Statement by H.E. Mr. Araya Desta

H.E. Mr. Araya Desta

Statement by H.E. Mr. Araya Desta, Permanent Representative of Eritrea to the United Nations, On item 110: Measures to eliminate international terrorism At the Sixth Committee of the 68th session of the United Nations General Assembly, 8 October 2013

Mr. Chairman,

At the outset, let me join others in congratulating you for your election as Chairperson of the Sixth Committee. Likewise, I wish to extend my congratulations to the other members of the Bureau.

My delegation aligns itself with the statements made by Egypt and by Iran on behalf of the Africa Group and the Non-Aligned Movement respectively under this agenda item.

Mr. Chairman,

Eritrea reaffirms its unequivocal condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, committed by whomever, wherever and for whatever purposes. Eritrea strongly believes that terrorist acts constitute a flagrant violations of international law, including international humanitarian and human rights law and fundamental freedoms of people. The recent terrorist attack at the Westgate Mall in Nairobi demonstrated once again that the region is still prone to terrorist acts despite serious efforts to combat it. It highlights that intensification of cooperation is needed on information sharing and exchanging of best practices among countries of the region and other stake holders.

To effectively prevent and control the spread of terrorism, equal emphasis and resource should be devoted to the four pillars indentified in the Global Counter Terrorism Strategy, including the root causes of terrorism and the elimination of conditions conducive to its spread. Long standing conflicts, conditions of inequality and poverty, among others, must be addressed as part of the overall terrorism strategy.

Mr. Chairman,

Eritrea is party to the OAU Convention on the Prevention and Combating of Terrorism and other relevant regional conventions, including the CEN-SAD Convention on Mutual Assistance in Security Matters which allows the members to take stringent and tough measures to prevent terrorism, hostile activities and organized crimes in various forms.

As detailed in the contents of my delegation’s report (S/2007/66) submitted to the Counter Terrorism Committee, pursuant to paragraph 6 of UNSC resolution 1373 (2001) as well as to UNSC resolution 1646 (2005), national legislative measures are in place in the prevention and suppression of financing of terrorism.

Eritrea, as a victim of terrorism with a long experience of combating this phenomenon, is strongly convinced that prudence must be exercised that threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state is not invoked under the pretext of combating terrorism. Any action taken must be consistent with international law. The United Nations as well as regional organizations could play an important role in combating terrorism and in ensuring that terrorism is not politicized to serve specific purposes by some Member States. Acts of terrorism cannot and should not be associated with any single religion, nationality, civilization or ethnic group and due regards must be given to legitimate struggle for self determination. The use of mainstream media and social media as a platform for disinformation is not acceptable.

Mr. Chairman,

Eritrea reiterates its commitments to continue to work at the national, regional and international level to develop and enforce effective counter-terrorism measures consistent with international law.

I thank you, Mr. Chairman.

H.E. Mr. Araya Desta, 8 October 2013