H.E. Ambassador Choi Young-jin, Permanent Representative, at Open Debate of the Security Council
Mr. President,
1. I would like to thank you for convening today’s open debate. We view this as a timely occasion on which to assess the progress made thus far in the implementation of Security Council resolutions 1267, 1373 and 1540, and to share our determination to deal collectively with threats to international peace and security. My delegation’s gratitude also goes to the three Chairmen who briefed us on the activities of the respective Committees under the Security Council.
Mr. President,
2. The threats to international peace and security are interconnected and increasingly global in scale. They require our urgent, determined collective response. Terrorism and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction are grave threats that can be most effectively addressed when countries join forces and take common action. In this vein, the United Nations has been playing a crucial role in confronting these challenges. In particular, the efforts of the Security Council deserve our praise and support.
3. The three Committees, on whose activities we have just been briefed, are at the forefront of the Security Council’s endeavours to deal with the threats of terrorism and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. We note with satisfaction the enhanced cooperation among the three Committees and encourage them to continue to cooperate closely for the fulfilment of their mandates.
Mr. President,
4. We welcome the programme of work of the Counter-Terrorism Committee for this semester, and we support the Committee’s three priority objectives: monitoring and promoting the implementation of resolution 1373, providing technical assistance to States proactively, and maintaining dialogues with States on the implementation of resolution 1624. That said, my delegation would like to place particular emphasis on the first of these goals, namely monitoring and promoting implementation, because we believe that success in this area will best achieve the objectives of resolution 1373. We very much hope that the Committee will strengthen its work in this area.
5. The adoption of resolution 1540 was a significant contribution by the United Nations to strengthening the existing measures against the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. However, there are still challenges to be addressed before the goals of this resolution are attained. Many States have yet to submit their first national reports on implementation. Moreover, there are significant gaps in many cases between the commitment of States to the resolution and their practical implementation of its requirements. We are also concerned about imbalances in implementation among States and among regions.
6. While the submission of a report does not guarantee implementation, it is an important first step in the process. Thus, we support the 1540 Committee’s programme of work to intensify its outreach activities and to assist Member States in preparing and submitting national reports. To ensure the full and effective implementation of the resolution, the Committee needs to further strengthen its monitoring role, promote good practices and share lessons learned.
7. My delegation strongly supports the efforts of the 1267 Committee to combat dangerous groups that threaten international peace and security. We are appreciative of the Committee’s key role in the adoption of resolution 1730, which put in place measures to ensure fair and clear procedures for de-listing from sanctions committees. We hope that these new procedures will allow the 1267 Committee to carry out its important mandate with even greater legitimacy, strength and focus.
Mr. President,
8. The Republic of Korea is fully committed to combating terrorism, irrespective of its form and motivation. We are also committed to full and comprehensive cooperation with the United Nations to strengthen the international fight against terrorism. In line with these commitments, we have faithfully implemented Security Council resolutions 1267, 1373 and 1540. We have put in place the necessary legal and administrative systems to ensure their compliance. I reiterate my Government’s support for the full implementation of these three critical resolutions at the national, regional and international levels.
Thank you.