John Moloney
Question:160 Mr. Moloney asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on Ireland's contribution to the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1368. [26745/02]
Written Answers. - UN Security Council.
UN Security Council Resolution 1368 was adopted on 12 September 2001, one day after the terrorist attacks on the United States. The resolution condemns the attacks of 11 September and expresses the deepest sympathy to the victims and their families and to the people and Government of the United States. The resolution calls on all states to work together urgently to bring to justice the perpetrators, organisers and sponsors of the terrorist attacks and also calls on the international community to redouble its efforts to prevent and suppress terrorist acts including by increased co-operation and full implementation of the relevant international anti-terrorist con ventions and security resolutions. Ireland has contributed to the implementation of the resolution on a wide number of fronts.
Through our membership of the Security Council, we were involved in the drafting of UN Security Council Resolution 1373, adopted on 28 November 2001, which imposes obligations on member states under Chapter VII of the UN Charter and particularly emphasises measures that must be taken to combat the financing of terrorism. Resolution 1373 led to the establishment of the Security Council Counter-Terrorism Committee, in which Ireland has actively participated. In the context of our membership of the European Union, Ireland participated in the drawing up of an EU action plan on terrorism, agreed at the extraordinary meeting of the European Council on 21 September 2001. Implementation of the action plan is monitored on an ongoing basis by the General Affairs and External Relations Council.
UN Security Council Resolutions 1368 and 1373 called upon all states to fully implement all international anti-terrorist conventions. There are 12 universal conventions and protocols relating to terrorism, all of which are already in force having been ratified by the minimum number of states specified in the respective instruments. Ireland is party to five of the 12 universal conventions. The position regarding the seven outstanding conventions is as follows: Convention on the Marking of Plastic Explosives for the Purpose of Detection, 1991 – following consideration by the Select Committee on Foreign Affairs on 5 December 2002, the Government hopes to secure Dáil approval for the terms of this convention, which would permit accession by Ireland; Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of Crimes against Internationally Protected Persons, including Diplomatic Agents, 1973; International Convention against the Taking of Hostages, 1979; International Convention for the Suppression of Terrorist Bombings, 1997; International Convention for the Suppression of the Financing of Terrorism, 1999 – the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform is expected to publish a Criminal Justice (Terrorist Offences) Bill this week for consideration by the Oireachtas early in 2003. Its enactment would permit the Government to immediately make arrangements for Ireland to become a party to these four Conventions; Convention for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts against the Safety of Maritime Navigation, 1988; Protocol for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts against the Safety of Fixed Platforms on the Continental Shelf, 1988 – a Suppression of Unlawful Acts against the Safety of Maritime Navigation and Offshore Fixed Platforms Bill is being advanced by the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources for publication in early 2003. Its enactment would permit ratification of the final two conventions.
In the aftermath of 11 September, special arrangements were introduced to facilitate the overflight, landing and refuelling of foreign mili tary aircraft engaged in pursuit of Resolution 1368. Under these arrangements, such aircraft were exempted from the normal requirements that the aircraft be unarmed, does not carry arms, ammunition or explosives and is not participating in a military exercise or operation. In light of the considerable progress achieved in the campaign in Afghanistan against al-Qaeda and its Taliban allies, I am considering a review of these arrangements.
Question No. 161 answered with Question No. 43.
Question No. 162 answered with Question No. 63.