Summary: September 13, 2004: ON BEHALF OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, STATEMENT BY H.E. MR. DIRK JAN VAN DEN BERG, AMBASSADOR, PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF THE NETHERLANDS TO THE UNITED NATIONS, to the Security Council on threats to International Peace and Security caused by Terrorist Acts (New York)
Mr. President,
I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union. The Candidate Countries Bulgaria, Romania, Turkey and Croatia (1), the Countries of the Stabilisation and Association Process and potential candidates Albania, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, and Serbia and Montenegro, and the EFTA countries Iceland and Norway, members of the European Economic Area, align themselves with this statement.
Mr. President,
Terrorism has many faces and appearances. The struggle against terrorism has as many fronts. Almost every day we hear new instances of vicious attacks in different parts of the world. No matter what the cause, no matter what the location, no matter what the scale, the European Union condemns any terrorist attack, shares its deep compassion with the victims, and remains firmly committed to stay the course in the combat against terrorism.
Mr. President,
Today the Security Council discusses the sanctions against Al Qaida and Taliban. The European Union likes to thank Ambassador Munoz for his informative briefing, and his excellent ongoing work as Chairman of the Committee.
The European Union welcomes the first report of the Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team. While the sanctions have been successful, the report rightly concentrates on ways and means to improve the implementation of the sanctions in order to further tighten the net around Al Qaida.
At the analytical level, the report concisely describes the changing nature of the threat. The sanctions were designed to combat a group that was operating from a central base, with a strong core leadership, using in most instances conventional weapons. Now, Al Qaida manifests itself through a network of loosely affiliated groups. It operates more or less without central command, making inventive use of the internet combined with unconventional means of delivery.
The analysis is not new. Over time, the sanctions have been modified and widened to include groups and individuals from all over the world. However, the basics of the sanctions have remained the same while the basics of Al Qaida have changed drastically. Consequently, the report suggests a more fundamental refocusing to even better reflect the changed circumstances. To some extent, these are unchartered waters for the Council. It will be a big challenge to design sanctions against an enemy that is as fluid and intangible in its appearance. The more loose the organization, the harder it might be to define Al Qaida and the threat it poses. However, it is crucial that the Security Council remains on top of this issue, constantly refines its ways to deal with the threat in accordance with international law, and provides the world community with a clear direction on this battle.
Again, the European Union commends the Monitoring Team for raising these issues, stirring up the debate, and hopes the second report will further build on the analysis. As stipulated in Security Council Resolution 1526, the Team might want to make concrete recommendations for new measures.
Mr. President,
The report also offers recommendations for the implementation of the sanctions as they stand today. Indeed, there remains much work to be done and a lot of ground to be gained to further increase the impact of the current sanctions.
The effectiveness of the sanctions regime is contingent on the quality of the consolidated List of individuals and entities. States are encouraged to actively contribute to the List, thus making the sanctions more effective and at the same time broadening the ownership. In addition, we all have to do our utmost to constantly update information on individuals and entities that are already on the list, and transform the List from a static into a dynamic document. In this context, the European Union would also welcome an examination of the current de-listing procedures in the light of the general issue of due process.
The European Union would like to add its voice in calling on all Member States to comply with other aspects of the sanctions. The EU agrees with the necessity of reports that go beyond mere description of intentions or regulations, and instead give honest assessments of the implementation at the operational level. Respect for the rule of law and fundamental human rights should at al times be an integral part of the implementation, and actually enhances the effectiveness and credibility of the sanctions.
While the Monitoring Team is in a unique position to observe failing compliance by States, it lacks the capacity to provide technical assistance. Both the Team and the Committee should continue to strengthen ties with organizations that could facilitate or provide that assistance. I mention the CTC and its new Executive Directorate, but also regional organizations and other UN bodies, including the Terrorism Prevention Branch of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime. The EU stands ready to be a constructive partner in this respect. By the same token, we encourage the intention of the Monitoring Team to explore potential areas of cooperation with the Committee established by Security Council Resolution 1540.
Finally, Mr. President, the report recommends the Committee to pursue ways to make the financial measures more effective. It specifically calls on the Committee to look at the role of alternative remittance systems, cash couriers, and charitable organizations. The European Union welcomes these recommendations. In this regard, I would like to point out that the Netherlands Presidency of the EU, in close co-operation with Mr. Gijs de Vries, the EU Counter Terrorism Co-ordinator, organizes a seminar on the 22nd of September on this very topic. We will make sure that the outcome of the seminar will be shared with both the 1267-Committee and the CTC.
Mr. President,
Let me reiterate once more the whole-hearted support of the EU to a firm and creative approach of Ambassador Munoz, and the Analytical and Monitoring Team. The European Union stands ready to fully support the unconditioned and unqualified implementation of the sanctions regime. We also look forward to contribute to the ongoing debate to refine and refocus the sanctions to reflect the changing nature of the threat of Al Qaida.
Thank you.
(1) Croatia continues to be part of the Stabilisation and Association Process
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