Islamic states advocate more country participation in UN counter-terrorism work

The Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) on Wednesday condemned terrorism attacks around the world and requested that the UN terrorism task force integrate member states.

The statement came as Bashar Ja'afari, representative of Syria to the UN, was speaking on behalf of the OIC at a meeting of the UN General Assembly to review the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, a plan adopted by the UN body in 2006 to help member states address the threat posed by terrorism. The Counter- Terrorism Implementation Task Force (CTITF) works to enlist the UN system as well as member states to utilize this strategy.

Ja'afari said that the OIC would like CTITF to include member states. It is currently comprised of international entities only, though it extends its assistance to member states.

"The group stresses that the implementation of the strategy lies first and foremost in the hands of member states and believes that the membership of CTITF should be extended as to encompass member states," said Ja'afari.

Better communication between CTITF and the member states that need its support and strategic advice is quite important as well, Ja'afari said.

"The group recognizes the need to identify the responsibilities of CTITF toward member states, including quarterly and fully transparent briefings on activities undertaken by the CTITF," he said. "We are of the view that the task force must receive policy guidance from general membership."

Ja'afari's statement to the General Assembly also condemned all acts of terrorism and said that terrorism "irrespective of its motivation, objectives, forms and manifestations, committed by whomever, wherever and for whatever purposes, can never be justified."

"The OIC reaffirms that terrorism cannot and should not be associated with any religion, nationality, race, faith, theology, values, culture, society, or group," he said. "No religion or religious doctrine encourages or inspires acts of terrorism, and thus none should be portrayed as such."

Source: Xinhua