Counter-Terrorism Committee holds second informal meeting on counter-terrorism technical assistance needs for Iraq

BMUSONI — Wed, 31 May 2017 16:13:00 +0000

On 31 May 2017, the Counter-Terrorism Committee held a second informal meeting on the counter-terrorism-related technical assistance needs of the Republic of Iraq. The aim of the meeting was to follow-up with implementing partners and Iraqi officials on progress achieved since the first informal, held in March 2016, which focused on the 16 priority technical assistance needs identified during the Executive Directorate’s (CTED) visit to Iraq on behalf of the Committee.

The meeting gathered Members of the Counter-Terrorism Committee, representatives of Iraq and over a dozen other Member States, as well as UN entities and international and regional organizations, including the 1267 Committee Monitoring Team, ICAO, UNMAS, UNODC, UN Women, the IMF, the World Bank, the European Union, NATO, and the Global Center on Cooperative Security.

Chairman of the Committee, H.E. Amr Abdellatif Aboulatta, highlighted the importance of cooperation in order to achieve tangible results and to counter terrorism in all its forms. “The presence of Da’esh, Al-Qaida, and other terrorist groups continues to test the limits of Iraq’s resources, as the authorities struggle to prevent acts of terrorism; to investigate attacks and prosecute alleged perpetrators; and cooperate with regional and international partners, particularly on matters relating to foreign terrorist fighters. The support of the international community thus remains crucial,” Ambassador Aboulatta said.

In the meeting, all implementing partners voiced their endorsement of the Counter-Terrorism Committee assessment on priority counter-terrorism related technical assistance needs for Iraq, and outlined how they are putting these to good use in the planning and implementation of their assistance.

“I wish to command Iraq for all their efforts in countering the threat posed by Dae’sh and being amongst those in the forefront in fighting this terrorist group. Indeed, Iraq has introduced a number of measures to enhance its legislative and law enforcement framework in line with the international best codes and standards on counter-terrorism. Still, much work remains to be done and Iraq needs our support, stressed the Executive Director of CTED, Mr. Jean-Paul Laborde, in his closing remarks. He further noted that Da’esh has been increasingly resorting to the use of civilians as human shields: “Here, I wish once again to pay my deepest respects to Iraqi citizens who have sacrificed their lives in fighting for a free, united Iraq. Their sacrifice must never be forgotten.”

Front Page Article:

NATO supports CTC mission on counter-terrorism, including on FTFs

BMUSONI — Thu, 06 Nov 2014 17:03:00 +0000

116.jpg

NATO pledged on Thursday to strengthen its cooperation with the Counter-Terrorism Committee (CTC) and its Executive Directorate (CTED) and support UN efforts to combat terrorism, including the threat of foreign terrorist fighters (FTFs).

“Terrorism is a global threat that knows no border, nationality or religion, and is a challenge that the international community must tackle together”, Ambassador Sorin Ducaru, Head of NATO’s Emerging Security Challenges Division, told the Counter-Terrorism Committee at a meeting in New York on 6 November 2014.

NATO would keep terrorism and related threats high on its security agenda. Although NATO did not see itself in a leading role on counter-terrorism, its strengths would continue to be used to support UN-led global efforts.

“It is essential that our staff liaise closely and that at this level we exchange views, and regularly brief each other on developments within our respective organizations”, he added.

At its recent Wales Summit, NATO decided to strengthen cooperation on intelligence and information sharing to counter the threat of FTFs.

NATO stood ready to support the Committee’s work wherever appropriate, by sharing best practices and expertise, providing support for its country visits, and participating in its special meetings.

In a further sign of NATO’s commitment to increased cooperation, Ambassador Ducaru invited the CTC Chair, H.E. Ms. Raimonda Murmokaité, to brief NATO on the Committee’s work.

Members of the Committee welcomed the continuation of cooperation between the two organizations aimed at meeting new and emerging terrorist challenges.

Front Page Article:

Security Council - Counter-Terrorism Committee (CTC) - NATO

Counter-Terrorism Committee holds second informal meeting on counter-terrorism technical assistance needs for Iraq

NATO supports CTC mission on counter-terrorism, including on FTFs

116.jpg