Permanent Mission of the Republic of Korea to the UN

(UN photo)


Statement by H.E. Ambassador KIM Sook
Permanent Representative of the Republic of Korea

Open Debate on “Comprehensive Approach to Counter-terrorism”

15 January 2013
New York
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Madam President,

I would like to join those who have spoken before me in welcoming you to the Security Council. On behalf of my delegation, I thank you for convening this important debate on counter-terrorism. I would also like to thank Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon for his introductory briefing.

First of all, I would like to extend, on behalf of my country, my deepest condolences to you, Madam President, as well as your country and the bereaved and distressed families who suffered from the hideous terrorist attacks in Quetta last week.

Over the last decade, the international community has made concerted and cooperative efforts and achieved progress in countering terrorism, such as significantly weakening Al-Qaida's core group in Afghanistan.

However, terrorism remains to be a serious threat to international peace and security. Al-Qaida is still a source of security concern as its regional affiliates continue to expand their influence in such regions as Northern Mali and the Southern Arabian Peninsula. There is also the growing threat of home-grown terrorism. Moreover, terrorist organizations have now begun to build a nexus with other transnational criminal operations such as drug trafficking, kidnapping, illicit arms trade, and piracy. Terrorist organizations are becoming more sophisticated and constantly finding new ways to extend their reach through the use of the internet and other information communication technologies (ICTs). Furthermore, the incessant fear of terrorists' acquiring weapons of mass destruction lingers.
 
Terrorism can strike any region and any country at any time. Individual states alone cannot cope with the scope, diversity and constant evolution of the terrorist threat. Effective counter-terrorism efforts require strong international cooperation in law enforcement, information sharing, and the suppression of terrorism financing. It is also crucial that Member States provide support to other States in capacity-building and technical assistance. To take effective measures to tackle terrorism is impossible without strengthening the capacity and preparedness of all Member States. The United Nations has played central roles in leading international cooperation in the fight against terrorism.

Madam President,

The United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy (GCTS), adopted unanimously by the General Assembly in 2006, has provided a solid foundation for comprehensive and systematic counter-terrorism activities by the international community. As stressed in its third review in the UN General Assembly last June, it is imperative that all Member States fully and faithfully implement the Strategy in an integrated manner.

The Republic of Korea welcomes the role of the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Committee (CTC) and its Executive Directorate (CTED) in implementing the related Security Council resolutions, coordinating individual States' efforts, promoting their cooperation, as well as contributing to the capacity-building of Member States.

We also acknowledge the continuing efforts of the Secretary-General in maintaining a consistent and results-driven UN approach to counterterrorism. We commend the improvement of international coordination through the Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force (CTITF). The recent establishment of the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Centre (UNCCT) and its active operation are also laudable. My Government supports the Secretary-General's recommendation, in his report last year, to appoint a United Nations Counter-Terrorism Coordinator.

Madam President,

We are of one mind that terrorism cannot be countered by military means or law enforcement alone, and that a comprehensive approach is the only way to deal with new manifestations of terrorism and to address the conditions conducive to the spread of terrorism.

First, it is necessary to tackle socioeconomic and environmental conditions. We need to deal with the diffusion of violent extremism by marginalized groups. We need to solve unemployment problems and expand educational opportunities. Our concerted efforts for achieving the Millennium Development Goals, including poverty eradication and sustainable development, as listed in the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, would be a big step in the right direction. Furthermore, we need to strengthen dialogue, understanding, and tolerance among civilizations, cultures, people and religions.
Second, it is essential that the effort to combat terrorism must be in accordance with the obligations under international laws and fundamental values such as the protection of human rights and the rule of law. We need to ensure that countering terrorism and protecting human rights are not contradictory but complementary. Only then can we win the hearts and minds of those who are exposed to terrorism's lure.

Third, it is imperative to deal with the new trend of using the internet and social media to incite, recruit, and finance terrorist movements. We need to deny virtual safe haven for terrorists and prevent such misuse of the cyberspace. We look forward to in-depth and constructive discussions on this matter at the Seoul Conference on Cyberspace in October this year.

Fourth, halting the flow of terrorist financing is one of fundamental measures. In this regard, we acknowledge the roles of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and related regional bodies. As a member of the FATF, my Government is active in the global efforts to halt the financial flows that fuel terrorism. We have managed training courses, and shared our own experience in establishing the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) with other Member States.

Last but not least, we would like to emphasize that the prevention of terrorist use of WMDs is the top priority for international security in the 21st century. In March 2012, the Seoul Nuclear Security Summit produced the "Seoul Communique" which provides highly comprehensive and practical measures for the prevention of nuclear and radioactive terrorism. We encourage the commitments under the Communique to be fully implemented. It is with such imperative that the Secretary-General convened a High-Level Meeting on Countering Nuclear Terrorism, with a specific focus on strengthening the legal framework, in September 2012.

As the new chair of the 1540 Committee, the Republic of Korea will work together with Member States to enhance global efforts to prevent the terrorist use of WMD. During our term, we plan to continuously strengthen the Committee and qualitatively assist Member States in implementing resolution 1540.

Madam President,

Through this open debate, I hope that we will improve our understanding of the terrorist threat and be reminded of the urgency of promoting cooperation in countering terrorism. The Republic of Korea stands ready to actively participate and cooperate in implementing our comprehensive strategy to counter terrorism.

I thank you.    /End/