Statement by
H. E. Dr. Javad Zarif
Permanent Representative of the
Islamic
before the Security Council
on threat to international peace
and security caused by terrorist acts
In the name of God, the
Compassionate, the Merciful
Mr. President,
Allow me to congratulate you on the
assumption of the presidency of the Council and also commend your predecessor, Ambassador
Tafrov of
I would also like to thank Sir
Jeremy Greenstock for his excellent work as Chairman of the Counter-Terrorism
Committee and for his comprehensive briefing. My thanks also to the three
Vice-Chairmen of the Committee and all its members and experts for their
dedicated efforts to implement the tasks assigned to the Committee.
The fight against terrorism remains a
priority for the international community. We have all emphasized the central role
of the United Nations and we acknowledge the important contribution of the CTC during
the first year of its work. I would like to reaffirm that my government is
fully committed to cooperate with the Committee, and in this context is in the
process of finalizing its second report to the CTC. Here I wish to cite a number of
areas where we have taken new measures:
1. A
National Coordination Committee has been established to facilitate the
implementation of the Security Council Resolution 1373.
2. We
have augmented and intensified the practical arrangements to ensure, among
other things, the safety and security of civil aviation, increased security at
the borders with a view to preventing the entry of terrorists into our
territory, and enhanced the anti-laundering mechanisms in the banking system.
3. The
forces at the 900 kilometer border with
4. A
thorough study of existing national laws was carried out with a view to
ascertaining whether the terrorist acts mentioned in the Security Council
Resolution 1373 are crimes under our domestic laws. While many existing laws
make terrorist acts punishable, a comprehensive law on combating terrorism is
under preparation, which will be submitted to the Islamic Consultative Assembly
in due course.
5. Bilateral
arrangements have been made with a number of its neighboring countries as well
as with countries from other regions to deal with security matters and
coordinate counter terrorism measures.
Mr. President,
The heinous terrorist attacks on
We expected that the Sept. 11th
events lead to a better understanding of the imperative of a fresh and more
nuanced approach to security; a value which is indivisible, which cannot be
achieved at the expense of others or through military might alone. Regrettably,
it is an expectation yet to be realized. Moreover, a year after the start of new
round of war on terrorism, that war faces the risk of being hijacked and
deviated to other ends.
Mr. President,
There is no doubt that terrorism is a
crime. However, reducing terrorism and over-simplifying it without objectively addressing
the issue in its entirety is a disservice to the cause of combating terrorism. Contemporary
history clearly demonstrates that terrorist acts have roots in political
issues, which neither justify the acts of its perpetrators nor necessarily
demonize the cause they may embrace. However, it cannot be denied that almost
all terrorist activities either directly originate from a conflict situation or
draw its strength and recruits from it.
Terrorism is a response, however
perverted and barbaric, to injustice, exclusion and frustration arising from
powerlessness. We regret that there is a
remarkable inclination to overlook these more complex historical and political
dimensions and motivations that provide a fertile ground for terrorist
activities. We believe that while efforts in combating terrorism and depriving
it from funding and other supports should continue, it is also necessary to
focus on the situations that bring it about and sustain it. Otherwise, it would
amount to cutting the limbs and leaving the routes intact.
Mr. President,
There should be no doubt that the efforts
aimed at hijacking the fight against terrorism and using it as a means to
suppress people and repress their national aspirations would lead to a decline
in international support for that fight. And, as a result, the international coalition,
which is indispensable for fighting terrorism, falls apart. Employing the fight against terrorism as a means
to bring pressure to bear on states that may pursue a different political
outlook is yet another danger that threatens its integrity and support base.
Mr. President,
The decisive stage in the war
against terrorism is one of capturing the minds and hearts of peoples. Thus, the
abuse of the fight against terrorism by demagogues to spread hatred and bigotry
among various cultures and religions may in fact prove to be no less serious in
its consequences than terrorism itself. The international community and indeed
this Council need to analyze the problem and articulate and develop effective mechanisms
to arrest this ever-growing threat to international security,
More sober reflection,
sole-searching and constructive dialogue and less rhetoric, agitation and
incitement is probably the only credible way that may give rise to cooperation
at the international level, a global coalition for peace, thus turning the
global environment less conducive for terrorism. Undoubtedly, such an
environment is a sine qua none for the success of the CTC.
Thank you Mr. President.