Annan wants convention on terrorism finalised

UNITED NATIONS, OCT. 6. Differences among members over definition of terrorism prevented the U.N. General Assembly from adopting a resolution at the end of a five-day debate on it, even as the Secretary General, Mr. Kofi Annan empahasised the need for finalising an Indian-sponsored comprehensive convention to combat the menace globally.

Though the participants condemned the September 11 terror attacks in the U.S., there were significant differences on the definition of terrorism and distinction between the scourge and the freedom struggle.

While India and most other members were of the view that terrorism was defined by the act and not by the classification of the perpetrators, several delegates, mostly from Arab and Muslim countries, felt that it was important to come up with a clear definition of terrorism. A few countries wanted an exemption for those waging what they considered a `freedom struggle'.

Despite the failure of the Assembly to reach a consensus, Mr. Annan, putting a brave face, described the debate as ``only a beginning'' and stressed that the members had a critical, and not merely symbolic role to play in fighting terrorism.

``What is important is that the whole international community has come together to fight the scourge of terrorism,'' he told reporters.

``I would hope that when the heads of state and ministers come here for the general debate in November, most of them will be ready to sign and work for ratification of all conventions aimed at fighting terrorism and, above all, work to implement them,'' he said.

The Assembly's annual debate of Foreign Ministers slated to begin on September 24, was rescheduled for November 10- 16, after being postponed due to terrorist strikes on the U.S. The Assembly has adopted about a dozen conventions on terrorism, many of which are yet to be ratified.

- Pti

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Section  : International
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