UN deliberations on anti-terror measures continue

Opening the current session of the Ad Hoc Committee established by General Assembly resolution 51/210, Chairman Rohan Perera ( Sri Lanka) said substantial work had been accomplished in furthering the Committee's mandate to negotiate a comprehensive convention on international terrorism.

During the session, Perera said the Committee could contribute to strengthening the legal framework of instruments to combat terrorism by making progress in negotiations and achieving a compromise solution on the text of the draft comprehensive convention. In the coming weeks, delegations would have the opportunity to demonstrate their commitment through engaging in informal consultations and bilateral contacts.

Highlighting the previous reports of the Ad Hoc Committee and of the Working Group of the Sixth Committee, he said he sensed a desire among delegations this year to engage in open and productive dialogue on the complex questions of the draft convention.

"I am optimistic that we may not be far away from resolving those issues", he said. In addition, he was confident that the proposed text presented by Coordinator Maria Telalian ( Greece ) last year, together with clarifications made during the Working Group of the Sixth Committee, would provide a "valuable basis" for further negotiations and reaching a compromise solution.

He also stressed that progress had been made with regard to the Ad Hoc Committee's other mandate to discuss convening a high-level conference under the auspices of the United Nations for a joint response to terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.

Several delegations then took the floor in general debate, with many speakers reaffirming their support to convene a high-level conference to organise a joint response to terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.