemned these barbaric acts, but it also has reiterated its determination to fight all manifestations of terrorism. The reaction of States from around the world, the unanimous resolutions adopted by the Security Council on 12 and 28 September, as well as those adopted by this Assembly as its first order of business on 12 September, clearly demonstrate that the resolve of States to fight this global scourge is not only strong, but that it is also being reinvigorated. In fact, my delegation believes that these tragic events are having a deep impact both on international relations and on peoples' minds around the world. New realities need equally new approaches.

The Mongolian people has resolutely condemned these terrorist acts as criminal and directed against all humanity, and has underlined that it considers that their ultimate target was peace, freedom and democracy. Bearing in mind the grave nature of these acts for international peace and security, the National Security Council of Mongolia has specifically considered its possible ramifications for international relations as a whole, and the Government of Mongolia has asked the Secretary-General to convene an emergency session of the General Assembly to discuss practical ways and means of combating terrorism.

Consideration of this item in plenary meetings is seen by this delegation not only as an expression of the unity of the international community in the face of these heinous acts of terrorism, but also as an opportunity for brainstorming, which should be followed up by concrete actions at the national, regional and international levels. The past three weeks have been revealing in this respect. They have seen Member States take important steps both among themselves and through the United Nations to reinvigorate the fight against this scourge. Thus, a coalition is being formed that is resolved to pursue perpetrators, organizers and funders of the terrorist acts of 11 September. The coalition's determination to act is evident, and this time tangible results might be achieved. The world needs good and encouraging news.

It seems that the coalition rightly believes that its actions will yield practical and long-term results if a much broader and permanent coalition is built around the United Nations, for military operations, however successful, would not be sufficient to root out terrorism. The full force of national laws and international norms, together with addressing the root causes of terrorism, is needed.

The first, swift political reaction of the Security Council on 12 September was followed up on 28 September by a decision on more practical measures, as reflected in resolution 1373 (2001). My delegation believes that full implementation of all 23 of its concrete provisions will be important for successfully waging the struggle. The invocation of Chapter VII of the Charter, the decision of the Council to set up a committee to monitor implementation of the resolution and its call on Member States to report to the committee on its implementation within 90 days are indeed signs of the international community's determination to seriously address this problem. This resolve should be fully supported.

Mongolia, like other States, takes its responsibility seriously. It is a party to all the conventions that are practically implementable by it. It intends to become a party to the International Convention for the Suppression of the Financing of Terrorism in the near future. Mongolia's adherence to the international conventions to combat specific manifestations of terrorism is based on its firm belief that international terrorism affects all, and that therefore all States, including those that are not directly affected by terrorism, can make a difference. The latter can deny safe haven to terrorists, the transit of terrorists through their territories, the transit through their territory of the sources of their financing or of the perpetration of terrorist acts, and so forth.

Following the line of least resistance, it cannot be ruled out that terrorists could contemplate pursuing their aims in or through small and weaker States, seeing in them "the weak link" in opposing or fighting terrorism. Moreover, it is clear that Security Council resolution 1373 (2001), including its provisions concerning prevention, early warning, exchange of operational information, investigation, prosecution and so forth, can be successfully implemented only with the active participation of all States of the international community.

We all agree that the United Nations should move from a culture of reaction to a culture of prevention. This applies to the entire United Nations system. Thus, the General Assembly, as the main United Nations organ empowered to consider general principles of cooperation in the maintenance of international peace and security, should address the different aspects of terrorism, including legal, socio-economic and even cultural, all of which remain outside the Security Council's resolution and its powers.

The fight against terrorism will be successful if it is undertaken within, and by a strengthening of, international law and order. Thus, the Sixth Committee should, bearing in mind the existence of a strong political will and determination, finalize as soon as possible both the draft convention against nuclear terrorism and the comprehensive convention against international terrorism.

The draft convention against nuclear terrorism is almost ready. Hopefully, the remaining issue, dealing with the scope of its application, will be resolved during this session of the General Assembly. As for the draft comprehensive convention against international terrorism, it is widely recognized that what is needed is political will more than the negotiating or drafting skills of diplomats and lawyers. My delegation believes that given political will, terrorism can be defined. In this respect, my delegation agrees with the Secretary-General that there can be no acceptance of those who would seek to justify the deliberate taking of innocent human lives, regardless of cause or grievance. Where there is a will, there is always a way.

Equally, the issue of the relationship between the forthcoming conventions and existing ones, as well as future conventions on international terrorism, could be resolved. Once the two conventions are drawn up, Member States should take prompt measures for their rapid entry into force.

In the same manner, the pace of establishing the International Criminal Court (ICC) should be accelerated as a timely response to combat impunity of crimes against humanity, genocide and war crimes. Adding to the list of crimes against humanity aggression, the threat or use of nuclear weapons, terrorist and environmental crimes that entail grave international consequences should in due time be looked at again, and if agreed, could be proposed to the amendment conference of the ICC at a future time, as envisaged in its Statute.

The political will of the international community, which is now clearly manifested, should be turned into the strong legal commitment of States. As the Secretary-General rightly pointed out earlier this morning, the recent terrorist acts have also demonstrated that biological and chemical terrorist acts are becoming a real and present danger that needs to be addressed accordingly.

The fight against terrorism should start at the national level, for it is not necessarily the case that terrorist plans are hatched and preparations are made at the international level. Attempts to give religious or national justification or coloration to criminal acts should be fought first and foremost at the national level. Depriving the terrorists of ideological justification for their actions is extremely important to reducing the number of their followers and sympathizers, and thus to narrowing the social base of terrorism. It is, in a way, a form of preventive diplomacy. The role and importance of the mass media in giving objective information cannot be overemphasized here.

It is said that wars begin in the minds of men and that it is in the minds of men that the defences of peace must be constructed. This, I believe, applies fully to terrorism. Therefore, fostering understanding, tolerance and dialogue among different civilizations is important. Efforts at promoting such a dialogue should not be limited in time or space. They should become a way of life for which there is no alternative.

The long-standing international problems on which terrorism feeds should be resolved as soon as possible. Terrorism is also being supported through drug-trafficking, traffic in arms and explosives, money-laundering and other activities. Therefore, the international community's efforts to combat these transnational crimes should also be consistent and bring tangible results. In this regard, my delegation supports the earliest possible entry into force of the Convention against Transnational Organized Crime that was adopted last year. The competent authorities of my country are considering Mongolia's participation.

It is not sufficient to address only the symptoms and various manifestations of terrorism. As it has been mentioned, the root causes need to be addressed. The poverty, deprivation, frustration and despair that bring suffering to millions of people are fertile breeding grounds for terrorism. Many of the root causes of terrorism are to be found in or connected with abject poverty. Therefore, the General Assembly and its subsidiary organs should redouble their efforts to address the questions of reducing and eliminating poverty in line with the objectives of the Millennium Declaration and promoting good and responsible governance. This and other measures should form an important part of the international community's collective, long-term strategy to fight terrorism, to which the Prime Minister of Mongolia referred in his recent message addressed to the Secretary-General.

Perhaps the question of combating international terrorism could be taken up by the General Assembly in a special session, after the Security Council's Committee presents its first report and conclusions and concrete recommendations for further concrete positive actions are drawn up. After all, the main organs of the United Nations and the specialized agencies should work together in order to be more effective.

Regional action to combat terrorism is also very important and, in some cases, even crucial. The existence of seven regional agreements and the emergence of an eighth as part of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, form a vital link between individual nations and measures at the national and international levels. The value of regional agreements is that they are drawn up as a result of painstaking negotiations among experts representing different legal orders or systems. They not only define concrete crimes but also envisage extradition or prosecution of the perpetrators and their accomplices, exchange of information, assistance in investigation, etc. In many cases, it is the regional agreements that will be most effective.

Finally, my delegation would like to take this opportunity to express its full support for the call for the measures to be taken to protect the potential victims of terrorism or those that could be caught in the middle in the struggle against terrorism and terrorists.

Mr. Pamir (Turkey)

Since this is the first time my delegation is taking the floor during this session, I would like to express our heartfelt congratulations to you, Sir, on your election as the President of the fifty-sixth session of the General Assembly. We are particularly delighted to see at the helm of our Assembly a distinguished statesman of the Republic of Korea, with which Turkey enjoys the friendliest of relations. I have no doubt that your impressive background and your expertise in the vast area of contemporary political and economic life will lead our annual work to a successful conclusion.

We are meeting here today to explore more effective ways to strengthen international cooperation against the scourge of terrorism under extraordinary circumstances. The carnage to which the United States and our civilization was subjected on 11 September was beyond any description. I would like to take this opportunity to express my nation's deepest feelings of sympathy and condolences to the people and the Government of the United States of America. The United States is a very close friend and ally of Turkey. Yet, as far as terrorism is concerned, I have to say that there is something more to this relationship. Through the tumultuous years of our fight against terrorism, the United States always stood, and at times singularly, by Turkey. Now, in their hour of need, Turkey firmly stands by the United States.

Our own experience with terrorism has clearly shown that this fight has two fundamental dimensions. The first one is the moral pillar. If there were any arguments that terrorists might also have a defensible cause, 11 September must have put this forever to rest. There are no grey areas in the fight against terrorism, nor are there good terrorists and bad terrorists. This is the time for the international community as a whole and for States individually to condemn unequivocally all acts, methods and practices of terrorism as criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation, in all their forms and manifestations. Likewise, it is high time for us to recognize that this scourge is a human rights violation in one of its most blatant forms.

The second pillar has to do with the scope and the effectiveness of international machinery to combat this evil. This requires us to make full use of the means and mechanisms already in place and to bolster them in a fashion that will progressively establish an effective system that will strangle the terrorist livelihood. This system needs to be of an all-encompassing nature, integrating its capabilities with those instruments utilized in the fight against all types of organized crime, first and foremost being drug-trafficking, the natural ally of terrorism.

Events no longer allow any slackening of our actions. We have to move forward with a sense of clear purpose, and we have to move fast. The United Nations presents us with a global framework for cooperation. The threat is to our common civilization and the United Nations is our common house. The membership must act with a multi-faceted agenda.

Resolution 1373 (2001) of the Security Council, adopted on 28 September, is a grand step in the fight against terrorism, as it puts particular emphasis on the suppression of the financing of terrorism and the elimination of all support -- direct or indirect -- to those who commission terrorism, and highlights the crucial aspects of international cooperation needed in this field. We call upon all States to fully implement the measures included therein.

Our agenda should particularly include the following basic elements. Members should be encouraged to become party to conventions and protocols on combating terrorism. I am pleased to announce in this respect that Turkey has also signed, on 27 September, the International Convention for the Suppression of the Financing of Terrorism.

The Organization should elaborate a comprehensive convention on terrorism without delay. In this regard, I would like to draw attention to the invaluable work being done in various bodies within the United Nations system, in particular the Ad Hoc Committee established by General Assembly resolution 51/210. We expect that the draft comprehensive convention on international terrorism, which is under consideration in that Committee, be concluded soon.

Furthermore, bilateral, regional and multilateral anti-terrorism conventions must be fully implemented. Safe haven must be denied to terrorists and those who support them in any way. The apprehension and prosecution or extradition of the perpetrators of terrorist acts must be ensured. Any claims of political motivation as grounds for refusing requests for extradition must be dismissed.

States must recognize that terrorism is contrary to the purposes and principles of the United Nations and poses a serious threat to international peace and security. This point has also been referred to in Security Council resolution 1373 (2001), along with several earlier General Assembly resolutions. In this respect, I would like to recall the ongoing work being done for the establishment of the International Criminal Court. The Court is being set up to try the most serious crimes of international concern. However, its jurisdiction, as it now stands, does not cover terrorist crimes. In the Preparatory Commission for the International Criminal Court, which is now elaborating certain aspects and legal instruments of the Court, the Turkish delegation has submitted a proposal for the inclusion of these crimes in its Statute. We believe that the extension of the Court's jurisdiction over terrorist crimes will make our common struggle to eliminate terrorism more complete.

Mr. van den Berg (Netherlands)

The Netherlands associates itself fully with the statement made by the representative of Belgium on behalf of the European Union.

The presence of Mayor Giuliani at this morning's plenary meeting underscores the fact that the 189 Member States of the Organization are united with the people of New York in indignation at the attack on their city, our host city. And united we grieve over all those men and women from some 80 nations who perished in this calamity. The Mayor's presence also signals our shared resolve to have the perpetrators brought to justice and to take further steps to render this world safe from such crimes against humanity.

Indeed, there can be no mistake about the resolve of the United Nations. The General Assembly and the Security Council immediately condemned the atrocities of 11 September and called for international cooperation to bring the perpetrators to justice. The Security Council has recognized these acts as a threat to international peace and security. Last Friday, the Security Council unanimously agreed on specific steps aimed at bleeding the terrorists of their resources and facilities. Those steps are to be implemented by Member States forthwith. The Netherlands stands ready to answer the call made by the Security Council in resolution 1373 (2001) to work together urgently to prevent and to suppress terrorism.

Following the Council's decision, the General Assembly will now have to play its active part in addressing the issue of terrorism. The Netherlands is committed to completing without further delay the work on a comprehensive convention on international terrorism. Such a convention would link the 12 existing conventions on terrorism together in a common framework. It is very important that the General Assembly keep track of the progress in the negotiations for the comprehensive convention against terrorism. We therefore support proposals that the Ad Hoc Committee report on the progress in the negotiations by mid-November.

One outstanding question in this context is the definition of terrorism. Much has been said on that score, but the events at ground zero have made it painfully clear that terrorism in its true manifestation defines itself. There is no cause or grievance that can justify these kinds of acts. There is no distinction between good and bad terrorists. There are just terrorists.

For the United Nations to be effective, its organs need to see to it that their actions are complementary and coherent. Security Council resolution 1373 (2001) fits in with the legal instruments already in place to fight terrorism. This makes it of paramount importance that Member States speed up the signature and ratification of the 12 international conventions against terrorism drafted and adopted under auspices of the United Nations. We support the suggestion of the Secretary-General that Member States that have yet not done so sign those conventions as priority business during the general debate. The Netherlands has signed all 12 international conventions and will soon complete the remaining ratifications of the International Convention for the Suppression of Terrorist Bombings and the Convention for the Suppression of the Financing of Terrorism.

Signing and ratifying a convention is one thing; implementing it is another. The logic of having a monitoring mechanism to see to the implementation of resolution 1373 (2001) certainly applies in the case of the implementation of the 12 conventions against international terrorism. For all practical intents and purposes, one can envision a single protocol on the monitoring of these conventions or a mechanism set up by a General Assembly resolution.

The Security Council noted with concern the close connection between international terrorism and transnational crime. We see merit in examining the possibilities for closer cooperation between the Office of Legal Affairs, in New York, and the United Nations Office for Drug Control and Crime Prevention, in Vienna. It would be logical to combine the resources for investigation and scientific analysis in Vienna with the legal knowledge present here in New York. The synergy acquired might be of help to the monitoring mechanism established by resolution 1373 (2001).

Mr. van den Berg (Netherlands)

The human suffering and the damage inflicted by the attacks of 11 September were enormous and brought fear of the future to many. The prospect of terrorists obtaining weapons of mass destruction, however, is even more terrifying, and yet not imaginary. We must therefore multiply our efforts in the field of the non-proliferation of nuclear, biological and chemical weapons. The Netherlands is therefore committed to the early conclusion of a convention for the suppression of nuclear terrorist acts. We must ensure that the key treaties relating to weapons of mass destruction are implemented to the full. Control, surveillance and inspection mechanisms such as, for instance, those established in the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, are indispensable elements to ensure non-proliferation.

We also view the rapid establishment of the International Criminal Court as a fundamental way of enhancing respect for international law and human rights. The Court will be a powerful instrument in the fight to bring to justice those who have committed or instigated crimes against humanity. It will strengthen the primacy of law and thus contribute to global peace and security.

Poverty, disease and conflict cannot be an alibi for not addressing terrorism directly. But terrorism as such is not an isolated phenomenon. The work of the United Nations in eradicating poverty, furthering education, improving health conditions and resolving conflict is now more important than ever.

We must continue to take care of the victims of terrorism, whether they are direct targets or other populations that will be affected by our common efforts. The Secretary-General rightly launched an appeal for much more generous humanitarian assistance to the people of Afghanistan. Today our Minister for Development Cooperation has announced that the Netherlands is prepared to offer $29 million in humanitarian aid to Afghanistan and its neighbours. That amount will be given in addition to the Netherlands' annual contribution of $8 million to the United Nations aid programme for the victims of drought in Afghanistan.

This is the Year of Dialogue among Civilizations. Let us live up to its aims and use the momentum brought about by the tragedy of 11 September to fight the ignorance, prejudice and bigotry that breed terrorism.