International terrorism – Sixth Cttee debate – Summary records (excerpts)

Sixth Committee

Summary record of the 6th meeting 

Held at Headquarters, New York, on Monday, 10 October 2005, at 3 p.m. 

 Chairman:   Mr. Hmoud (Vice-Chairman) ………………………………………………..  (Jordan)

Contents

Agenda item 108: Measures to eliminate international terrorism (continued )

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In the absence of Mr. Yáñez-Barnuevo (Spain), Mr. Hmoud (Jordan), Vice-Chairman, took the Chair.

The meeting was called to order at 3.05 p.m.

Agenda item 108: Measures to eliminate international terrorism ( continued) (A/59/894, A/60/37, A/60/164 and A/60/228; A/C.6/60/2 and 3)

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21.  Ms. Barghouti (Observer for Palestine) said that the upsurge of terrorism throughout the world posed a major challenge to the international community and should be urgently addressed at all levels and in all forums. In view of the urgency of the matter, the debate on a draft comprehensive convention on international terrorism should proceed in an expedited manner with a view to reaching a successful conclusion on the basis of a real consensus.

22.   Palestine joined all peace-loving nations in condemning all forms of terrorism and attacks on civilians. However, that position should not undermine in any way the legitimate right of peoples under foreign occupation to struggle for self-determination, as recognized by international law. Furthermore, situations of foreign occupation were governed by international humanitarian law. The draft comprehensive convention should not conflate such situations of armed conflict with others. All State and non-State actors should respect the 1949 Geneva Conventions, and there should be no exemption from those obligations under the pretext of combating terrorism. The fight against terrorism must be conducted in conformity with international human rights and humanitarian law and in a democratic spirit, with respect for fundamental freedoms. Moreover, there was nothing more detrimental to combating terrorism than a perception that it was religiously or politically motivated, or directed against a certain people, religion or region.

23.   Her delegation believed that the Working Group of the Sixth Committee should take as the basis for negotiations the report of the Ad Hoc Committee established by General Assembly resolution 51/210 (A/57/37). The text that appeared in the report of the coordinator on the results of the informal consultations on a draft comprehensive convention on international terrorism held from 25 to 29 July 2005 (A/59/894, appendix I) was not a truly “consolidated text”, as it did not reflect all the positions represented, notably the proposals put forward by the Organization of the Islamic Conference. It was imperative that the forthcoming negotiations of the Working Group should be conducted in a formal setting by the Chairman of the Ad Hoc Committee. Her delegation also supported the convening of a high-level conference under the auspices of the United Nations to formulate a joint organized response of the international community to terrorism.

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The meeting rose at 4.15 p.m. 

This record is subject to correction. Corrections should be sent under the signature of a member of the delegation concerned within one week of the date of publication to the Chief of the Official Records Editing Section, room DC2-750, 2 United Nations Plaza, and incorporated in a copy of the record.

Corrections will be issued after the end of the session, in a separate corrigendum for each Committee.