Minister G L at Galle Dialogue 2011:
Zero tolerance of terrorism essential for security of oceans
'Issues relating to maritime security formed a prominent part of the
themes discussed at recent international events including the meeting of
Commonwealth Heads of State and Government in Perth, Western Australia,
two weeks ago and the 17th Summit of SAARC, concluded over the weekend
at Addu City in the Maldives. Sri Lanka's geographical location and
contemporary circumstances made it exceptionally appropriate for Galle
to be chosen as the venue for a conference which brings together policy
makers and Navy personnel representing major maritime nations, Minister
of External Affairs Professor G L Peiris, said in Galle on Monday.
He was speaking as chief guest at the official banquet at the Galle
Dialogue, 2011. Secretary to the President Lalith Weeratunga was Guest
of Honour. Secretary to the Ministry of Defence and Urban Development
Gotabhaya Rajapaksa delivered the keynote address at the symposium at
which 19 countries participated.
'The concept of the "blue economy" placing emphasis on the vast
economic resources of the ocean and methods for exploiting this
potential for the benefit of humankind without inflicting grave damage
on the environment, has been an integral part of the current
international discourse. This discussion has included reference to
practical means for conservation of fisheries resources, new
arrangements for regional and international co-operation to enhance
benefits, regulation of new technology and a fresh look at principles of
international maritime law and practice, including suitable changes to
the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS),' the
minister said.
'Oil and gas exploration in territorial and international waters, and
viable mechanisms for resolving disputes among countries with regard to
access to these resources, also warrant close attention,' he said.Prof
Peiris discussed the role of navies in operating as a bulwark against
collaboration among terrorist organizations, with particular reference
to exchange of sensitive information and logistics, and controlling the
proliferation of small arms which could threaten the tranquillity of
countries in the relevant area.
'One of the central areas of responsibility imputable to modern
navies has to do with piracy,' Minister Peiris observed. He referred to
the relative security of sea lanes in the Indian Ocean area, in contrast
with the vexed problems arising in other geographical regions such as
the Gulf of Aden and broad swaths of the Arabian Sea. There is, however,
an urgent need to strengthen mechanisms for dealing with piracy.
'Among the current gaps which need to be addressed in earnest, he
said is the absence of effective provision in international law to
follow ransom money and, obtain restitution of it, the grave lacuna in
respect of co-ordination of anti-piracy activities within and among
nation States, the financial burden that falls on a country which
apprehends pirates on its own initiative, and the lack of an established
international tribunal to deal swiftly and effectively with acts of
piracy, Minister Peiris pointed out.
Minister Peiris recounted a moving instance of compassion by the Sri
Lanka Navy whose personnel, at the height of the conflict with the LTTE,
had provided all material needs of the monks residing at the historic
Nagadeepa temple and prevented an attack on its hallowed precincts.
He remarked that the Navy has a continuing role to perform, with the
advent of peace. This consists, he said, of engendering confidence and
facilitating transition from an atmosphere of naked intimidation and
terror to a stable environment in which activity providing livelihoods,
including agriculture and fisheries, and a rapid return to normalcy
could be brought about.
Minister Peiris stressed the importance of resolute political will to
combat terrorism on a global scale. He identified this as an absolutely
necessary condition for maintaining security of sea lanes and integrity
of transnational commerce. He expressed disappointment with blatant
impunity in some instances with regard to continuing public use of
emblems and insignia associated in the public mind with banned terrorist
organizations, and commented on the courage which such impunity is
certain to give these groups. Any distinctions that are even indirectly
recognized on political grounds within the spectrum of terrorism, spell
disaster for the global onslaught against terrorism, he emphasized.
Another necessary ingredient of success of the objectives of the
conference, the Minister said is a basic attitude on the part of the
international community. The chief elements of this attitude, he
explained, is solidarity and empathy with governments engaged in the
struggle against terror or active in rebuilding nations recovering from
the effect of terror. Judgmental or prescriptive postures, which take no
account of factors relating to time, place and context, unwittingly
undermine the desired objectives, he insisted. Respect for other
cultures and sensitivity to domestic processes designed to harness
public support in the aftermath of terrorism, must be painstakingly
fostered if eradication of terrorism from the oceans is to be achieved,
he said.
Prof Peiris also dealt with issues relating to illicit migration and
the role of diaspora. Referring to people smuggling and trafficking as a
grave threat to security of the oceans and stability of the countries
affected, he underlined the need for cohesive international action in
this regard.
He concluded by observing that the relationship of the international
community with countries affected by terrorism, should never be
one-dimensional, and that areas of co-operation should be identified and
expanded as a means of strengthening forces opposed to terrorism.
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