Afghanistan
H.E. Mr. Hâmid Karzai, President

Not very far from here stood two towers that symbolized freedom, prosperity and progress. Half way around the globe stood two magnificent Buddha's that represented a culture of tolerance and a nation with a rich history. These symbols have been linked together through the global scourge of terrorism. Terror may have demolished these physical structures, however it strengthens the willpower of the international community never to let down the spirit and determination with which these icons were built. Terrorism and violence are against the teaching of Islam, a religion that stands for peace, respect for human dignity, dialogue, and tolerance. The Taliban, who destroyed our country and cultural heritage, did not represent Afghans and we do not consider the AI Qaida to represent the Arab world, and neither one represents Islam.

The Afghan people, as the prime victims of war and violence and the front line fighters against terrorism, particularly appreciate, honor and admire the friendly hand extended to them by the United States of America and other members of the Anti-tenor Coalition and the International Security Assistance Force, the United Nations family of organizations, particularly H.E Secretary General Kofi Annan, and Ambassador Lakhdar Barahimi, the Special Representative of Secretary General, for their tremendous support to Afghanistan in this critical juncture of the Afghan history.

Mr. President, while the world has now clearly voiced its unity to honor the dignity of life and reconstruction over terror, destruction and subversion, the threat posed by the terrorist groups require resolute commitment on the part of all nations to fight this evil to the end. I have warned the world before the September 1 I tragedy about the dangers of terrorism. Afghan people have suffered tremendously in the hand of Taliban and terrorist groups. They killed many thousands people, destroyed villages and burned orchards. Afghanistan is a Muslim country and the people of Afghanistan truly believe in the teaching of Islam, which is based on peace, justice, equality, moderation and tolerance, and reject arty abuse and misuse of the holy name of Islam by the extremist groups to justify violence, death and destruction. My vision of Afghanistan is of a modern State that builds on our Islamic values promoting justice, rule of law, human rights and freedom of commerce, and forming a bridge between cultures and civilizations; a model of tolerance and prosperity based on the rich heritage of the Islamic civilization.

Afghanistan is committed to continue to have friendly relationship with its neighbors and the international community and to be a resilient partner in the war against terrorism. The establishment of security and prosperity within Afghanistan is a means of promoting security and prosperity in the region and the world. We do not want to live in the past, and are determined not to let the events of the past harm our relations with our neighbors. We extend a sincere hand of friendship to all our neighbors on the basis of mutual respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, independence and non-interference in the internal affairs of each other. We will never permit our soil to be used for any subversive activities against any of our neighbors and countries in the region, and we expect the same.

Albania
H.E. Mr. Ilir Meta, Deputy Prime Minister And Minister For Foreign Affairs

One year after the terrorist attacks of 11 September 2001, our hearts still feel the pain for the loss of innocent lives. Endangering of peace, freedom and the democratic values, challenges that face all the UN member countries, call for the creation of a unified front. Terrorism has become a common enemy, of which none of us is immune. Nevertheless, our determination is strong and enduring to fight this enemy, and give us a chance for a more secure and peaceful world.

Albania was among the first countries, which aligned itself with the international coalition against terrorism. In compliance with the UN Security Council Resolution 1373, during this year Albania has undertaken legislative, executive and administrative action to fight against this phenomenon. At present, Albania has a complete contemporary legal framework that enables the control, investigation and punishment of potential terrorist acts, of persons linked with or who support such acts. Albania has become a party to the 12 UN conventions, which are related to the fight against terrorism. The Albanian Government has also taken action for setting up and strengthening specific state structures, which deal with the prevention as well as the fight against terrorism. These structures are also responsible and capable to offer full cooperation on an international level.

Algeria
H.E. Mr. Abdelaziz Bouteflika, President

Let me first extend my congratulations to Switzerland for its admission as full member of our organization. I am convinced that this country, so attached to its neutrality on the international arena, will bring a precious contribution to our common quest for peace in the world, at a time when it happens to be seriously threatened, notably by international terrorism. So welcome to the Swiss delegation to whom I wish full success in this Assembly.

… The tragic events of September eleven, commemorated a few days ago, have stressed the need for a collective response to the global threat of terrorism.

During more than a decade, Algeria had to face, alone, this plague of our times. It is gratified with the growing awareness within the international community and the measures taken to address it.

Algeria strived for the conclusion of conventions to combat terrorism, within each regional African, Arab and Islamic organizations it belongs to. These conventions have greatly contributed to enhancing the legal international framework needed for any efficient action internationally to fight terrorism.

We believe it is urgent to adopt a global convention to combat terrorism, which would constitute the normative framework to which would be added the various cooperation agreements in this field. Such a decision implies that we rise above our divergences on a definition of terrorism, one that would be acceptable for all, and avoid misperceptions we unanimously condemn.

We particularly refuse any association between Islam and terrorist acts, and we can absolutely not equate terrorism with the struggles of peoples deprived of their rights, leading an unequal struggle with the means and weapons available to them.

… The changes occurring at unprecedented speed in the world bear to a large extent uncertainties about the future of mankind. To face theses dangers, a clear tendency towards international solidarity has taken shape, not only in combating terrorism, but also in fighting poverty and preserving our environment. The major role of the UN is now obvious as regards the settlement of the problems encountered by all our peoples. In an endangered world, the UN has proved to be irreplaceable as it is the symbol of our common commitment to struggling for mankind's survival.

Andorra
H.E. Mr. Juli Minoves-Triquell, Minister for Foreign Affairs

Terrorism is not a conventional war: there can be no treaties, no compacts, with terrorists. Law is vital for all countries, but terrorists do not care about laws. They are without a country, and pose a particular danger and a challenge. In this sense, we must embark upon an aggressive reaching out to all people, an aggressive assertion of our common humanity. This might well be a media campaign, although it needs to come directly from all elected politicians and ministers. It is not trying to abstract issues or "win" a war of words. We need to pull everybody into the human compact. We need to recognize our individual vulnerability.

Angola
H.E. Mr. João Bernardo de Miranda, Minister for Foreign Affairs

Important advances were also made by the international community in the struggle against terrorism. Thanks to a global and coordinated effort, major terrorist networks have been dismembered. Angola reiterates it strong condemnation of terrorist acts such as the one perpetrated against the American people in September of last year. We continue to be committed to the strict implementation of Security Council Resolution 1373. We support the reinforcement of control measures, particularly in the financial area, to increasingly curb the scope of action of terrorist groups.

Antigua And Barbuda
H.E. Mr. Patrick Albert Lewis, Chairman Of The Delegation

Antigua and Barbuda has every intention of adhering to the time allotment, but must of necessity touch on a few other issues. Unfortunately we must recall the threat of terrorism, and to state that we have been working diligently to fulfill United Nations requirements. We have, however, to move ahead and plan for the future positively. We welcome the new partnership for Africa's development; and are eagerly awaiting the entry of East Timor into this August body.

While welcoming East Timor we must again express our deep dissatisfaction that a referendum has not been held in the Western Sahara. The Questing of the Western Sahara involves the right of self-determination, a fundamental principle of the United Nations; and as long as the conflict remains, the regional security in a significant part of the Magreb will remain at risk. Clearly, the success or failure of the United Nations will enhance or compromise the credibility of the current international system.

Argentina
H.E. Mr. Carlos Ruckauf, Minister for Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Worship

One year after the criminal terrorist attacks in the United States we reiterate our solidarity to the people and the government of the United States, to the victims and their families. Terrorism is the child of political or religious fanaticism. We are convinced that international cooperation has to be strengthened in the fight against any terrorist threat, to eliminate that threat that endangers peace and international security and that those responsible for those attacks should be judged and punished as well as those who help them and support them. There is no justification, nor will there be any, for these barbaric actions that bring shame to humanity.

It is bad that there are member states that don't abide by United Nations resolutions.

It is intolerable that these resolutions remain unfulfilled when issues related to the mere existence of the human being on the planet are involved. The existence of arsenals with bacteriologic, chemical and other similar weapons that can be spread in a formal or terrorist war is a question that affects all men, women and children of the world.

Armenia
H.E. Mr. Vartan Oskanian, Minister for Foreign Affairs

This time last year, new states and old, were thunderstruck by terror that is still indescribable. We were reeling from the enormity of what terrorism had wrought, even as we looked for a place from which to begin to understand why. Millennia of experience with the devastation of war had not provided us with the tools necessary to diagnose this new form of combat.

Today, a year later, as we persevere with the arduous endeavor to eradicate the affliction, we also continue to search for causes. We distinguish, certainly, between comprehending and concurring, awareness and acquiescence, understanding and justification. At the same time, we recognize that diagnosis does not always bring its own cure.

We cannot go back to where we were a year ago, in either our assumptions or our actions. The fundamental question we must all answer is: What is it that we can and cannot, should and should not do to other human beings? The answer must include a rejection of plain injustice and abject poverty. This will go a long way towards alleviating the hopelessness that perpetuates those same societal ills.

Australia
H.E. The Honourable Alexander Downer, MP Minister for Foreign Affairs

We meet at this General Assembly in the shadow of the terrorist attacks on this great city a year ago.

Those chilling events were an attack on the values of the great civilizations represented here today -- values that are central to the UN Charter and this Organization.

We can take some comfort in knowing that the international community has responded -- deliberately and resolutely -- to international terrorism.

The coalition in the war against terrorism -- led by the United States and joined by others, including Australia -- has accomplished a great deal.

The Al-Qaida network in Afghanistan has been disabled. The Taliban regime has been defeated.

But terrorism cannot be stamped out by military effort alone. Together we must choke off support - financial and otherwise - for terrorism.

We must stop the patrons and banlcrollers of the trade in terror, and together face this most insidious threat.

Mr. President,

The decisive response of the United Nations after September 11 - embodied in Security Council Resolution 1373 - created a framework for Member States to join forces in suppressing, prosecuting and punishing terrorist acts and terrorist financing.

All Member States must implement the commitments made in Resolution 1373.

Australia has strengthened its counter-terrorism legislative and law enforcement framework. We are party to 10 of the 12 anti-terrorism instruments, and will ratify another later this month. Australia also is assisting other Asia-Pacific countries to implement their obligations.

Austria
Her Excellency Dr. Benita Ferrero-Waldner, Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs

Let me reiterate the sympathy of the Austrian people with the victims of September 11, 2001. Austria has shown strong solidarity from the first hour after the attacks, has acted in unison with her European partners and the United Nations to combat terrorism, a resolve that strongly persists and will continue to do so.

As a former staff member of the United Nations myself, I wish to convey my country's sincere gratitude to the many dedicated people, who are in the service of the UN in New York, the other headquarters in Vienna and Geneva as well as out there in the field, for their efforts on behalf of the international community in its fight against terror.

Combating terrorism requires a global effort and a comprehensive approach: prevention, protection of the security of our countries and the basic values of freedom and human rights as well as coercive measures as a last resort. We do have to base our decisions and actions on international law.

The Security Council's Counter Terrorism Committee (CTC) under the very able leadership of Sir Jeremy Greenstock, Ambassador of the United Kingdom, is at the core of the UN's coordinating role.

We must ensure that all States do join and can join these efforts. To promote this goal, Austria hosted a Symposium on combating international terrorism at the Vienna International Centre in June of this year, which highlighted the capacity of the Vienna-based UN Office for Drug Control and Crime Prevention (ODCCP) to provide efficient technical assistance to member States in their fight against terrorism. Austria will make an additional million EURO available for the strengthening of ODCCP.

I am glad to note that Secretary General Kofi Annan shares our view on the importance of the Vienna based UN units, as expressed in his report on the need tostrengthen the Terrorism Prevention Branch of the Secretariat. The report of the Policy Working Group on the UN and terrorism published earlier this week comes to the same conclusion.

I call upon the Member States to support this position.

It is also important to remind ourselves, that the fight against terrorism cannot be fought with soldiers and policemen alone, we also need to fight the root causes: the abject levels of poverty, inequality, injustice, the lack of sustainable development and of good governance.

… The fight against terrorism and violent fundamentalism in Afghanistan has also highlighted the importance of the whole region of Central Asia. During her OSCE chairmanship in the year of 2000 Austria made it one of her priorities to draw the attention of world opinion to unresolved issues and problems of this region and the impressive potential it could unfold based upon mutually useful co-operation and of good-governance.

… The Dialogue among Civilizations, which Austria has strongly supported from the beginning, is a new and important tool of diplomacy, which should help us drain the breeding grounds of terrorism.

Azerbaijan
H.E. Mr. Vilayat Guliyev, Minister For Foreign Affairs

We have to recognize that the world itself has grown up the monster of terrorism by ignoring problems, turning a blind eye to the violations of the norms of international law, tolerating aggression, not responding to threats caused by the illegal actions of some states, separatism, proliferation of weapons. It is necessary to learn lessons from the mistakes made and to launch broad offensive against terrorism on the basis of common approaches.

Respect for universal approach, excluding inconsistency, selectiveness and double standards is an indispensable condition of the world consolidation in confronting the terrorism. The legal basis of such approach has to be laid down in the Comprehensive Convention on Fight against Terrorism. Any political, social, ideological, religious and other reasons cannot justify any acts, methods and practices of terrorism. Mission of effective counter-action against terrorism and its total eradication demands use of the most broad, complex approach, which takes into consideration various aspects of problem and its root causes.

It is obvious that the terrorist groups recruit new members and flourish most easily in the environment characterized by economic and social degradation, armed conflicts, poverty, illiteracy and self-isolation. Necessary resources should be mobilized to open up new and expand the existing programs of assistance to the developing and less developed countries. The implementation of the UN decisions regarding the assistance for the sustainable development and revival of the economic growth in these countries does play a great role. We need to take a special note of the rendering urgent international assistance to Afghanistan.

… The priority in combating the international terrorism should be given to such manifestations of it as militant nationalism and aggressive separatism. Very often terrorist groups of separatists and nationalists of various kinds maintain close ties between each other and are directly sponsored by states. Fight against terrorism constitutes an extremely complicated problem in the so-called uncontrolled territories, having emerged as a result of armed separatism and foreign aggression.

Bahamas
H.E. The Honourable Frederick Mitchell, MP, Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Public Service

The first anniversary of the 11 September attacks on the World Trade Center in New York, the Pentagon near Washington, DC and the tragedy in Pennsylvania was commemorated just a few days ago. On that occasion, The Bahamas reiterated its condemnation of these heinous acts, as attacks on our values and on our civilization. Such acts must not go unpunished - We therefore, support measures to bring the guilty to justice, and to combat terrorism and all its forms and manifestations. We are resolute in our views on this. We pause to remember the families and friends in countries around the world who lost loved ones in those attacks.

Bahrain
H.E. Shaikh Mohammed Bin Mubarak Al-Khalifa. Minister For Foreign Affairs

The convening of this session takes place on the first anniversary of September eleventh, an event which shook the international community, shocked the human conscience, and unified international efforts to face up to an enemy that has no religion, ethnicity, race or nationality. That enemy is terrorism.

Today, on the occasion of this painful anniversary, it is incumbent upon us to again extend our condolences and sympathy to the United States of America and its friendly people, and to the families and relatives of the victims everywhere, and to condemn all forms and types of terrorism. We affirm our support for all international efforts, which seek to combat and eradicate terrorism.

… In light of the legacy of religion and civilization of the Kingdom of Bahrain, as reflected in the constitution and various national laws, and as affirmed by political practice, which focus, inter alia, on the right to life, security and peace, we reaffirm our rejection of all types and forms of terrorism.

We also welcome the convening of an international conference on terrorism to be held under the auspices of the United Nations with the objectives of, among other things, reaching an internationally agreed definition of terrorism, that differentiates between unacceptable terrorist acts and the legitimate struggle and resistance taken up by peoples under foreign occupation for national liberation, self determination and self defence, in accordance with the United Nations Charter, to which we adhere by word and deed.

Bangladesh
H.E. Mr. Morshed Khan, MP Minister for Foreign Affairs

This has been, as we all are painfully aware, a very difficult year. September 11, 2001 witnessed a dastardly act of barbaric terrorism. It also united peace-loving peoples all over the world as never before. As we continue our struggle to prevent the resurgence of such atrocities, we must also address ourselves seriously to the task of rooting out the causes that spawn such behaviour. Any action in this respect should be based on the widest possible international consensus built through consultations.

Bangladesh has been, and shall always be, a committed and active partner in the coalition against terrorism. We have taken every necessary step to share information and assist in the curbing of terror. We have sought to implement Security Council Resolution 1373, which we ourselves helped draft and adopt as a Council Member last year. At a regional level, we are presently examining ways and means of further strengthening the SAARC Convention on terrorism. Terror is totally unconnected to any faith or region. It is a global phenomenon that requires to be tackled by means that are both legitimate and consensual.

These include the promotion of democracy and democratic values, respect for human rights and the rule of law, peaceful resolution of conflicts and peace-building, cooperation of equitable economic development, eradication of poverty, equality of gender, measures aimed at confidence-building, mutual respect among races and peoples, and harmony not clashes between cultures. These are the main pillars on which we must build a world where hope will, reign in place of despair. In the construction of this edifice, the architect must be the, United Nations, which with its charter, principles and objectives, is the greatest institution crafted by human-kind.

Barbados
Her Excellency The Honourable Billie Miller, MP, Deputy Prime Minister And Minister For Foreign Affairs And Foreign Trade

As we are well aware, Mr. President, threats to world peace are no longer exclusively found in military conflict between opposing countries, where the enemy is recognised and a state of war formally declared. Rather, today's greatest sources of instability and threats to national, regional and international security lie in areas where the enemies are often unidentified, non-state actors, with global reach. Terrorism is but one of these insidious new elements.

… Diversion of resources and attention from the development agenda to the fight against terrorism cannot produce lasting results. And as Dr. Bruntland warned in 1992, our global village may yet become a global jungle if states adopt unilateral measures to combat global problems.

… In response to the events of September 11th, and to the mandates of Security Council Resolution 1373, Barbados has deployed considerable financial and human resources to the anti-terrorism effort. In May this year, our Parliament adopted comprehensive domestic legislation, which entailed an amendment to our Constitution, to criminalise acts of terrorism and support or financing for such acts. Yesterday I deposited with the UN Secretariat the relevant instruments to make Barbados a party to the International Conventions for the Suppression of Terrorist Bombings, and for Suppression of the Financing of Terrorism.

… Regrettably, Mr. President, that burden has been further exacerbated by the words and actions of some lawmakers who now seek, through misguided zeal, to brand the operations of financial services centres, even the most transparent and well regulated, such as the Barbados regime, as havens for corporate tax evasion and for the laundering of terrorist assets. It is important to emphasise that the Barbados jurisdiction is more transparent and better regulated than many in the developed world, and certainly no less so than what obtains in the states of Delaware and Vermont, among others. My country fully intends to defend its reputation against these renewed, unwarranted, duplicitous and discriminatory attacks.

Belarus
H.E. Mr. Mikhail Khvostov, Minister for Foreign Affairs

"... In the beginning of the 21st century the world perceived the grave reality of new challenges and threats. We also realized that the evil of international terrorism can be eradicated only through joint concerted efforts". End of quote.

Today, we have every reason to say, that the world community has managed to confront the threat of global terrorism, having created a broad international coalition.

The measures, undertaken by the United Nations in response to the unprecedented acts of international terrorism, have marked a new and significant direction in the Organization's activities.

Belarus considers itself to be an integral part of the antiterrorism coalition. We fully support the activities of the Counter Terrorism Committee and have been actively interacting with it. We consider such cooperation not only in the context of unconditional implementation of the relevant resolution of the Security Council, but also as a process of a fruitful exchange of experience in the area of combating terrorism between the United Nations Member States, universal and regional international organizations and institutions.

The President, Government and Security Council of the Republic of Belarus have been constantly paying important attention to the issues of combating terrorism. The Law "On Combating Terrorism" entered into force in our country in January, 2002.

Our country is a party to 9 of the 12 major multilateral international treaties in the sphere of combating terrorism. The work on the accession to the three remaining international treaties is underway.

The results of a large-scale work carried out by the Counter Terrorism Committee should form a basis for new important steps. One of them is setting up a universal model of counter-terrorism legislation and the practice of its implementation.

The Republic of Belarus intends to make its contribution to the elaboration of a comprehensive convention on combating international terrorism and of an international convention on combating acts of nuclear terrorism. The work on these legal acts should constantly remain in the focus of attention of the UN Secretary-General since today international terrorism has not simply challenged two great powers, two permanent members of the UN Security Council, namely the United States and Russia, but the entire international community. We have accepted this challenge and our response is clear. We, the United Nations, will eliminate terrorism.

Belgique
S.E.M. Louis Michel, Vice Premier Ministre et Ministre des Affaires Etrangeres de la Belgique

La lutte contre le terrorisme doit bien évidemment se fonder sur des moyens et des méthodes efficaces, qui n'autorisent aucun laxisme. Mais je le dis avec force: la lutte contre le terrorisme ne peut nous conduire à défigurer la qualité de vie démocratique et tolérante et le respect de l'Etat de droit. Notre conception d'organisation sociale, pluraliste, ouverte, sans à priori, doit rester notre ultime ambition. Il ne peut être question d'induire ou d'accepter les distorsions ou les dérives de notre conception exigeante des droits des hommes et des peuples. La lutte contre le terrorisme impose aussi et surtout de garantir, en toute circonstance, les droits fondamentaux et la protection juridique de chaque homme, de chaque femme. Ne 'pas respecter ce qui est le fondement même de notre engagement humaniste, ce serait donner une victoire décisive aux terroristes. Et ce serait une erreur aussi de croire que la lutte contre le terrorisme pourrait se limiter à° une option militaire. Cette dimension est sûrement nécessaire, j'en conviens, mais à elle seule, elle ne mettra pas un terme à ce phénomène hideux.

Rien ne justifie le terrorisme. Aucune cause ne justifie la terreur. Je rejette catégoriquement et définitivement l'idée qu'il faudrait voir l'origine de ce dévoiement de l'âme et de l'esprit dans les inégalités du monde. Ce serait accorder des circonstances atténuantes à cet acte abominable. L'origine de cet attentat n'est pas là. Mais nous savons aussi que la misère, l'injustice, la pauvreté, l'exclusion, l'humiliation constituent un terreau fertile dans lequel les extrémismes, les intolérances, les haines vont puiser, usant et abusant de la désespérance et du malheur des laissés pour compte d'une société trop vite satisfaite de sa bonne conscience. Pourquoi le nier?

Bhutan
H.E. Mr. Jigmi Yoser Thinley, Minister for Foreign Affairs

The loss of lives and untold suffering and destruction wrought by the senseless acts of September 11 have united all of humanity against the evil of terrorism in all its manifestations. No clear orientation towards international peace and development is possible without uprooting this disease that has been allowed to afflict many of our societies. The United Nations must continue to play a central and decisive role in directing our collective resolve and efforts to eradicate terrorism. While each of us must in our own countries take all possible measures to rid ourselves of this menace, we know that it is through the multilateral framework that our individual, national, regional and global efforts can be effectively and rightly coordinated. It is imperative that in our battle against terrorism, the norms and principles of this hallowed institution are not undermined. Our war on terrorism must continue to unite us.

Bosnia and Herzegovina
H.E. Mr. Zlatko Lagumdzija, Minister for Foreign Affairs

Tragic events of September 11t" have made us reconsider our achievements, real values, and the links between poverty, development, sustainability, respect for human rights and real progress.

Yet, goals imagined by the perpetrators of those crimes certainly have not been fulfilled - World has become more united and determined to fight terrorism as a global threat to the values of civilization. It resulted in an increased cooperation between specialized services and bodies of different states, as well as international organizations. However, we must be prepared for a long and exhaustive confrontation with this evil of our times.

Last year we were all rightly focused on Afghanistan as well as today we are concerned about future steps regarding Iraq as a great threat to world stability and shelter for terrorism.

… Today we are even more convinced that all problems can only be solved through a dialogue based on good political will. From those positions we joined the fight against all kinds of terrorism and organized crime. we reinforced struggle against corruption by upgrading and strengthening our state institutions.

Botswana
H.E. Mr. Festus Mogae, MP President

I take this opportunity to reaffirm Botswana's strong support for the work of the Security Council Counter-Terrorism Committee (CTC) established to monitor the effective implementation of Security Council Resolution 1373(2001). The international community must maintain its unity and remain vigilant to ensure that such acts of terror never happen again.

Brazil
Dr. Celso Lafer, Minister Of Foreign Relations Of Brazil

At the time of the September 11 terrorist attacks, this Organization immediately showed its solidarity with the United States of America by adopting resolutions by the General Assembly and the Security Council.

At the regional level, the Inter-American Mutual Assistance Treaty was invoked on a Brazilian initiative, as an expression of our firm repudiation and our condemnation of all barbaric acts of terrorism. These responses have taken the form of renewed collaboration in security, intelligence, police and judicial cooperation issues.

Lasting solutions to terrorism, international drug trafficking and organized crime require careful and persistent efforts to set up partnerships and cooperative arrangements consistent with the United Nations multilateral system.

Brunei Darussalam
His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, Minister For Foreign Affairs

In South East Asia we have responded to it as such. We have deeply mourned the innocent victims of terrorism in America, Africa, Europe and Asia. We have condemned all who took those lives.

We are, however, trying to move beyond condemnation. We have taken many immediate and practical short term measures. We have committed ourselves to long-term action.

We have had to do this for, without security and stability, we cannot implement the far-reaching program of development we have set ourselves. So, in no way can we permit those who engage in any form of terrorism to succeed.

By these, I mean any who try to drag our affairs across to their dark side: not just extremists no matter what cause they claim to represent; but also those who seek to corrupt international systems of trade, commerce, and banking; or who willfully destroy our environment; or who trade in human misery. They stand in the way of the deepest interests of the people whom we represent here.

For those people, the United Nations is the direct opposite of the dark vision of the terrorist.

They see it offering a totally different side to world affairs, one that rejoices in the diversity of peoples, cultures and beliefs; one that at all times seeks the consensus that comes out of dialogue and negotiation; and one where there is informed direction given to the great changes that are sweeping through all societies.

In other words, the bright side of international affairs lit by a beacon of hope.

That is how we see this organization, Mr. President.

We want our regional efforts to help fuel this beacon. We want them to complement the work of the United Nations.

… This is why we strongly support the efforts being made by the Secretary-General to express our purpose in this way, not in the language of confrontation that was heard throughout the last century nor in the appalling vocabulary of terrorism but in the human terms offered at the millennium summit.

Bulgaria
H.E. Mr. Georgi Parvanov, President

This session should address the unfinished tasks of the Millennium Declaration and the new challenges to international peace and security, the fight against terrorism in the first place.

The Republic of Bulgaria has come to the Fifty-seventh session of the United Nations General Assembly with the added responsibility of a member of the Security Council. We are strongly committed to the principles of consensus building, constructive dialogue and transparency in the work of the Council. The fight against terrorism is a top international priority today. Yesterday's special meeting of the Security Council reaffirmed the validity of Resolution 1373 and commended the work of the Counter-Terrorism Committee. The President's statement, supported unanimously by the Council, reflects the political will for common action against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. The fight against terrorism should not however lead to persecution on religious or ethnic grounds or infringe on human rights.

With its recent accession to the International Convention for the Suppression of Terrorist Bombings and the International Convention for the Suppression of the Financing of Terrorism, Bulgaria is now party to all universal conventions against terrorism. My country has also contributed to the international efforts in a tangible and practical way by sending a military contingent to Afghanistan.

Anti-terrorist efforts require serious rethinking of current approaches to cooperation. We are aware that terrorism is often linked to other security threats like organized crime, drug trafficking, corruption, money laundering, the illegal traffic of human beings and illegal arms trade. Bulgaria has initiated and actively participates in a number of bilateral and regional arrangements of cooperation on these issues. My country is increasingly effective as a firewall protecting Europe along one of the routes of drug trafficking. We have adopted one of the most stringent laws on export control over arms trade and have taken decisive steps to improve enforcement in all its aspects.

Burkina Faso
S.E.M Youssouf Ouedraogo
Ministre D'etat Des Affaires Etrangeres et de la Cooperation Regionale

Aujourd'hui, plus que jamais, avec les tragiques événements du 11 septembre 2001, dont nous venons de commémorer le premier anniversaire, ces objectifs prennent un caractère plus immédiat et pressant car la paix du monde se trouve sérieusement menacée, en particulier par le terrorisme international.

La meilleure réponse au terrorisme international doit procéder d'une action collective, autrement dit de toute la communauté internationale.

Membre à part entière de cette communauté, le Burkina Faso, qui fait de la recherche de la paix un credo, réaffirme, de la façon la plus vigoureuse et sans ambiguïté, sa condamnation du terrorisme sous toutes ses formes et quelles qu'en soient les motivations.

Notre détermination à lutter aux côtés des Nations Unies contre ce danger est sans faille et la mise en application, de notre part, de la résolution 1373 du Conseil de Sécurité a fait l'objet d'un rapport remis au Comité de suivi.

Monsieur le Président,

Si la lutte contre le terrorisme occupe désormais le devant de la scène, elle ne doit pas pour autant occulter l'impérieuse nécessité de trouver les solutions justes et durables aux crises internationales, notamment les conflits régionaux qui très souvent alimentent et entretiennent ce fléau.

Burundi
Mr Pierre Buyoya, Président de la République

A coté de la pauvreté qui touche des millions d'êtres humains, il y a un autre danger redoutable qu'est le terrorisme. Une année après les attentats terroristes du 11 septembre 2001 à New York, Washington et Pennsylvanie, le monde vit encore sous le choc et cherche comment endiguer ce fléau qu'est le terrorisme international. A cet effet, le Burundi s'est engagé à mettre en application les dispositions de la résolution1373 du Conseil de Sécurité qui trace la voie de lutte collective contre le terrorisme.

Les grands défis que sont la pauvreté, la déterioration de I'environnement, le terrorisme international, les conflits armés et les maladies incurables interpellent toutes les nations, riches et pauvres, à prendre conscience que la solidarité internationale s'impose comme un moyen de survie pour tous.

Cambodia
H.E. Mr. Hor Namhong, Senior Minister, Minister For Foreign Affairs And International Cooperation

3. I believe that we are living in a fast-changing- and fragile world today, a world of uncertainties and turbulences which has been seriously threatened by terrorism, the negative sides of globalization, the rising effects of global warming and the impact of drastic climatic change. The effects of these rising forces underline our common vulnerability and a sense of urgency for a more effective sustainable development in the world. Without a functional sustainable development in the world, the survival of humanity will be at stake. Therefore, I believe that the common challenge we face today is perhaps the lack of collective wisdom and political will to make our world a better place for all, including the future generations, living on this planet.

… 6. As the world continues to be shaped by the forces of globalization, we are witnessing the growing disparities and development gaps between the haves and have-hots. As a double-edged sword, globalization could either help propel the whole humanity to greater prosperity or further marginalize the poor throughout the world. I believe that reducing poverty could to some extent contribute to the fight against terrorism and effectively manage the growth of transnational issues, such as human trafficking and the prevalent HIV/Aids epidemic.

… 10. As far as the fight against terrorism is concerned, Cambodia has signed and is in the process of acceding to all conventions related to the combat against terrorism. ASEAN, for its part, has been forceful and decisive in coming up with a number of initiatives and measures. The ASEAN Leaders at their 7th Summit in Brunei in November 2001 adopted the "ASEAN Declaration on Joint Action to Counter Terrorism." In addition, there have been a number of agreements and specific action plans that ASEAN and the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) have been put in place in order to tackle the threats of terrorism in this region. Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines, on the other hand, signed an agreement on sharing information and intelligence to combat terrorism, in which Cambodia had acceded to it. In July this year, ASEAN and the United States signed an anti-terrorism declaration as a framework for more cooperation to prevent and combat global terrorism.

Cameroon
S.E.M. Martin Belinga Eboutou, Ambassadeur, Représentant

Jamais, autant que de nos jours, les Nations Unies n'ont incarné leur rôle d'espace de concertation, de recherche, d'action et de vigilance en faveur de la paix et de la sécurité mondiales. Leur engagement résolu et déterminé contre le terrorisme au lendemain de la tragédie du 11 septembre 2001 qui a meurtri New York, Washington et la conscience humaine, en témoigne.

Le Cameroun a adhéré aux premières mesures conventionnelles prises par l'ONU immédiatement après ce drame. Il s'est également associé pleinement aux résolutions qui permettent aujourd'hui l'émergence progressive d'un Afghanistan nouveau, synonyme de liberté et de modernité pour son peuple.

Le combat contre le mal destructeur, aveugle et persistant qu'est le terrorisme doit s'inscrire dans la durée à l'intérieur de chacun de nos pays et à travers des décisions concertées à l'échelon international.

Voilà pourquoi, le Cameroun appuie pleinement le projet de conférence de haut niveau sur une riposte commune de la communauté internationale au terrorisme.

Cette lutte ne doit pas se cantonner à la seule riposte mécanique. Elle suppose également une approche globale qui prenne en compte l'ensemble des facteurs de déséquilibre et d'injustice qui favorisent ces menées criminelles et dont peuvent se prévaloir. leurs auteurs.

D'où l'exhortation et l'appel du Président Paul Biya qui convie la communauté des nations ´ à apaiser le contexte international en l'expurgeant des situations d'injustice qui servent de terreaux où s'alimente l'intolérance. Cette démarche réaliste permettra d' éradiquer les ferments d'insatisfaction et de révolte qui, faute de solution, peuvent mener au désespoir et, dans le pire des cas, au terrorisme.ª.

… Dans cet esprit, nous estimons que notre offensive commune contre le terrorisme relève autant des dispositifs sécuritaires et juridiques acceptés par tous les Etats, que de la mise en oeuvre effective des engagements pris dans la Déclaration du Millénaire, visant à instaurer davantage de solidarité et à réduire le fossé entre pays riches et pays pauvres. La fermeté sans justice ne peut que favoriser le sentiment de frustration et laisser le problème entier.

A la faveur de son entrée depuis le 1er janvier dernier au Conseil de Sécurité, le Cameroun déploie au sein de cet organe prééminent de notre organisation, tous les efforts nécessaires pour faire valoir cette doctrine de la convergence d'une double voie d'approche comme levier de la paix et de la sécurité. La lutte contre le terrorisme international impose la participation sincère et effective de tous les Etats membres des Nations Unies. Cette exigence nécessite à son tour un environnement de paix, de stabilité et de sécurité entre les Etats membres. Par conséquent, il nous faut, coûte que coûte trouver une solution aux conflits et aux tensions qui, en Afrique, au Moyen Orient et en Asie continuent à engendrer des lignes de fracture dans les relations internationales, entre les pays de la même région et au sein de certains Etats.

Mesdames et Messieurs,

Comme pour la lutte contre le terrorisme international, la mobilisation de la communauté internationale contre les crises et conflits armés doit conjuguer fermeté et ouverture.

Le Cameroun est particulièrement préoccupé par la question sensible des sanctions qui frappent un certain nombre de pays.

Les sanctions doivent avoir un caractère essentiellement ciblé. Elles doivent épargner les populations civiles innocentes et prendre en compte les préoccupations des Etats tiers indirectement victimes.

Le Conseil de Sécurité gagnerait à améliorer la perception des sanctions en leur conférant une légitimité supplémentaire, ce qui leur permettrait d'avoir la crédibilité indispensable à leur efficience.

S'agissant des réformes institutionnelles des Nations Unies que le Cameroun, aux côtés de nombreux pays, appelle de ses vœux, une mention particulière devrait être faite de l'inévitable élargissement des membres du Conseil de Sécurité. Ces réformes du principal pôle décisionnel de la communauté internationale permettraient une approche plus intégrée des graves questions régionales et des enjeux multilatéraux qui découlent de la mondialisation.

… A coté de la pauvreté qui touche des millions d'êtres humains, il y a un autre danger redoutable qu'est le terrorisme. Une année après les attentats terroristes du 11 septembre 2001 à New York, Washington et Pennsylvanie, le monde vit encore sous le choc et cherche

comment endiguer ce fléau qu'est le terrorisme international. A cet effet, le Burundi s'est engagé à mettre en application les dispositions de la résolution1373 du Conseil de Sécurité qui trace la voie de lutte collective contre le terrorisme.

Les grands défis que sont la pauvreté, la déterioration de I'environnement, le terrorisme international, les conflits armés et les maladies incurables interpellent toutes les nations, riches et pauvres, à prendre conscience que la solidarité internationale s'impose comme un moyen de survie pour tous.

Canada
H.E. The Honourable William Graham, Minister For Foreign Affairs

The attacks of last September were a cruel and devastating blow to the United States and, indeed, to us all. I am proud to say that Canadians stood in solidarity with our closest ally at that terrible moment. When the terrorists struck that day, they were also attacking the very principles of international law, security and humanitarianism that are embodied in the UN Charter. We believe that our ultimate response to the challenge of September 11 is thus to rededicate ourselves to our beliefs and to the principles upon which the United Nations was founded.

Now, more than ever, the main challenge for each of our countries, and for the United Nations, is to manage our interdependence. Environmental degradation and endemic poverty, the proliferation of disease and epidemics, the increasing threat of terrorism and organized crime: these are serious, complex issues that no one nation can confront alone. To succeed, our countries must work together, while also drawing on the expertise of civil society. Such cooperation is a formidable challenge, and one that the UN is best suited to meet….

The terrorist threat leads us to work together and, tragically, illustrates the extent of our interdependence. It demonstrates the urgency of finding solutions that are equal to the task at hand, and whose effectiveness hinges on new partnerships among our countries.

Our reaction to terrorism must be steadfast, to be sure, and we must make no concession to the agents of terror. But if we want our reaction to be truly effective, it must enhance both national security and individual human security. In fact, democratic governance, as well as security, find their most solid foundation in societies in which rights and freedoms are respected and where, as a result, dissidence more often than not takes constructive, rather than violent, forms.

What's more, the fight against terrorism challenges us to find ways to open our hearts and minds to the diversity of our world, its cultures and its religions. Now more than ever, we must promote dialogue and understanding, and encourage people to be tolerant of other people. In this way, we will help to eradicate at its source much of the pain in the world today, which all too often translates into rising hatred, extremism and fanaticism of all sorts.

Multilateralism has definitely proven its worth over the past year. For example, dozens of countries have offered their resources and experience to Afghanistan's new leaders, as members of the coalition against terrorism or of the Afghanistan Support Group. They have also contributed to the various UN programs seeking to establish political stability and representative government.

The G8 Global Partnership Against the Spread of Weapons and Materials of Mass Destruction, concluded at Kananaskis in June, is another concrete example of our joint commitment to battle terrorism and other threats to peace. Canada, as Chair of the G8, was a strong advocate of this major effort designed to strengthen international security and strategic stability. Canada will continue to work to make this initiative a success.

Cape Verde
H.E. Mr. José Maria Pereira Neves, Prime Minister

The tragic events that on September 11, 2001 cast down on vital and emblematic centers in the United States deeply chocked the world. The whole international community mobilized itself and expressed its solidarity to the United States of America while at the same time adopted measures adjusted to the challenges deriving from international terrorism. Cape Verde was one of the countries that promptly reacted to Resolution 1373 of the Security Council and keeps firmly committed to its implementation.

The shockwaves of this catastrophe extended to all latitudes and affected many different aspects pertaining to the relations between States. They are reflected adversely in the economic growth, in increased expenditures for defense and security, and the consequent impact on the distribution of resources, in the daily routine of citizens in every country in the world, namely in the restrictions to the mobility of people. In certain regions of the world, there is a build-up of risks of military confrontation that would bring about immeasurable consequences, if materialized.

Republique Centrafricaine
Son Excellence Monsieur Agba Otikpo Mezode, Ministre des Affaires Étrangères

La 57ème Session de l'Assemblée générale se tient un an après l'effroyable attentat terroriste du 11 septembre 2001.

La Délégation de la République Centrafricaine ressent encore intimement la forte émotion suscitée par cet acte attentatoire à la liberté et à la Démocratie.

Le Président de la République, Chef de l'État, Son Excellence ANGE FÉLIX PATASSE en conduisant lui-même la délégation de la République Centrafricaine à la Commémoration de la Journée du souvenir a voulu renouveler son amicale sympathie au Gouvernement et au Peuple américains et à réaffirmer la ferme détermination de son Pays à tout mettre en œuvre pour contribuer efficacement à la légitime croisade internationale contre le terrorisme sous toutes ses formes.

… La première, vous vous en doutez, Monsieur le Président, est cette menace qui a fait basculer le monde en une heure et qui a pour nom le terrorisme. Cette forme diffuse de criminalité organisée, transfrontalière, qui déjoue les armées les plus puissantes soientelles, ne saurait être tolérée. La réaction réservée par la communauté internationale à cette nouvelle forme d'agression doit être soutenue aussi bien par l'adhésion aux Résolutions condamnant fermement ces actes que par l'attitude à observer devant les pays et institutions qui sont complaisants avec les auteurs. Ainsi, tous ensemble, par le jeu de la solidarité, par le jeu de la coopération multilatérale, nous vaincrons le terrorisme, qu'il soit d'Etat ou de groupuscule.

Chile
Her Excellency Mrs. Soledad Alvear, Minister for Foreign Affairs

It is now necessary for Governments and societies to forge positive responses and to work together in order to resolutely confront the problem of terrorism. The re-evaluation of multilateralism in a globalized world is an imperative. Chile wishes to renew its commitment to this goal.

… The attacks of 11 September last year gave rise to a debate on the new threats to security that has been marked by such important concepts as globalization, the State and society.

We realized that the only way in which the international community can combat terrorism is by building consensus on the social virtues inherent in democracy, namely, diversity and tolerance. This approach will certainly contribute to the security of our societies and also make it possible to reflect on the causes of violence from a comprehensive perspective.

The changes that we have undergone in recent years have created new challenges and responsibilities for the world, which we must assume and confront as a global society. Indeed, risks have now become global and know no frontiers. Both States and ordinary men and women in every part of the world now exist in a new environment of uncertainty.

In this environment, traditional notions of security - formulated around threats to State actors - have been overtaken.

A safer world requires that we build consensus and develop new approaches that take account of the multi-dimensional nature of the threats and place people at the center of its concerns.

With this new attitude towards security, we must promote throughout the world a comprehensive approach to dealing with these new threats so that we can achieve a world free from fear and poverty.

… International terrorism is a negation of the values that make possible civilized co-existence and living together, in which there must be space for our global diversity.

As the Heads of State and Government noted in the Summit of the Americas, terrorism is a violation of the fundamental rights and freedoms of individuals and an attack on democracy itself.

Terrorism is the greatest risk facing the global community in building a safer world, and political commitment is needed for joint and effective action to eradicate it, within the framework of international law. Inter-cultural dialogue is essential for developing a global strategy to combat terrorism.

The United Nations plays a key role as a leading organization in the fight against terrorism. The work of the Security Council and of its Counter-Terrorism Committee, established pursuant to Council resolution 1373 (2001), and the elaboration of a general convention on international terrorism are efforts that we support and to which we will continue to contribute.

Last May, we submitted an initial report to the Committee, which is an indication of our commitment in this area.

With regard to the drafting of a global convention on international terrorism, we believe that the inevitable difficulties being encountered at the conceptual level should not distract us from our key objective, namely, the eradication of terrorism. This is why we are in favor of the early completion of the work of the Committee of the General Assembly that is working on this matter. At the regional level, a Convention on Terrorism has been adopted and we will continue to intensify our cooperation through the Inter-American Committee on Terrorism (CICTE) as well as within Mercosur.

The elaboration of domestic laws, through implementation of the plan of action of the Counter Terrorism Committee, and accession to the relevant conventions and their effective implementation by States parties are steps that countries must take internally, in parallel with and complementary to international efforts.

Let us advance towards global human security. Let us combat terrorism, poverty and misery in the search for a more democratic and more tolerant society. In this challenge, Mr. President, Chile is convinced that multilateralism can and must contribute to overcoming the insecurities currently being experienced in the world. The United Nations provides such a forum to the international community. It is a forum that can and must seek consensual solutions to the inescapable problems now plaguing mankind.

China
H.E. Mr. Tang Jiaxuan, Minister for Foreign Affairs

The opening of this UNGA Session coincides with the first anniversary of the September 11th incident. Thanks to the vigorous cooperation among the people of various countries over the past year, the international campaign against terrorism has made positive headway; dealing heavy blows to the forces of terror around the world. We have come to the moment when we should not only ponder on ways to eradicate the global scourge of terrorism, but take a broader view of the security issue facing, mankind and seek more effective ways to achieve lasting peace and universal security in the world.

… We should press ahead with international cooperation against terrorism and check the threat of international terrorism once and for all.

Counter-terrorism should be pursued on the basis of international law and norms governing international relations, allowing the UN and its Security Council to play a leading role. It should follow a comprehensive approach with focus on eliminating the root causes of terrorism. Efforts should be made to prevent the arbitrary enlargement of the scope of counter-terrorism campaign, but proven terrorist forces, including the East Turkestan terrorist forces, which have been trained, armed and bankrolled by the Taliban and AI Qaeda, must be resolutely stamped out, denying them and become an effective channel for mutually complementary cooperation and common development by countries against the backdrop of globalization.

Colombia
H.E. Mr. Alvaro Uribe Vélez, President

The problem of Colombia is a potential risk to the democratic stability of the region. We require the world's assistance to resolve it. I ask the help of the world because my government made the decision of defeating terror, and ensuring that these four years do not elapse with a new triumph of delinquency, or as a new test to state and society hesitation toward the violents' arrogance.

It is imperative that sources for the financing of terror be eliminated. This is the only path to defeat drugs and kidnappings.

….A United Nations resolution orders the seizure of bank accounts, investments and other assets of individuals who commit terrorist acts. That resolution has been dead letter in those countries where the resources that finance terrorist acts in Colombia circulate. My Administration's commitment with security is not in opposition with dialogue. Quite the contrary, we want dialogue. This is why we have requested the good offices of the United Nations through a special adviser of the Secretary General. This is the way to begin a serious peace process that departs from a cessation of violence.

The United Nations Charter tells us that dialogue with those who commit acts of terror is only possible if those acts are suspended.

République démocratique du Congo
H.E Joseph Kabila, Major-General Président Et Commandeur En Chef Des Forces Armées

En ce moment où le monde entier se souvient de la date fatidique du 11 septembre 2001, le peuple congolais, son Gouvernement et moi-même saisissons l'opportunité que nous offer cette tribune pour réitérer nos sentiments de solidarité et de compassion au peuple américain et aux familles éprouvées à travers le monde, victimes de cet acte ignoble de terrorisme.

C'est ici le lieu indiqué pour inviter tous les Etats du monde épris de paix et de justice à prendre l'engagement d'unir leurs efforts pour combattre ce fléau sous toutes ses formes.

Pour sa part, comme je l'avais annoncé au cours de mon adresse lors de la 56émesession de l'Assemblée générale des Nations Unies, mon Gouvernement a institué, en date du 21 décembre 2001, un Comité national de coordination de lutte contre le terrorisme international, et ce, en application de la résolution 1373 du Conseil de sécurité des Nations Unies.

… Tout au long de mon propos, j'ai condamné le terrorisme et les événements tragiques du 11 septembre 2001 qui ont endeuillé le peuple américain et l'humanité tout entière.

Croatia
H.E. Mr. Tonino Picula, Minister for Foreign Affairs

General Assembly and Security Council resolutions, especially 1373, serve as a common platform for combating terrorism. However, their letter and spirit must be fully and thoroughly implemented in order to rid ourselves of global terrorist threats. In our endeavours the United

Nations is proving to be the best framework and unique pillar for the international community's joint actions in maintaining international peace and security, as well as in providing legitimacy to these actions.

The prompt and almost universal response of member states to the requests by the Security Council's Counter-Terrorism Committee is a telling example of how efficient the United Nations can be in mobilising the international community in facing common challenges. It is our hope that member states will respond with the same responsibility on another important dimension of eradicating terrorism - namely, to finalise current negotiations on the comprehensive convention on combating international terrorism.

Furthermore, Croatia believes that efforts should be intensified in order to resolve regional conflicts that pose fertile ground for recruiting terrorists. The cycle of violence in the Middle East must end. Parties to the conflict must return to the negotiating table and make the vision of two peoples living in peace within their secure and recognised state borders, happen.

Cuba
H.E. Mr. Felipe Pérez Roque, Minister for Foreign Affairs

What is the outcome today? There are greater feelings of hatred, vengeance and insecurity, not helpful in the fight against terrorism. Dangerous xenophobic and discriminatory tendencies threaten the existence of a plural and democratic world. There has been a step backward in the field of public freedoms and civil rights.

In the meantime, there is a lack of political will by certain powers to rigorously apply, without selectivity and without double standards, the twelve existing international legal instruments on terrorism. In addition, no advances have been made in the definition, so indispensable today, of State terrorism.

Cuba, on its part, a victim of terrorist acts for over four decades - that stated its opinions in this Assembly with poise and firmness and that unwaveringly condemned the crime of September 11 and terrorism as such, but that also opposed the war out of ethical considerations and the respect for International Law - signed and ratified the twelve international conventions to combat terrorism, adopted a national law to fight this scourge, has cooperated fully with the work of the committee set up for such purposes Security Council and, at the bilateral level, proposed to the US Administration the implementation of a program to combat terrorism, which was inconceivably rejected by such government.

On a day like today, I would like to repeat the remarks stated by Cuba at the last General Assembly: "Only under the leadership of the United Nations will we be able to defeat terrorism. Cooperation and not war is the way. The coordination of actions and not imposition is the method. [...] Cuba reiterates its condemnation of terrorism in all of its forms and manifestations. Cuba reiterates that it will never allow its territory to be used for terrorist actions against the people of the United States or any other country."

Cyprus
H.E. Dr. Ioannis Kasoulides, Minister For Foreign Affairs

One year has passed since the heinous attacks of September 11 that dramatically changed the international political climate. The immediate actions of the United Nations in the aftermath of the attacks have reaffirmed the strong determination of the international community to counteract the global threat of terrorism, which transcends geographical regions and religions.

Cyprus believes in the necessity of global mobilization and collective action against terrorism, under the aegis of the United Nations. It has become evident that in the fight against terrorism, the importance of an individual country is not related to its size or its geographic location. Every State has a vital contribution to make, in the struggle to combat this threat to our common values. The Government of the Republic of Cyprus reaffirms its commitment to this struggle through full implementation of all relevant international Conventions and Protocols relating to terrorism, as well as Security Council resolutions. Our determination has been explicitly stated at the highest level and through our ratification of all twelve of the international Conventions and Protocols, pertaining to international terrorism.

Czech Republic
H.E. Mr. Jan Kohout, Deputy Minister For Foreign Affairs

This time a year ago the whole world was shocked by the horrific terrorist attacks on the United States of America of September 11th.. The appalling dimensions of these attacks revealed the nature of the new threats that the international community is currently facing. Our response must be firm. We must move from the policy of containment to the policy of active struggle against international terrorism. At the same time we need to discuss issues that may be the source or fertile ground for violent acts of a similar nature.

This November, Prague will host the Summit of North Atlantic Treaty Organization and EuroAtlantic Partnership Council. The Czech Republic will support NATO enlargement to include further countries from Central and Eastern Europe. At the same time we are aware of the importance of NATO and EU relations with the Russian Federation, Ukraine and the Mediterranean countries. We also anticipate that the Prague Summit will mark an important milestone in the history of the Alliance in connection with its transformation to meet the current security challenges such as international terrorism and other asymmetric threats. We are convinced that these steps will contribute to the strengthening of stability and security of the world as a whole.

Denmark on behalf of the European Union
H.E. Anders Fog Rasmussen , Prime Minister

1) A year ago today the world woke up to a terrible new reality - but it was also the wake-up call for us to join forces and present a solid front against the perpetrators of terror, the enemies of freedom.

Not so far from here, at the heart of New York's pulsating business community, the Twin Towers used to stand, representing the pride of all New Yorkers in their city.

But now, they have been replaced by a gaping hole, a memento of that fateful September day when terror reared its ugly head and, for a while, the very pulse of this city seemed to stop.

For on that day terror came to America, leaving in its wake death and destruction and thousand upon thousand of sorrowing mourners.

It was the moment which marked the division of our world into civilised nations and those who use terror as their weapon.

But it was also the day which saw us take a stand against evil.

It was the day when we decided to stand shoulder to shoulder in a world-wide coalition against these men of terror and their cowardly acts.

And, when the call for action came, it was here, within these walls at the United Nations, that we met to give each other renewed hope and confidence. It was as natural as it was necessary.

Because the attack was directed against the very foundation of this organisation. Planned by cowards in their lairs conspiring against world peace and security. Launched by fanatics violating every basic law of humanity. And supported by tyranny, oppressing liberty and equality.

For make no mistake, these acts of terrorism have not weakened us, they have only served to strengthen our resolve to actively seek security and prosperity for all consistent with the United Nations Charter and international law.

And, from the outset, the United Nations has played a crucial role in the fight against terrorism.

On our part, in the European Union, there could be no hesitation. Our way was, and is, clear. We fully support the initiatives of the UN Counter Terrorist Committee.

Because we will never allow terror and fear to obscure freedom and democracy.

So the European Union intends actively to assist other nations in implementing Resolution 1373.

The EU remains committed to finalise and adopt the Comprehensive Convention against Terrorism.

And we therefore strongly urge all member states to join and implement the twelve UN conventions on terrorism.

2) The key role played by the United Nations in the fight against terrorism is a reminder of the fact that the UN itself was born out

of hope, founded on the ashes of the Second World War. A war which defeated tyranny and terror.

… The EU is a major partner in the rebuilding of a new Afghanistan freed from terror.

… From the war against international terrorism, through the quest for justice, to the relentless fight against poverty, we need a strong and efficient United Nations.

Djibouti
H.E. Mr. Ali Abdi Farah, Minister For Foreign Affairs And International Cooperation

Last week during the numerous commemorative ceremonies marking the fateful events of "September 11, 2001", it was obvious the world remained traumatized. The reverberations of September 11 are still palpable today throughout the U.N. system and throughout the world. Within less than twenty-four hours, the Security Council took a decisive action declaring September 11 attacks as a "threat to international peace and security". The landmark antiterrorism resolution 1373 established a comprehensive mechanism for a global agenda that monitors each country's implementation of the detailed requirements. Our resolve and determination to confront the menace of terrorism is undoubtedly strong. It has awakened us to the understanding of some basic truths - human vulnerability and interdependence. The mobilization of a truly global coalition in a short period proved the common endeavor to thwart random and callous slaughter of innocent individuals regardless of their nationality, religion, sex or color. As he led the solemn ceremony marking the anniversary within the U.N. grounds, Mr. Annan said: "Everything we work for - peace, development, health, and freedom - is damaged by this horror. Everything that we believe in - respect for human life, justice, tolerance, pluralism, and democracy - is threatened by it. It must be defeated - and it must be defeated by the world acting as one". Combating terrorism has, therefore, required more aggressive law enforcement measures everywhere.

Dominica
H.E. The Honourable Osborne Riviere, Minister For Foreign Affairs

14 September 2002

One year ago we convened in a city reeling from terrible tragedy, which spurred the international community to unite in the fight against international terrorism. The world's response to the events of September 11 was one of total condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and a firm undertaking to uphold the principles of freedom and democracy enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations. The United Nations Security Council was swift and decisive in its adoption of a resolution focused on suppressing the financing of terrorism and denying terrorists safe haven in which to operate.

Sadly, terrorism remains today, one of the greatest threats to human security. The Commonwealth of Dominica therefore once again reaffirms itscommitment to the fight against international terrorism and to ensuring that the channels for funding of terrorist related activities and international crime are permanently disabled. My Government is making every effort towards the successful implementation of United Nations Security Council resolution 1373 in spite of limited human and financial resources. Legislative measures, which have been put in place, include an Exchange of Information Act, which addresses some of the concerns of the international community as expressed in UNSCR 1373. This Act was passed in the

Dominica Parliament in January of this year while a Bill for the Suppression of Financing of Terrorism will be tabled before Parliament shortly.

My delegation wishes to take this opportunity to express its appreciation for the initiatives taken by the Counter Terrorism Committee, the Commonwealth, the European Union and other countries and organizations to assist developing countries in their implementation of the resolution.

Ecuador
H.E. Mr. Gustavo Noboa Bejarano, President

What can we contribute to this debate in addition to what has been said? The urgent need to put an end to this sterile rhetoric and to begin injecting new and greater financial resources for development.

From us, the poor countries, it is demanded austerity, fiscal discipline, respect to the free trade and market rules and cooperation in the fight against the scourges that affect humanity nowadays, namely terrorism.

In return, developed countries shut their doors in our faces when our goods try to be admitted in their large markets, we are denied the right to claim the presence before our justice courts of fellow nationals who have betrayed public faith in our countries and who are today sheltered in developed countries with suspicious complicity.

Developed countries ask of us more involvement in the fight against terrorism, and in the prohibition of drug trafficking; however, we have not received the resources they have committed to carry out our action plans.

… My country condemns terrorism. My government supports all efforts to eradicate it, but Ecuador also demands the creation of a new coalition and a new order to fight against poverty.

Egypt
H.E. Mr. Ahmed Maher El Sayed, Minister for Foreign Affairs

Notwithstanding the gravity of the tragic events that took place on that sad day, the world neither began nor ended on 9/11. Many peoples have known terrorism before, they have suffered from it and have resisted it - sometimes alone - in the face of hardship and even unjustified criticism. What is new is that the heinous crime of 9/11 has generated an unprecedented wave of constructive international solidarity. It has confirmed what we have been stating; all along: that terrorism is a global phenomenon that it is not associated with any particular country, continent, race or religion. It is an expression of a propensity for evil that remains dormant until the opportunity presents itself, either from within or due to prevailing circumstances, for it to awaken and wreak havoc. Thus it is important to reiterate what President Mubarak, for a number of years, has been calling for on the convening of an international conference in which nations pledge to participate in assuming their responsibilities to confront terrorism, thus legitimizing the overwhelming wave of solidarity extended to the United States in its hour of grief and agony.

Combating terrorism is not meant to be the lens through which the world views every issue and every problem. Terrorism is one of the evil phenomena of the world and it should not lead us to forget the evils of poverty, disease, occupation, denial of personal, national and nationalistic rights, humiliation-of man and destruction of his livelihood by means of a bomb or by any other no less harmful means.

Terrorism has roots and causes - and not justifications - and I believe that, in most cases, a viable remedy for terrorism can only be found if we drain the tributaries of hopelessness, anger and frustration that feed the propensity for evil, otherwise their congruence becomes explosive.

It is both necessary and righteous that we not confuse those who are unjust with those who are unjustly treated. The international community should not confuse terrorism, which we reject, condemn and fight, with the legitimate right -that conforms to standards compatible with our values - to defend against aggression, occupation, the usurpation of rights or attempts to erase cultural identities. A right exercised by the resistance that liberated the United States more than two centuries ago, and that liberated Europe from the Nazi tyranny that initiated the holocaust but ended perishing in its fire.

I would like here to reiterate what is known by everyone: that no religion, be it Islam, Christianity, Judaism or Buddhism, preaches terrorism. These are all religions that proclaim lofty values and ideals. It is inappropriate to blame them for the sins of a few of its followers who have gone astray. Our struggle against terrorism should proceed from our collective solidarity in cherishing life, and not from hatred that is neither the solution nor the refuge.

Eritrea
H.E. Mr. Ahmed Tahir Baduri, Chairman Of The Delegation

The fifty-seventh session of the General Assembly is taking place at a time when the wounds and scars from the 11 September terrorist attack, a year ago, over three locations on the soil of the United States are still healing. Grief, pain and anger are still lingering.

At a gathering to commemorate the first anniversary of the attack here at the Headquarters last week, Secretary-General Kofi Annan said, "On September 11th, grief enveloped the world -- not only out of solidarity with the people of the United States, but out of shared loss. More than 90 nations lost sons and daughters of their own -- murdered that day, for no other reason than they had chosen to live in this country. Today, we come together as a world community because we were attacked as a world community."

The loss of almost 3,000 innocent lives in a single day is so painful. The Eritrean people share the pain and the grief and reiterate their condolences to those who lost their loved ones and stand in solidarity with the American people in this trying time. Indeed, attacks of 11 September have inevitably changed the way we live and the way we see our world. This day has symbolized the alarm clock that rung around the world to wake us up all. My delegation regrets that it took attacks of these magnitudes to shake us from our unwatchful sleep.

Mr. President,

Terrorism is not a new phenomenon to my country. The State of Eritrea has lived it since its formal independence in 1993 as the youngest country in Africa. The Eritrean Islamic Jihad Movement and the so-called Eritrean Popular Islamic Conference who have been created and sponsored by Al-Qaeda and other regional and international Islamic groups to perpetrate subversive acts in Eritrea for the last ten years. In 1994, Eritrean security forces intercepted an assorted group of terrorists, who included in their ranks, Al-Qaeda-trained nationals of several countries. In 1995, this group murdered, in cold blood, four Belgian tourists inside Eritrea. Sporadic cross-border acts of terror and subversion continue to this day. In a statement contained in document S/1997/517 of 7 July 1997, my government had warned the international community, first the then Organization of African Unity and later the United Nations Security Council, that international terrorist threats from extreme fundamentalist Islamic groups are on the way.

The Eritrean Jihad terrorist movements, which are members of the Al-Qaeda network, are now part of the so-called Alliance of Eritrean National Forces. This umbrella organization has bases and physical presence in some neighbouring and a number of western countries. These groups continue to obtain sanctuary as well as financial and other forms of assistance in western capitals.

As the fight against international terrorism assumes high priority warranting concerted action, the Government of Eritrea requests full cooperation and joint action from the countries where these terrorist elements live, plan and launch their operations. At this juncture, I also wish to reiterate to this august Assembly that the people and Government of Eritrea will continue to fight terrorism in all its forms.

Estonia
Her Excellency Mrs. Kristiina Ojulan, Minister For Foreign Affairs

A year ago today, the whole world was still recoiling from the horrendous terrorist attacks in theUnited States. Immediately after the terror attacks, most states, including Estonia, and almost all international organisations, expressed their solidarity with the United States.

We also associated ourselves with the North Atlantic Council's statement of September 12, 2001, which invoked Article 5 of the Washington Treaty, as well as with relevant European Union statements and undertakings.

Estonia is actively participating in the International Coalition to combat terrorism. We have contributed a Search and Rescue Team to the United States lead operation "Enduring Freedom". Our highly trained explosives detection dog team is presently serving in Afghanistan alongside the forces of the other countries, which are helping to restore order in that war-torn land.

We appreciate the noteworthy role of the United Nations and its Security Council in the universal campaign against terrorism. We fully recognise the importance of preventive measures and further standard setting in this field. To date, not a single crime that could be classified as terrorism has been committed in Estonia. However, let me assure you, that Estonia will continue to make all efforts necessary to fulfil its role in this ongoing quest for comprehensive international security.

Indeed, I can announce for the record that Estonia has ratified all the relevant United Nations conventions and has promptly presented reports to the appropriate parties about the implementation of the various Security Council resolutions.

We are confident that truly joint efforts, which make use of the input of all states, will eventually enable the international community to make remarkable progress in the global struggle against terrorism, In this regard, co-operation to counter the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction is of particular significance, since, sooner or later, terrorists might actually gain access to these ghastly tools of doom.

The Republic of Fiji
H.E. The Honourable Laisenia Qarase, Prime Minister

Not far from this site is the desolate and empty space of Ground Zero. It is a scar not just on the face of this city. It is a scar on the world, a terrible reminder of an unspeakable act of horror. We, in the Pacific, share America's pain. We cannot feel it in all its intensity, but we have a sense of the anguish - and the anger. Our thoughts and prayers have been with the American people. We remember the innocents of so many races and faiths whose blood was spilled by hate, including those killed in Kenya, Tanzania and other places, through wanton acts of terrorism. Let it be known that the small nations of the Pacific join the UN and all right-thinking countries in the fight against terrorism. From where we are in the Pacific Ocean, we are far from the world's centers of power and areas of conflict and tension. But we are very conscious that today no country is beyond the reach of fanatics, all too ready to kill and maim at random. The Pacific's response to the heightened threats of terrorism and transnational crime is contained in the Nasonini Declaration on regional security. This was adopted at the recent meeting of the Pacific Islands Forum which I had the honor to chair. The Declaration binds the Pacific Islands Forum States to the implementation of internationally agreed anti-terrorism measures such as the UN Security Council Resolution 1373, and the Financial Action Task Force Special Recommendations. Forum countries have undertaken to introduce legislation and other measures to combat terrorism and terrorist financing. We will similarly act against drug trafficking, people smuggling and money laundering, in accordance with work undertaken by organizations such as the UN.

The ACP Summit in Fiji in July lent the weight of 78 States with 650 million people, to the anti-terrorism campaign. Its Nadi Declaration strongly condemned the September 11 attacks and terrorism in all its forms. ACP countries want terror to be fought politically, legally and operationally and in keeping with the UN Charter. We made the point that the root causes of terrorism must be treated, including poverty, underdevelopment and oppression.

Finland
H.E. Mr. Erkki Tuomioja, Minister for Foreign Affairs

Afghanistan is no longer a base for global terrorism and joint efforts to uproot terrorist networks are making progress, but the threat of new attacks has not been eliminated.

At some stage we will also reach the limits of what can be done through military force and police action to stop terrorism. Even where the use of military force is clearly necessary and justified, as it is against Al Qaeda and the Taleban, it is never a sufficient answer. In Afghanistan we are now faced with the need to use a full-range of civilian crisis management capabilities as well as a long-term commitment to reconstruction and the development of a stable and drug-free economy and to root democracy and respect for human rights in a country, which has suffered from war and strife for decades. And Afgh