Statement by the Minister of  Foreign and Worship of Argentina, Susana Malcorra

May 11, 2016

 

Mr. President,

At the outset, I would like to thank the Egyptian presidency for the invitation to participate in this open debate on an issue of such importance to the international community and also to thank the Secretary General and guest speakers for their presentation at the beginning of this debate.

Argentina condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, and considers that terrorist acts are not only a threat to international peace and security, but also a threat to human dignity, to peaceful and civilized coexistence, to the stability and consolidation of democracy, and to the economic and social development of nations.

My country, which has been victim of bloody terrorist attacks in the 90’s, reiterates that terrorist acts are criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation, whenever and by whomsoever are committed. Terrorism cannot and should not be associated with any religion, nationality, civilization or ethnic group.

Argentina repudiates the serious violations and abuses perpetrated by ISIL / Daesh, with consequent impacts on regional stability and international peace and security, and reiterates its categorical condemnation of all terrorist acts carried out by that group, in all its forms and manifestations and expresses its deep solidarity with the victims of cruelty and evil actions of this terrorist group and associated groups.

We cannot and we must not succumb to terror.

Although far away from the conflict zone, our region considers that the threat of Foreign Terrorist Fighters requires preventive actions. In this sense, the issue is subject to special monitoring under the Mercosur Specialized Forum on Terrorism, where Argentina maintains the importance of enhancing cooperation with neighboring countries through the exchange of information between relevant agencies and the effective control of borders.

We also support, at the global level, actions aimed at facilitating the exchange of useful information in order to detect potential movements of Foreign Terrorist Fighters.

However, terrorism cannot be addressed solely by implementing defense and security measures. It must be based on a comprehensive approach, as reflected in the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy.  National, regional and international efforts in this area must be built on the balanced implementation of the four pillars of the Strategy, in full respect of international law, international law of human rights, international humanitarian law and international law of refugees.

We must deepen prevention activities. The reasons for the appearance of this type of extreme violence are due, in many cases, to root causes that require an approach based on international, multidimensional and multidisciplinary cooperation which requires commitment and interdependence between security actors and organizations linked to development, social policy and education.  And as was said by my colleague from the Netherlands, it also requires confidence.

It is necessary to combat radicalization through the Internet, developing positive messages, counter narratives and constructive messages, in collaboration with service providers and the private sector, while respecting freedom of expression.

We welcome that the Presidential Statement adopted by the Council today includes many of these elements, including the role that victims can take, as well as other legitimate voices, in countering radicalization leading to violence and terrorist narratives.

Mr. President

We must seize the opportunity provided by the 10th anniversary of the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy to reaffirm the consensus that adopted it in 2006.  Today, that strategy remains in full force to guide the efforts of the United Nations through its four pillars.

Argentina has the high responsibility of being designated by the President of the General Assembly co-facilitator (together with Iceland) of the "Fifth Biennial Review of the United Nations Global Strategy against Terrorism". We call upon all States to join this open and transparent exercise, in order to reach a final result that renews the consensus of the Organization in its actions against terrorism.

Thank you very much