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Mr. Chairman,
We welcome the adoption of the Convention for the Suppression of Acts of
Nuclear Terrorism today by the General Assembly by consensus. We wish to thank
the Chairman of the Ad Hoc Committee, Mr. Rohan Perera and the Coordinator, Mr.
Albert Hoffman, for their efforts in ensuring the consensus adoption of this
Convention. We express our facilitations to the Russian Federation for the
conclusion of their important initiative.
Mr. President,
2. Pakistan’s commitment to the campaign against terrorism is clear, present,
tangible and visible. We fully support the strengthening of the international
legal regime to counter all forms of terrorism. The adoption of this Convention
will contribute to this objective.
3. Terrorism utilizing nuclear weapons or nuclear materials is obviously an
unacceptable threat -- the ultimate nightmare scenario. This Convention clearly
de-legitimizes the possession of fissionable nuclear material by individuals and
non-State actors if their intention is to cause damage or injury or carry out
terrorist acts.
Mr. President,
4. A number of concerns had been raised on some provisions of the draft
convention. Pakistan shared some of these concerns. We were especially concerned
that article 4(2) of the Convention could be interpreted to imply that it was
permissible for State(s) in certain cases to attack or subvert the nuclear
facilities or installations of another State. Therefore, we wished to include in
the preamble of the Convention a reference to article 15 of the second protocol
to the Geneva Conventions relating to protection of works and installations
containing dangerous forces. We also suggested the addition of a new paragraph
to clarify that “Nothing in this convention shall justify undertaking,
encouraging or participating in, directly or indirectly, any action aimed at
causing the destruction of, or damage to, any nuclear installation or facility.”
5. However, in response to assurances from the principal sponsors of the
Convention that these concerns were clearly covered in the Convention, or in
existing international law, and in order to facilitate adoption of this
Convention by consensus and advance the campaign against terrorism, Pakistan
decided not to press its proposals.
6. I would like to underline, on this occasion, that the provisions of the
Convention adopted today must be interpreted and applied in a manner that is
fully compatible with the requirements of international law applicable in armed
conflict, particularly the principles and rules of international humanitarian
law.
7. Secondly, a distinction must be maintained between counter-terrorism and
non-proliferation. Discrimination and selectivity against States in
non-proliferation should not be advanced under the cover of counter-terrorism.
8. Thirdly, it is our concern that terrorists are more likely to acquire
biological and chemical weapons rather than nuclear weapons which are difficult
even for States to develop. We need to address these concerns also, especially
through the adoption and implementation of effective verification schemes to
ensure compliance with the comprehensive ban against chemical weapons and
biological weapons.
9. Fourthly, for sustained success against terrorism, we need to adopt a
comprehensive strategy – one which effectively addresses the root causes of
terrorism such as foreign occupation, denial of self-determination, and
political and socio-economic injustices.
10. Finally, any agreement on a definition of terrorism must not prejudice the
legitimate rights of peoples to struggle against foreign occupation and for
self-determination and national liberation; nor exclude State terrorism. A
consensus on a definition of terrorism is essential for the finalization of the
International Convention on Terrorism. Pakistan supports the need for convening
a high-level Conference, under U.N. auspices, to formulate a joint organized
response of the international community to terrorism in all its forms and
manifestations.
Thank you.