Secretary-General says counter-terrorism strategy’s adoption sends clear message:

‘terrorism is unacceptable, no matter who commits it, no matter what the reason’

Today’s adoption by the General Assembly of a United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy sends a clear message that terrorism is unacceptable, no matter who commits it, no matter what the reason.

I commend Member States for developing and agreeing to a comprehensive strategic framework to counter-terrorism.  In doing so, they have resolved to take concrete actions to address the conditions conducive to the spread of terrorism, prevent and combat terrorism in all its forms, and strengthen the individual and collective capacity of States and the United Nations to do so -- all while ensuring the protection of human rights.  I congratulate the President of the General Assembly and his two co-chairs -- Ambassador Vanu Gopala Menon of Singapore and Ambassador Juan Antonio Yáñez-Barnuevo of Spain -- for leading the membership to this historic achievement.

The upcoming fifth anniversary of the terrorist attacks of 11 September 2001, serves as one of many solemn reminders of the gruesome and unjustifiable consequences of terrorism all over the world.  I urge all Member States to honour the victims of terrorism everywhere, by taking swift action to implement all aspects of the strategy.   May today’s agreement demonstrate the international community’s unwavering determination to defeat terrorism.

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For information media • not an official record