We note with satisfaction that the Security Council has assumed a leading role in the formation of a global system of counteraction against terrorism. Resolution 1373, which it has adopted, is unquestionably a major, historic document. This resolution is by no means a declarative appeal. It makes it incumbent on each state to wage a decisive struggle against international terrorism on the basis of the universal conventions. For as long as may be required. Consistently and, if necessary, toughly, with the observance of the rules of international law and the Charter of the United Nations.

Established by Resolution 1373, the Counter-Terrorism Committee is called upon to act as an effective mechanism of international monitoring of the observance by all states of the decisions of the Security Council and the United Nations as a whole in the field of combating terrorism. We are satisfied with its vigorous activity, and much of the credit for this goes to the committee chairman, Ambassador Jeremy Greenstock.

We share the opinion that the Counter-Terrorism Committee should under no circumstances operate as a "repressive" organ. It was never conceived as such and must not be such. The main task of the CTC is to generalize, and analyze with the help of appropriate experts, the information furnished by states on the antiterrorist measures taken by them and submit appropriate recommendations. Another important function of the Committee will be rendering necessary consultative and technical assistance to states with a view to their effective fulfillment of their obligations under Resolution 1373. Russia will help to solve these tasks in every way.

We note with satisfaction that 123 states have submitted, as required by the resolution, their national reports on what action they have taken in the field of combating terrorism. At the same time the fact that nearly a third of the member states of the UN have not yet done so cannot but evoke concern.

As to Russia, all the necessary measures have now already been taken or are being taken in response to Resolution 1373. Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree specifically devoted to its fulfillment, which prescribes that the state structures of the Russian Federation should ensure a complex of specific effective moves: blocking the accounts of persons and organizations suspected of terrorist activities, strengthening the measures of border control to stop the penetration of terrorists, introducing necessary amendments to current law, and developing international cooperation and the exchange of information on the antiterrorist front. Russia is a party to ten out of the 12 universal conventions in the field of combating terrorism. The remaining two are in the concluding stage of the procedure of ratification.

We intend to continue, not in words but in deed, to make our contribution to the common efforts to neutralize the threat of terrorism, including within the framework of the UN.


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© Publication of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation.