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Ambassador James B. Cunningham
Deputy U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations
Statement in the Security Council on Threats to International Peace and Security Caused by Terrorist Acts
April 15, 2002


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USUN PRESS RELEASE # 53 (02)
April 15, 2002

Statement by Ambassador James B. Cunningham, Deputy United States Permanent Representative to the United Nations, on the Threats to International Peace and Security Caused by Terrorist Acts, in the Security Council, April 15, 2002

Thank you, Mr. President.

It is good for us to observe that six months have gone by since the establishment of the Counter-Terrorism Committee, and to take note of what really has been significant progress achieved in its work and to look a little bit ahead now. I want to thank Ambassador Greenstock, as others have done, for his vigorous, committed and creative leadership, and also to thank all those who have worked with him -- I am sure he would be the first to acknowledge what a tremendous team effort this has been -- particularly the vice-chairs, the committee members and all the experts involved. This has been complicated, hard work and they have done a tremendous job. I must say I think they have had a lot of success in helping to focus global efforts on the global threat that is terrorism.

1373 was intended to enhance the members' ability - that is, the members of the international community - to combat terror over the long-term. There is no deadline in this struggle, no foreseeable end to it. We will have occasion to come back periodically over time to assess how we are doing. In that regard, I note and welcome Ambassador Greenstock's thought that the Counter-Terrorism Committee will preserve the potential for dialogue with all states and with each state as this process goes forward because all of us, I hope, will be adapting as we learn more and as we achieve progress in the battle against terrorism.

All states have an obligation to comply with 1373 both in terms of the process that it sets out and by national action. We urge members who have not filed reports with the Committee to do so. And we encourage members who have the capacity to do so to provide assistance to those who need it; and those who want to join the fight against terrorism and who need help in doing so; and those who want to fully implement 1373 and need help in doing so. A number of states, including the United States, are engaged in this effort of providing support, and we want to encourage everybody to do what they can in that regard.

I also want to applaud Ambassador Greenstock's vision of a vigorous and dynamic Counter-Terrorism Committee process and effort, including more direct dialogue with members in the next phase of the Counter-Terrorism Committee's work and in addressing concerns about failures to implement 1373 or to comply with all of its provisions.

I want to join others also in emphasizing the importance of the roles of regional and sub-regional organizations in the fight against terrorism. These organizations -- those who are willing to join in the fight -- have an essential role to play, we think, because they provide a local, regional forum of interchange, action, encouragement, and assistance. They are well-placed to encourage their members to implement 1373 and they are also well-placed to assist the Counter-Terrorism Committee in monitoring implementation and promoting international support for its efforts. The United States strongly supports the deepening of contacts between the Counter-Terrorism Committee and those regional organizations that are joining the fight against terror.

We of course support the course Ambassador Greenstock has outlined for the future, and welcome the continued strong leadership he and his colleagues have brought to bear in this endeavor.

Thank you, Mr. President.

 

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