H.E. Ambassador Kim Sam-hoon, Permanent Representative, at Open Debate of the Security Council
Mr. President,
My delegation appreciates the opportunity to participate in this open debate on the work of the Counter-Terrorism Committee (CTC), which we believe is of the utmost importance in the continuing struggle against terrorism.
The Republic of Korea shares the view that the international community should redouble their concerted efforts to combat terrorism, which is sadly becoming bolder and more savage day by day. My delegation also shares the view that the Security Council should assume the central authority in these endeavours. We believe that resolution 1373 and the Counter-Terrorism Committee (CTC) have played a key role thus far in providing and coordinating a legal and institutional framework for international, regional, subregional and domestic undertakings in this regard. We greatly appreciate the CTC’s ongoing assistance to individual countries in enhancing their capacity to fight terrorism, particularly in the domains of law and administration. These efforts should be further strengthened and upgraded through the full-fledged operation of the Counter-Terrorism Executive Directorate. My government has been and will continue to be active in cooperating with the CTC.
Along with the revitalization of the CTC, we attach great significance to the adoption of resolution 1566 earlier this month. My delegation commends the unity and solidarity that the Security Council has shown on this crucial matter. We followed closely the process of negotiating the text of the resolution, listening attentively to what Council members had to say. We believe that the effort to find a common ground for defining terrorism and terrorists is an important exercise. The attempt to develop a consolidated list of terrorists across the globe is also a vital task, even if it is extremely challenging. The international community must come together on this issue. We cannot afford even the slightest crack in our united front against acts of terrorism.
The Republic of Korea looks forward to the establishment of a new working group under the Security Council, which we believe will broaden and enhance the capabilities of the international community to deal with terrorism. In this context, we reiterate the importance of coordination and cooperation among the related subsidiary organs of the Security Council, including the CTC, the Al-Qaida/Taliban Sanctions Committee, the 1540 Committee and the new working group, as well as between these groups and other international, regional and sub-regional entities that are involved in combating terrorism.
Mr. President,
Each country must do its part in the global campaign against terrorism. In this regard, the Republic of Korea has taken a number of practical measures. Domestically, we have created a National Committee on Counter-Terrorism under the office of the prime minister, which will coordinate all of our government’s counter-terrorism activities, reviewing and strengthening our legal and administrative framework. At the regional level, we have promoted international cooperation, most recently by hosting the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) seminar on cyber-terrorism, which we co-chaired with the Philippines. This was the first time that the ARF had gathered to discuss this matter. In addition, we continue to pursue bilateral agreements on judicial mutual assistance, and we are already party to 12 terrorism-related international conventions and protocols.
In closing, Mr. President, we believe that the United Nations must continue to promote cooperation by leading the way with bold ideas, and also by disseminating the ideas generated within regional and subregional groups. Only through concerted action at every level can we defeat the scourge of terrorism.
Thank you.