Statement by His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Latheef, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Maldives to the United Nations on agenda item 108 “Measures to eliminate international terrorism” – 10 October 2005
Mr. Chairman,
As this is the first time that my delegation is taking the floor at this Committee, allow me at the outset to congratulate you on your election to preside over this important Committee. I also congratulate the other members of the Bureau.
Mr. Chairman,
The terrorist bombings in Bali, Indonesia last week, the carnage carried out in Iraq on a daily basis and the July bombings in London are grim reminders of the sinister and menacing nature of terrorism. These events highlight the importance of international cooperation to fight this evil menace. We sincerely believe that the fight against international terrorism should be accorded high priority on the international agenda. We must not, we cannot and we should not tolerate terrorism in any form. Urgent action is required. No one country acting alone can be effective against this threat. Any comprehensive strategy aimed at fighting terrorism needs the support and cooperation of all the members of the international community. The United Nations has an important role to play in mustering such international cooperation and evolving a comprehensive international strategy to systematically weed out terrorism by its roots.
Mr. Chairman,
We should be willing and able to condemn and take stern action against acts of terrorism committed anywhere in the world without any bias. Acts aimed at terrorizing people anywhere in the world should be treated with equal seriousness and vigilance. Action should not only be taken against those who perpetrate acts of terrorism but also against those who aid and habour terrorists and benefit from terrorist activities as well. Most often, activities of organized crime groups such as arms smugglers, money launderers and drug traffickers operate hand in hand with terrorists. Similarly, mercenaries and those who provide training and supply weapons of terror also pose a serious threat to peace and security and therefore, should be treated equally.
Mr. Chairman,
To us in the Maldives, any terrorist attack anywhere brings back memories of the carnage caused by terrorists in our country nearly two decades ago. Every year since then, my delegation has addressed this Assembly on the need for effective and timely international co-operation to combat and eliminate terrorism.
We have strengthened our national legal framework to counter terrorism. Under our Anti-Terrorism Law of 1990, no terrorists can find safe haven in our shores. We are also party to several conventions both at regional and international level that are aimed at fighting terrorism. However, with the limited human and financial resources at our disposal, for small states like the Maldives, combating the increased activities of international terrorism has always been an uphill battle. We therefore, believe that it is vital for the international community to assist the small states to strengthen their institutional capacity and provide the necessary technical assistance to enable them to prevent and fight the war against terrorism. We must accept this fact that until and unless the smallest and the weakest country is secure, a comprehensive global peace and security will be difficult to achieve.
Mr. Chairman,
Regional cooperation can and is playing a very important role in combating terrorism. The Maldives believes that increased interaction, consultation and cooperation at the regional level is essential to setup effective security arrangements and legal frameworks that complement the efforts at the international level. We are pleased to note that in our region, South Asia, a Regional Convention on the Suppression of Terrorism is now in force.
Mr. Chairman,
The resolve of the international community to fight the war against terrorism has never been greater. The commitments that we have agreed in the Outcome Document of the High-level Plenary Meeting held last month truly manifest this desire. We must seize the moment and work hard to build consensus on this issue. My Delegation fully supports the early completion of the proposed comprehensive convention on international terrorism. We hope that we would be able to achieve agreement on this important convention before the end of this session of the General Assembly.
I thank you Mr. Chairman.
