Kuwait calls for international conference to tackle terrorism

The State of Kuwait has proposed holding an international conference under auspices of the UN to discuss terrorism and set a definition for the global phenomenon and called for comprehensive tackling of the dangerous phenomenon that constitutes a threat to global peace. The international community is now, more than ever, in need for rallying effort to finalize the comprehensive draft treaty, aspired to be unprecedented addition to international legal order, for sake of bolstering maintenance of international peace, security, and sovereignty and rule of law, said Mohammad Abdullah Al-Atiqi, the second secretary of the Kuwaiti mission. Al-Atiqi, addressing the 16th session of the UN commission tasked with terrorism, reiterated Kuwait's support for a proposal to hold the international convention, under UN auspices, to organize joint international action to counter "the phenomenon of terrorism." The session of the UN commission is scheduled for April 8-16. Global threats caused by terrorism must prompt all states to engage in effective cooperation at the international level to confront and eradicate this phenomenon, said Al-Atiqi. All member states of the UN are in consensus on condemning all forms of terrorism, regardless of identity of the perpetrators, for "it belongs to no religion or culture," the Kuwaiti diplomat added. The commission member states have been involved in marathon talks, for more than 10 years, regarding the topics on the table, namely the aspired agreement on a comprehensive treaty on terrorism. "It's high time for serious and flexible action to reach a settlement, acceptable by all parties regarding the contentious issues, namely an accord on reaching an internationally-acceptable definition for terrorism, covering all its forms and manifestations, in adherence with principles and objectives of the United Nations, with no breach of international law," he called. Tackling terrorism begins with nipping its roots, he said, explaining that efforts must be exerted for improving peoples' living conditions, fighting poverty and hunger, achieving sustainable development, establishing "wise leadership," enforcing sovereignty of law, renouncing hatred, respecting all religions, and promoting a culture of tolerance and moderation, Al-Atiqi stressed. He also noted that the concerned states and powers should distinguish between illegal terrorist acts, including state terrorism, and legal acts such as the legitimate right of peoples under occupation to struggle and resist for determining their destiny