Statement on behalf of the European Union by Mr. Marko Rakovec Legal Adviser, Second Secretary, Permanent Mission of Slovenia to the United Nations
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 asUkraine, the Republic of Moldova, Armenia and Georgia.
Countering terrorism and addressing the conditions conducive to the spread of terrorism are international issues whichrequire 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 remainscommitted 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.
