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DURING CICTE MEETING, GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVES CALLED FOR ACTIONS “TO COMBAT THE TERRORIST,S PERVERSE USE OF NEW TECHNOLOGIES”

The Ninth Regular Session of the Inter-American Committee against Terrorism (CICTE) is taking place from March 4 to 6 at the Headquarters of the Organization of American States (OAS) in Washington D.C. Present at the inaugural ceremony of the meeting were the Minister of Defense of Peru, Antero Flores Aráoz; the Chair of the Counter Terrorism Committee of the United Nations Security Council and Permanent Representative of Croatia to that organization, Ambassador Neven Jurica; and the OAS Assistant Secretary General, Ambassador Albert Ramdin.

The Minister of Defense of Peru, who chaired the CICTE throughout 2008, expressed during his speech that terrorism is an old phenomenon that is posing new threats. “Terrorist organizations use communication networks with technologically sophisticated protection devices that afford them anonymity and impunity, as they engage in disinformation and propaganda campaigns, gather and transfer funds, issue threats and orders, and carry out murderous operations”, he stated.

The Minister also called on OAS member states to “coordinate new regional and international steps to combat the perverse use of new technology by terrorists, preserving the right to privacy and fundamental freedoms.”

On the other hand, Ambassador Jurica, Chair of the Counter Terrorism Committee of the UN Security Council, talked about the benefits of having a coordinated efforts between the UN and the regional organizations, and pointed out some success stories in the framework of the cooperation between the UN and CICTE.

“The UN and the OAS are two organizations whose respective strengths and advantages complement each other. In the counter-terrorism field, CICTE has for years been considered a model for regional integration. Coordinated efforts between both institutions are an excellent example of how strong coordination between the UN and regional organizations can benefit the Member States” he affirmed.

The OAS Assistant Secretary General explained that the issue of security, within which terrorism is considered, has been a priority of the OAS. Ambassador Ramdin recognized the need to expand the traditional concepts and approaches of security to encompass new and non-traditional threats, which include political, economic, social, health and environmental aspects.

“As we know, current scenarios predict escalating crime and threats of terrorism across the hemisphere. Problems of poverty, inequality, and poor education threaten the social fabric of our societies. Yet, in spite of these threats, we must forge ahead with confidence and commitment” he added. Ambassador Ramdin also recognized the sustained determination of member states to eradicate terrorism, notwithstanding increased challenges. In this sense, he pointed out that resource mobilization to support efforts in this area can add to the challenges, as the world faces a major financial and economic crisis.

The agenda of the CICTE meeting includes discussion topics such as: “Measures to combat illicit arms trafficking in the context of the fight against terrorism”, “Transfer of money or assets across borders through informal systems or networks aimed at financing terrorism”, and “Measures related to improving port and airport security and controls.”

During the Ninth Regular Session of the CICTE, the Government of Mexico was elected as the Chair of that entity for the 2009-2010 period. The Deputy Attorney General and Director of International Affairs of Mexico, Juan Miguel Alcántara Soria assumed the Chairmanship.

Reference: E-070/09