Remarks at the Special Meeting of the Security Council Counter-Terrorism Committee to mark the 20th anniversary of the adoption of resolution 1373 (2001) and the establishment of the Committee. New York, November 4, 2021.
Section 3: The way forward: defining the nature of multilateral actions in the next decade with a view to enhancing their impact and sustainability.
Mr. Chairman;
We welcome the holding of this special meeting.
It is the responsibility of the United Nations, due to its universal nature, to lead the efforts of the international community in the fight against terrorism, on the basis of the respect for the purposes and principles of its founding Charter and International Law.
The pivotal role of the General Assembly should be strengthened in coordinating the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, whose primary responsibility for its implementation rests with the States.
The fight against terrorism, in all its forms and manifestations, calls for an integrated approach. Actions to prevent and combat terrorism must be accompanied by concrete steps to eliminate its root causes. It is vital to provide international assistance and cooperation for the creation and strengthening of the capabilities of developing countries.
The enactment, by the U.S. government, of politically motivated unilateral lists and designations hampers cooperation and contravenes International Law. The UN should speak out against such designations, which only serve to stigmatize and exert pressure against countries which, in a sovereign manner, do not abide by the will of the United States.
We reject the use of the fight against terrorism to cover up acts of aggression, undermine national sovereignty, interfere in the internal affairs of other States and violate the human rights of their peoples.
We urge to resume, as soon as possible, the negotiation of a Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism, which holistically considers all aspects of the scourge, including those acts in which States are directly or indirectly involved, which would contribute to boost the balanced and comprehensive implementation of the four pillars of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy.
We reiterate Cuba's stiff readiness to contribute to the collective efforts led by the UN to stamp out international terrorism.
Thank you.