On 17 May 2007, H.E. Amb. TANG Guoqiang made a statement at the Symposium on "Advancing the Implementation of the UN Global Counter Terrorism Strategy" in
Amb. TANG said, last September 8, the UNGA adopted by consensus resolution 60/288 entitled: the United Nations Global Counter-terrorism Strategy. It was an important action to implement the 2005 World Summit Outcome. Prior to that, countries had held several rounds of consultations on the draft resolution and reached consensus by showing flexibility despite serious differences. This shows that through patient discussion and with adequate political will it is always possible to find a solution satisfactory to all.
Amb. TANG said, after 9.11, the international community generally strengthened international anti-terror cooperation and achieved positive progress, but the international counter-terrorism situation remains grim. The UNGCTS reflects the consensus and determination of countries to jointly combat terrorism and provides strategic guidance for effective global counter-terrorism cooperation. Now more than half a year after its adoption, the strategy is at a critical juncture of implementation. In order to give the strategy full play and take integrated measures to combat terrorism, the international community should:
First, Emphasis should be placed on prevention and the elimination of the root causes and conditions conducive to the spread of terrorism. Terrorism has complicated root causes, which both include factors such as poverty and economic under-development and are related to a neglect of education or influenced by extremist propaganda. Foreign occupation and regional conflict also provide a reason and excuse for terrorist activities. The global counter-terrorism strategy, paying close attention to this issue, made the elimination of the conditions conducive to the breeding and spread of terrorism its number one pillar and set forth an array of measures such as efforts to resolve regional conflict, end foreign occupation as soon as possible, eradicate poverty, promote sustained economic growth, and promote dialog among civilizations, among others. These measures are both highly targeted and necessary. We hope to see the international community, the developed countries in particular, intensify their implementation of the strategy in this regard.
Second, input should be increased to help the developing countries build their counter-terrorism capacity. The many developing countries face a serious threat from terrorism and also have a strong political will to fight terrorism, but find it difficult to respond effectively due to insufficient resources and capacity. The developed countries should increase their input and really provide anti-terror assistance to the developing countries to help them build their legislative, law enforcement, information gathering and border control capacity. The GCTS has made this one of its pillars and advocated strengthening the coordinating role of the UN.
Third, all parties should be treated equally and double standards avoided in the fight again terrorism. Terrorism constitutes a common threat to mankind and no country will be able to guarantee its own security in isolation. Terrorism shall be resolutely dealt with no matter when, where and for what purpose it happens. The fact that the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy emphasizes the need for all countries to take comprehensive, coordinated and concerted anti-terrorism action suggests that all countries need to resolutely combat terrorism by one standard. The adoption by some countries of double standards in the fight against terrorism out of self-interests and political considerations is neither in line with the spirit of the Outcome Document of the UN Summit and the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, nor in the interest of the global anti-terrorism efforts.
In conclusion, Amb. TANG said,