Statement of Mr.Yashar Aliyev, Charge d’Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United Nations on behalf of the GUUAM States - Azerbaijan, Georgia, Republic of Moldova, Ukraine and Uzbekistan, under the agenda item “Measures to eliminate international terrorism”, UNGA 4 October 2001

 

Mr. President,

 

From the very inception of GUUAM, proper addressing of terrorism has always been the top priority for this grouping. It is worth mentioning that combating international terrorism, organized crime and drug trafficking is one of the main objectives of the GUUAM Charter signed by the Presidents of these States at their Summit held in July 2001 in Yalta, Ukraine (document A/55/992).

 

In their joint statement {document A/561405-S/2001l906) regarding the terrorist attacks of 11 September, the GUUAM States unanimously stressed that "a challenge was posed not only to the United States of America, but to the entire world community. The GUUAM States firmly condemn the actions of the terrorists and advocate that the forces, which support terrorist acts, should be subjected to the severe punishment, which they deserve.

 

The events of 11 September demonstrated with merciless clarity the need to establish conditions in the system of international relations, which would exclude the possibility of a repetition of such tragedies. The GUUAM States are prepared to participate actively in the consolidation of the efforts of the international community m the struggle against international terrorism."

 

As the Secretary-General of the United Nations mentioned in his opening statement on 1 October, “the task now is to build on that wave of human solidarity – to ensure that the momentum is not lost, to develop a broad, comprehensive and above all sustained strategy to combat terrorism and eradicate it from our world."

 

As an item for consideration, the GUUAM States would like to reiterate their view that there is a need for a proper anti-terrorist international institution with the primary task to complement the individual efforts of States in combating international terrorism and to assist them in implementing relevant legal instruments in most efficient manner. We hope that the GA will take up this issue in due tinge.

 

Thank you, Mr. President.