Statement by
Ambassador Rezlan Ishar Jenie
Charge d' Affaires a.i./Deputy Permanent Representative
of the Republic of Indonesia to the United Nations
on behalf of the countries of
the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)
at
Open Meeting of the Security Council
under
the Agenda Item "Threats to International Peace and Security Caused by Terrorist Acts"


New York, October 16, 2003

Mr. President,
I have the honor to speak on behalf of the member countries of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN), namely, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Viet Nam. I would also like to take this opportunity to express the deep appreciation of my delegation to the Security Council for convening this meeting of the work the Counter Terrorism Committee (CTC).

Before I go further, tribute is also due to Ambassador Inocencio F. Arias for his great sense of leadership as well as to the Vice Chairs, Committee members and all the experts involved for their dedication and hard work.

ASEAN welcomes the 9th 90-day work programme of the CTC, during which it will advance its objectives. We are encouraged that the CTC plans to prepare a follow-up programme with other organizations in the field of international cooperation. ASEAN shares the view that these contacts and meetings are useful as a continuing avenue for the exchange of views and coordination towards combating terrorism. ASEAN also welcome the enhanced coordination between the CTC and the 1267 Committee.

Mr. President,

Allow me to provide an update on ASEAN's continuing efforts in combating international terrorism since the last CTC meeting held on 23 July 2003.
First of all, at the 9th ASEAN Summit in Bali on 7 October 2003, ASEAN firmly agreed to continue to undertake and build on the specific measures outlined in the ASEAN Declaration on Joint Action to Counter Terrorism, which was adopted in November 2001 in Brunei Darussalam. By this, ASEAN committed itself to intensifying its efforts, collectively and individually, to prevent, counter and suppress the activities of terrorist groups in the region. ASEAN also underlined the need to maintain practical cooperative measures among itself and with the international community.

Furthermore, within the context of combating global terrorism more effectively, ASEAN further reaffirmed its determination to work together in mitigating the adverse impact of terrorist attacks on ASEAN countries, and urged the international community to assist in these efforts. They pledged to ensure the security and harmony of its societies and the safety of its peoples, and also of others visiting or residing in its countries and in the region.

At the meeting of Heads of State and Government of ASEAN Member States and the Republic of India on 8 October 2003, the ASEAN - India Joint Declaration for Cooperation to Combat International Terrorism was adopted. In essence, both parties reaffirmed the importance of a framework to prevent, disrupt and combat international terrorism through the exchange and flow of information, intelligence and capacity- building.

They also stressed their commitment to implementing the principles laid out in the Declaration in accordance with their respective domestic laws and specific
circumstances. They called on participants of the ASEAN - India Dialogue to become parties to all 12 United Nations Conventions and protocols relating to terrorism. The Declaration further called on the participants to designate an agency to coordinate with law enforcement agencies, authorities dealing with counter-terrorism financing and other concerned government agencies, and to act as the central point of contact for the purpose of implementation of the Declaration.

Mr. President,

ASEAN continues to condemn terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and emphasizes the need to address the root causes of terrorism, and rejects any attempt to associate terrorism with any religion, race, nationality, or ethnic group. In addition, individual ASEAN members are engaged in various initiatives related to combating international terrorism such as the Agreement on Exchange and Establishment of Communication Procedures, originally signed by Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines on 7 May 2002. To-date countries which have become Parties to the Agreement are Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Thailand. Under the Agreement the Parties would cooperate to combat transnational crime, including terrorism.

Finally, ASEAN welcomes the opportunity to participate in future CTC meetings in order to present updates on the progress made in our region in the fight against terrorism.

Thank you, Mr. President.