DOHA: Qatar has called for a comprehensive convention on international terrorism that should clearly define the phenomenon by not linking it to religion, race or culture.
Addressing a meeting of the United Nation’s Legal Committee (Sixth Committee) on “measures to eliminate international terrorism” in New York, Ambassador Sheikha Alia Ahmed bin Saif Al Thani, Qatar’s Permanent Representative to the UN, condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, regardless of justifications and perpetrators.
She stressed the need to distinguish between terrorism and legitimate resistance to foreign occupation, self-defence as well as the right to self-determination of people under occupation.
She called on the international community to condemn all atrocities against civilians for political purposes, whether murder or intimidation or targeting densely populated residential areas and civilian facilities, such as schools, hospitals and refugees in bombing and other crimes, which also constitute one of the worst manifestations of terrorism in every sense of the word.
“The world has witnessed tragic events over the last year rejected by the conscience of mankind, as a result of the increasing unprecedented acts of terrorism and growing trans-national terrorist organisations” said Sheikha Alia.
She added that eradicating terrorism “requires more genuine cooperation among member states and hard work to reach a comprehensive convention on international terrorism as the world is in urgent need of it more than ever.” Sheikha Alia stressed that the convention should have a specific definition of terrorism and not link it to religion, race or culture.
The convention should also confirm the commitment of the international community to strengthen cooperation to combat terrorism, she added.
Sheikha Alia also stressed that the fight against terrorism is a priority in Qatar’s policy, as it continued its efforts on national, regional and international levels for implementation of the UN counter-terrorism strategy, and strengthening cooperation with UN agencies to achieve the goal.
Sheikha Alia said the Executive Director of the counter-terrorism Directorate of the UN visited Qatar in January this year and met competent authorities. Doha also hosted a workshop in December last year on integrated strategies in the fight against terrorism with participation of UN experts.
Meanwhile, US and coalition aircraft targeted Islamic State fighters near the town of KObane yesterday, launching six attacks, the US military said. The strikes destroyed an armoured personnel carrier, artillery and several vehicles, Central Command said.
The sounds of heavy gunfire and mortar shells were heard from the Turkish side of the border, a reporter said, as fierce street battles raged.QNA/AFP
