Africa

Africa

UN Security Council calls for comprehensive approach to fighting terrorism in Africa

14 May 2013 03:42 (UTC +04:00)

Baku-APA. The UN Security Council on Monday called for a comprehensive approach to fighting terrorism in Africa by promoting economic and social development across the continent, APA reports quoting Xinhua.

The 15-nation body, in a presidential statement adopted at the start of an open debate on combating terrorism in Africa, said it "notes with deep concern that terrorism continues to pose a serious threat to international peace and security ... and prosperity in Africa."

The Council members voiced deep concern at the increasing violence perpetrated by armed groups in several regions and sub- regions of Africa, said the statement.

"The Security Council underscores that the long term fight against terrorism must adopt a comprehensive approach by dealing with the challenges of increasing economic growth, promoting good governance, reducing poverty, building state capacity, extending social services and fighting corruption, particularly in Africa, but also in other regions," it said.

According to the statement, the members of the Council recognized that "terrorism will not be defeated by military force or security forces, law enforcement measures, and intelligence operations alone."

As a result, they underlined the need to address the conditions conducive to "strengthening efforts for the successful prevention and peaceful resolution of prolonged conflicts, and also promoting the rule of law, the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms, good governance, tolerance and inclusiveness."

In the statement, the Security Council stressed that terrorism cannot and should not be associated with any religion, nationality or civilization.

"The Security Council also reaffirms that member states shall refrain in their international relations from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any State, and shall also give the United Nations every assistance in any action it takes in accordance with the United Nations Charter, and shall refrain from giving assistance to any State against which the United Nations is taking preventive or enforcement action," said the statement.

The Council also called on UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon to provide "a comprehensive survey and assessment" of the UN's work in assisting member states and sub-regional and regional entities across Africa in fighting the continent's terrorist threats.

In addition, the most powerful body of UN reiterated that the scourge of terrorism can only be defeated by a sustained and comprehensive approach involving active participation and collaboration of all states, and relevant international and regional organizations and civil society.