UNITED NATIONS SECURITY COUNCIL 20 July 2005
Open meeting of the UN Security Council Counter-Terrorism Committee, 1267 Committee and 1540 Committee
Statement by H.E. Mr John Dauth LVO Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Australia to the United Nations
(Check against delivery)
Mr President
I welcome the opportunity to speak at your second joint public meeting, as I did at the first such meeting in April this year. I am very sorry, however, to do so against the background of the appalling terrorist attacks in London. Together with right-thinking people around the globe, Australians were shocked at the savagery of these attacks. But, in equal measure, we are full of admiration for the courage and determination displayed by the British Government and people.
Mr President
At such a time, and particularly when the UN system is under unprecedented scrutiny, it is appropriate that forums such as this pay regard to how UN bodies and mechanisms are working to meet the challenge of terrorism. Australia welcomes the efforts to date, in particular by the 1267 Committee, to engage more closely with Member States, including through undertaking regional travel. We also appreciate the opportunity earlier this month for Australia�€™s Ambassador for Counter-Terrorism to brief the 1267 Committee on our counter-terrorism cooperation and capacity building efforts in the Asia Pacific region �€“ to date only the fourth Member State to take up this opportunity. We recall the emphasis placed on capacity building by the Secretary General in his comprehensive strategy to fight terrorism, and encourage all three committees to intensify their engagement with Member States and regional bodies.
Mr President
The time has come, however, for us to acknowledge that more can and must be done. I recall how, in the terrible days immediately after September 11, we were seized with a grim determination that saw the UN become the focal point of the international response. That momentum now risks being lost. We note, for example, that the Counter Terrorism Executive Directorate was due to become fully operational by January 2005. It is vital that this important body be able to finalise its staffing arrangements and give full effect to its mandate at the earliest possible date. Similarly we would stress the need to give effect to calls for better coordination within the UN system on counter terrorism matters generally.
Mr President
Much work is already being done by States, including Australia, at the bilateral and regional levels. That is good. But effective coordination by the UN can help ensure assistance is directed to where it is most needed and where it will make the most difference. The committees can be assured of Australia�€™s continued support for these efforts.