EU Presidency Statement - United Nations First Committee: Measures to Eliminate International Terrorism

Mr. Chairman,

I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union. The following countries align themselves with this statement: The Candidate Countries Turkey, Croatia* and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia*, the Countries of the Stabilisation and Association Process and potential candidates Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Serbia, and the EFTA country Iceland, member of the European Economic Area, as well as Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova, Armenia and Georgia.

Countering terrorism and addressing the conditions conducive to the spread of terrorism are international issues which require a global response. Terrorism knows no borders; terrorists do not speak for any one culture or religion. There can be no justification for international terrorism and the international community should show its strong commitment and its unity in combating this scourge. That is why the EU remains committed to reaching an agreement on the draft Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism.

During the last two weeks we have participated actively in the consideration of the outstanding issues on the Convention. In this regard we are most grateful to you, Mr. Chairman, for your very competent and efficient guidance of this Committee during this session, and in particular, to the coordinator, Mrs. Maria Telalian, for her dedicated work and tireless efforts towards reaching a consensus on the Convention.

The EU is giving thorough consideration to all aspects of the current coordinator's proposal and its attempt to find a delicate balance to bridge the remaining gaps. With efforts from all sides we hope that the negotiations on the draft Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism can be finalised before the end of this year.


Thank you Mr. Chairman.


* Croatia and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia continue to be part of the Stabilisation and Association Process.

| Haut |

• European Commission Statement - United Nations: Secretary-General's Symposium on Supporting Victims of Terrorism (9/9/2008)
• EUHR Solana condemns bomb attack against Danish Embassy in Islamabad (2/6/2008)
• EU Presidency Statement - United Nations 1st Committee: United Nations Disarmament Commission (UNDC) (8/4/2008)
• EU Presidency Statement - United Nations Security Council: Threats to international peace and security caused by terrorist acts (20/3/2008)
• "Women: Stabilizing an Insecure World" - Speech by EU Commissioner Ferrero-Waldner  (6/3/2008)
• EU Commissioner Ferrero-Waldner hosts major international conference - "Women: Stabilising an Insecure World "  (4/3/2008)
• EU Presidency Statement - United Nations General Assembly: Item 108: Measures to Eliminate International Terrorism (25/2/2008)