Counter Terrorism Committee Position Papers-jacomun

COUNTER TERRRORISM COMMITTEE Topic: Terrorist Infrastructure and Interception in South Asia Calcutta Girls' High School Democratic People's Republic of Korea The specter of transnational terrorism has risen from a peripheral issue of the 1980’s to one of the foremost security challenges facing the South Asian region. By and large, terrorist groups had clear political ends, and operated within generally well known and defined patterns. Terrorism thus was largely committed to serve political ends and evolved and grew as a separate activity of violence distinct from war or conflict. Terrorism as we see it now has a specific organizational structure with extraordinary destructive capabilities and the readiness to sacrifice themselves. Most actors in the present day have no geographical base, generally operate trans-nationally and sub nationally. Osama-bin-Laden and his loosely knit fellow adventurers stretch from Philippines to Morocco; they operate with ease from their sanctuaries in Pakistan and Afghanistan. Similarly Taliban in Afghanistan is regrouping to fight the US forces and their NATO allies having suffered earlier during operation Enduring Freedom. North Korea strongly opposes all terrorist activities that pose a danger to global security. It realizes the danger posed by these anti-societal elements, and would gladly contribute to put a stop to this immediately. This being said, it also supports the right of every country to frame it’s own privacy laws and recognizes the right of every nation to make such arrangements so as to protect themselves if their sovereignty is threatened. South Asia continues to live in the paradox of being one out of two of the world's most poverty stricken regions. The region has let itself be bedeviled by bilateral, cross border conflicts between member states. There is a need for collective action first in the containment and ultimately elimination of terrorism, drug trafficking, money laundering and the illegal movement of both weapons and terrorist elements. There are a number of steps that must be taken to combat terrorist outfits in this region. First and foremost, we must all agree to a common definition of terrorism. One countries terrorist can not be other’s freedom fighter. Second nations will need to strengthen their national legislations to deal with the problem. Here some sort of uniformity would be required, to facilitate extradition and related provisions. Third evolve a common grid to share information on terrorist activities, money laundering etc. Develop joint training and technical capabilities to fight money laundering, gathering intelligence etc. Don Bosco Liluah Islamic Republic of Pakistan Terrorism is perhaps the greatest enemy of man in the modern world. It has been the reason for the death of billions and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan has always supported any step that the world community takes to counter terrorism. As the world may recall, Pakistan has lent its full support to the Global War on Terrorism that was initiated in 2001 after the regrettable attacks on the World Trade Center. It is also considering the International Convention for the Suppression of the Financing of Terrorism and the International Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism. Pakistan would like to remind the world that she too has fallen victim to terrorist attacks in recent years, the latest being the fiendish attacks on Sri Lankan cricketers on March 3, 2009 in Lahore. This incident involved the death of six Pakistani policemen and two civilians. It would like to reiterate that it has taken active steps to combat this menace and all allegations of

inaction against the security forces have been investigated and they have been replaced with better equipped forces with access to intelligence. The recent elections in Pakistan mark a reinforced battle against terrorism. Terrorist infrastructure in South Asia has reached infamous heights and Pakistan pledges its complete support towards any mission undertaken to curb this cancerous growth without endangering its sovereignty. Pakistan condemns the violent activities of the “Muslim separatist groups” such as the Lashkar-e-Toiba, Al-Qaeda, Jaish-e-Mohammed. South Asia has always been known for its cultural diversity and fraternity and Pakistan would like that to remain in the future. The recent terrorist attack in the Indian city of Mumbai is condemned by Pakistan and it is cooperating with India to ensure that the people behind these attacks are prosecuted under Pakistani rule of law as they are Pakistani citizens. As has been ratified by India, the chief of the Inter-Service Intelligence has been briefing India on what we are doing to punish those responsible for the attacks. Pakistan would also like to state that the current global meltdown has led to problems regarding the rehabilitation of refugees from the North West Frontier Province. The major sources of economic support for Pakistan have been greatly affected by this economic crisis, therefore it requests the developed countries to co-operate with it for the rehabilitation of the innocent victims of Pakistan’s struggle with the Taliban forces and also for the removal of violent elements from Pakistani soil, thus securing international peace at large. We suggest that multilateralism be promoted while dealing with issues such as terrorism. A problem of the stature of terrorism needs the co-operation of all the nations in this world. We must be united in this war against terror. The greater good of the world must be considered during all activities undertaken by all countries. The Islamic Republic of Pakistan would like to end on a note of recommitment to all initiatives against terrorism taken by the United Nations Organizations. Don Bosco Park Circus Federal Republic of Germany Terrorism has spread its tentacles all over the world like a monster trying to engulf its prey.And its main infrastructure lies here in south-asia which especially Pakistan has become a ‘hub’ of it!Deep down we all have this pervasive feeling of massive government failure so strong that discussions on lack of counter terrorism has become a “routine”. Whether Somalia or Afghanistan – in many crises around the world failing state structures are an important factor. Recognizing political and humanitarian crises as early as possible and taking appropriate action is a key goal of German foreign policy. Our bilateral and international commitments are mutually complementary: we see decisions at the United Nations flanking humanitarian aid efforts and strengthening international law as much a priority as fostering international understanding through our cultural relations policy. On Monday, 13th July, a German court sentenced a 47-year-old Pakistan-born diamond trader to eight years in prison for supporting the al-Qaeda terrorist network.Germany’s foreign policy is a peace policy.It doesn’t want to take terrorism lightly in south-asia but wants to ensure that innocent lives are not lost too in curbing terrorism. Germany wants Pakistan and India to resume their dialogue and President Zardari told her that Pakistan wanted normalisation of relations with its neighbour in the interest of the two countries and the entire region. Ms Merkel said she was pleased to note that there was a broad political consensus in Pakistan on the fight against terrorism and extremism and that would help strengthen

democracy.Germany wants Pakistan and India to work togeher in dismantling the terror infrascture in the north western parts of pakistan an in afghanisthan,and in other islamic states. Peace in Afghanistan will not possible without stability in Central Asia. As per the personal belief is concerned the delegate of germany feel that terrorism and the growth in its infrastructure is a poisoned fruit of the deliberate polarization of hindus and muslims and Islamic states of south-asia and India should look into it.The madrasses which preach Islam to be superior than any other religion should be considered too as a centre for the growth of young terrorists.The delegate of germany STRONGLY FEELS that the well-inetioned but ineffectiove governments of countries of south asia should crack down on terrorist groups,dismantle their cmaps,freeze their bank accounts and arrest and prosecute their leaders.This should be done immediately without looking at vote bank politics.we can ignore terrorism but terrorism wont ignore us! DPS Newtown France Terrorism is a word which strikes fear among the minds of the people globally and spells total destruction and devastation. Terrorist attacks are carried out in such a way as to maximize the severity and length of the psychological impact. It is carried out with the goal of achieving political supremacy or taking revenge for the wrong done against one’s country or religion. Terrorist activities in South Asia have recently been at a boom. The recent 26/11 attacks in Mumbai, India and the Pearl Continental Hotel bombing in Peshawar, Pakistan are only 2 examples. Terrorist organisations have been rampant and have increased their operations in the subcontinent in the last few years. This has created a global threat to the citizens of the world as they spend every minute of their life in fear of dieing. Terrorism has been the root cause of destruction of many economies and the cause of many countries being unable to develop themselves. France has had a cordial relation with the terrorist affected countries of South Asia. The death of prominent leaders such as Benazir Bhutto, leader of the Pakistan’s People Party has had a crippling effect on the world as well as France. France would propose some solutions to the global threat provided by terrorism. Enforcement of anti-terrorist laws can be an immediate solution to terrorism. The infiltration of Taliban militants into South Asia is also to be stopped. The people should be made aware of the dreadfulness of terrorism from the grassroot level. Terrorist demands must be studied and analysed. It has to been seen that the demands for which the terrorist organisations are attacking South Asia are met with so as to reduce the number of human beings being preyed upon by them.

The major reason for the rampant attacks in South Asia has been the misinterpretation of religious texts by clerics. Islam is a religion which preaches peace but it is often the cause of attacks. Fanatics claim that they have been wronged upon and terrorism is the only mean by which revenge can be taken.This kind of misintepretations have to be stopped. Mutual Cooperation and public awareness is the key to stop terrorism. Let us dream for a happier and better world.

DPS Ruby Park Sudan Terrorism apart from oil is the single largest problem that is being faced by the entire world. Of late, terrorist hubs have been concentrated in the South Asian region, especially in Afghanistan and Pakistan where they find a safe haven in the rugged and in accessible desert mountains. It is not only a problem for the country in which they make their base but also for the rest of the world. Sudan’s stance on the issue: Sudan has very cordial ties with Afghanistan, Pakistan and most of the south Asian countries and is strongly against the phrase ‘State sponsored terrorism’. It believes that terrorism affects the base country just as much as the rest of the world. Also, it condemns the western belief of Islam and Jihad to be the same.

Possible solutions: Terrorism is a very sensitive issue and needs to be dealt with carefully and the world has to learn from faulty policies that were previously implemented by the western powers. Invasion into countries where terrorist hubs have been suspected is no solution. This not only creates utter chaos in the entire nation in the absence of a stable government but also hampers its economy and causes widespread destruction as the foreign troops tend to be careless about the surroundings. Proper monetary and military aid to the affected country needs to be provided so as to enable it to fight the extremist elements. Islam and Jihad cannot be mixed up as they are not the same nor do they have similar ideologies. Any harsh and irresponsible statements against Islam will only trigger more extremist mindsets within the society. La Martiniere for Girls Afghanistan Afghanistan has been subjected to continuous and brutal civil war since the 1970s as well as foreign invasion (such as the Soviet Invasion of 1979 and the US led Invasion in 2001 that helped topple the Taliban rule in the country). In late 2001 the United Nations Security Council had authorized the creation of an International Security Assistance Force (ISAF). This force is composed of NATO troops that are involved in assisting the government of President Hamid Karzai in stabilizing the region and establishing key infrastructural facilities. Billions of US dollars have been provided by the international community for the reconstruction of Afghanistan for which the country is eternally grateful. For nearly 7 years Afghanistan had been under the rule of the Taliban. This group of Radical Islamists practiced the strictest implementation of the Sharia law the world has seen. This lead to the oppression of women, denial of human rights, systematic eradication of communists and much more. Post 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Centre, the US government deployed troops to Afghanistan and assisted the country in attaining freedom from the rule of the Taliban. Since its ouster from the country, the Taliban have set base in the north western regions of Pakistan. The Taliban are believed to be working in close connection with the Al Qaeda. Both these groups have been named terrorist organizations by a number of countries including USA and UK. Being a developing nation overcome by internal turmoil, Afghanistan is striving hard to achieve its goal of stability - political, social and economical. Poverty, unemployment, illiteracy have increased the recruits to the various radical organizations in the country and the government is using all possible methods to uplift the standard of living of the people which in turn would help reduce the influence of these terrorist organizations. The international community should bear in mind that Afghanistan in not solely to be blamed for the existence of these

organizations. They have been provided with funding, troops, equipment and supplies by other more powerful countries in the world which helped them establish themselves. SOLUTIONS There should be greater transparency in cross border money transfers specially large amounts. As a solution to the border security problems, Afghanistan acknowledges the help and support provided by the government of USA however it strongly condemns the fact that it does not comply with the policies of the government of Afghanistan itself. Afghanistan believes that to prevent the use of developing countries by terrorists as bases, the international community must provide assistance in improving the infrastructure and basic living conditions in these countries. This would a long term solution since terrorism in itself is a long term problem. Lakshmipat Singhania Academy Iraq The 26/11 Mumbai attacks not only took away the lives of hundreds of innocent civilians but it also awakened the world to the stark reality of terrorism that prevails in modern day south Asia. The number of terrorist groups that operate in south Asia are a testimony to the dangers that lie ahead. Lashkar- e –taiba, al Qaeda ,harkat- ul –Mujahideen, the Taliban and the Jaish- e – Mohammed, Jamaal –ul-Mujahideen are just a few of the major terrorist groups that are operating in south Asia. There primary objective is to establish a global Muslim empire. Added to this is the problem of drug trafficking which also happens to be one of the most important sources of finance for the terrorist groups. Another major threat are the naxalites who are now spread over 40% of India’s total land area. The LTTE which has been recognized as a terrorist group by 32 nations of the world is also a major threat to world peace. It is often said that if you are not a part of the solution you are a part of the problem. The world today must stand as one to fight the dangers that lie ahead. Like all other countries of the world Iraq too wishes to strive towards global peace and harmony. It wants the world to be safe and secure despite the turmoil it is presently going through. Iraq will support vehemently all attempts to condemn terrorism. Iraq will also to the best of its abilities support all anti terrorist campaigns Terrorism is not a cause, it is a crime -- and it is a crime against humanity “And there should be no safe haven and no hiding place for those who practice terrorist violence or preach terrorist extremism.” Loreto Day School, Dharamtala Great Socialist People's Libyan Arab Jamahiriya The Terrorist –pronoun of Evil. The force of his bloodlust has made us a scalded victim, the sweep of his savagery has prompted us to recognize the enormity of the threat we face and sharpened our perception about national security and the reach of the enemy. Terrorism is not new and even though it has been used since the beginning of the recorded history it is relatively hard to define. It has been described as both a strategy and a tactic; a crime and a holy duty; a justified reaction to oppression and an inexcusable abomination. Libya is often blamed for supporting terrorism. But much of the evidence against Libya is open to doubt.

Some highly respected statesmen- such as Nelson Mandela - have supported Libya. When we look at the country's history, we can see why. Pre-1969: 1911 - Italy invades Libya. 1911 - Qaddhafi's grandfather is killed by an Italian colonist. 1914 - Europeans start World War I. 1918 - Europeans carve up the (Arab) Ottoman empire. 1939 - Europeans start World War II. 1942 - Britain conquers Libya. 1948 - Europeans create the state of Israel in prime Arab land. 1956 - Britain, France and Israel conspire to attack Egypt (the Suez crisis) 1956 - Libya splits with Britain, but the new king conceded millions of acres of land to western oil companies. When oil is discovered, a pipeline is built to pump the oil for the west. Is it any surprise if Qaddhafi hates the west? Imagine if the situation was reversed. What if your country had been repeatedly invaded by Arabs, if members of your family had been killed by Arab colonists. How would YOU feel? Would you blame our own leaders, or would you blame the ones who hurt you? 1969 - Qaddhafi hears that some senior soldiers are planning a coup. He sees his chance to free his country (as he sees it) and gets in first. He then kicks out most of the old colonists and nationalises the oil industry. Can you blame him? But this made him very unpopular in the west. He also has sympathy with other groups he sees as downtrodden (e.g. the PLO and the IRA) which makes him even less popular. 1972 - Gadafi is falsely accused of funding the Munich Olympic kidnappers (a group wanting the freedom of Palestine. A bungled Bulgarian rescue attempt led to the deaths of Israeli hostages). Later investigations found no evidence for any link. 1973 - A Libyan Boeing 727 is shot down by Israeli jets. 102 passengers and 8 crewmen are killed. 1981 - Two Libyan aircraft are shot down by US warplanes flying over the Gulf of Sirte, claimed by Libya as its territorial water. 1984 - Libya is blamed for shooting a policewoman in London. There are numerous problems with this version of events and a British TV documentary linked the death to the CIA, but to most people Libya is guilty simply because it is Libya. 1986 - Lybia is blamed for bombing a German discotheque. (When the accused are finally brought to trial in 1997, there is nothing to link them to Libya, but there is evidence pointing in other directions.) 1986 - The US bombs Libya, killing 101 people, including (apparently) Qaddhafi's adopted daughter. 1988 - Lybia is blamed for the Lockerbie bombing, even though several pieces of evidence pointed to Iran as the culprit. 1988 - According to the French intelligence source, France's spy agency, SDECE, was ordered to assassinate Qaddhafi (this was called off at the last minute). 1996 - Britain's secret service backs local Libyan extremists in trying to kill Qaddhafi. The bomb killed innocent civilians instead. Britain denies it, other sources confirm it. And what about the IRA links? It is true that Libya has supported others it sees as oppressed. The modern IRA was born at "Bloody Sunday," when British soldiers killed a number of innocent civilians. This was in 1970, just one year after Qaddhafi came to power, and naturally they gained his sympathy. No individuals have ever been convicted of those killings, even though all sides agree they took place. This is not to defend the IRA, but just to show that the evidence is not one sided. Libya was just doing what the west does - supporting groups it sees as "freedom fighters." The above material presents evidence that Libya was innocent of its alleged crimes.

WHAT HAS LIBYA DONE July 1980: Libya’s safeguards agreement with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) enters into force. Such agreements allow the IAEA to inspect certain nuclear-related facilities within a country to verify that the government is not misusing civilian nuclear programs for illicit military purposes. January 19, 1982: Libya ratifies the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC). The BWC prohibits states-parties from developing, producing, and stockpiling offensive biological agents. April 1996: Libya joins the African Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone by signing the Treaty of Pelindaba. The treaty prohibits member states from developing, acquiring, and possessing nuclear weapons, but has not yet entered into force. September 12, 2003: In a 13-0 vote, the Security Council formally lifts sanctions imposed on Libya. The United States and France abstain. The Securty Council’s action comes in response to Libya’s August 15 agreement to compensate the victims of the Pan Am attack, as well as Tripoli’s formal acceptance of responsibility for that bombing. Libya agreed September 11 to offer additional compensation to the families of the 1989 UTA bombing victims. Libya first agreed in 1999 to pay the families, but agreed to increase the amount after the Pan Am victims were promised more. A final agreement is reached in January 2004. On December 19, 2003, long-time Libyan President Moammar Gaddafi stunned much of the world by renouncing Tripoli’s weapons of mass destruction (WMD) programs and welcoming international inspectors to verify that Tripoli would follow through on its commitment. Libya’s decision has since been characterized as a model for other states suspected of developing WMD in noncompliance with their international obligations to follow. Assistant Secretary of State for Arms Control Stephen Rademaker stated May 2, 2005 during the nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty (NPT) Review Conference that Libya’s choice “demonstrates that, in a world of strong nonproliferation norms, it is never too late to make the decision to become a fully compliant NPT state,” noting that Tripoli’s decision has been “amply rewarded.” Libya’s Foreign Ministry publicly renounces the country’s WMD programs. Tripoli promises to eliminate its chemical and nuclear weapons programs, adhere to its commitments under the NPT and BWC, as well as accede to the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC). Libya also promises to limit the range and payloads of its missiles to conform to guidelines set by the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR). Additionally, Libya agrees to conclude an additional protocol to its IAEA safeguards agreement. The protocol expands the IAEA’s authority to check for clandestine nuclear activities. Libya invites inspectors to verify compliance with the agreements and assist in the dismantling of its weapons programs. U.S. and British officials hail the announcement. Bush says that “far better” relations between Washington and Tripoli are possible if the latter fully implements its commitments and “demonstrates its seriousness.” Bush promises U.S. help to “build a more free and prosperous” Libya if the country achieves “internal reform.” December 27, 2003: IAEA Director-General Mohamed ElBaradei visits Libya to begin the process of assessing and verifying Libya’s nuclear dismantlement activities. January 6, 2004: Libya ratifies the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty, which prohibits the explosive testing of nuclear weapons. The treaty has not yet entered into force. Tripoli also accedes to the CWC. Under the convention, Libya must completely destroy its chemical weapons stockpiles and production capacity by April 29, 2007.

January 18, 2004: U.S. and British officials arrive in Libya to begin elimination and removal of WMD designs and stockpiles. Assistant Secretary of State for Verification and Compliance Paula DeSutter later tells the Senate Foreign Relations Committee February 26 that the Libyan officials are “forthcoming about the myriad aspects” of Libya’s WMD programs. February 26, 2004: The United States lifts its Libya travel ban. U.S. citizens are allowed to make travel-related expenditures in Libya, and businesses may enter negotiations to re-acquire pre-sanctions holdings inside Libya. The United States also offers Libya the possibility of opening a diplomatic interests section in Washington. DeSutter tells the Senate Foreign Relations Committee the same day that Libya’s decision to abandon its weapons programs should become “a model for other proliferators to mend their ways and help restore themselves to international legitimacy.” February 27, 2004: The Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), the international body charged with verifying CWC compliance, confirms that Libyan officials provided a “partial initial declaration of their chemical weapons stockpiles” and promised a complete declaration to the organization by March 5, 2004. The OPCW begins oversight of chemical weapons destruction activities in Libya. February 28, 2004: At the end of an African Union summit, Gaddafi calls upon other states to abandon their WMD programs. Nuclear weapons, he says, make states less secure. March 10, 2004: Libya signs an additional protocol to its IAEA safeguards agreement and reaffirms a December 29 commitment to behave as if the protocol had already entered into force. DeSutter tells the House International Relations Committee that the United States has removed five 800 kilometer range Scud-C missiles from Libya, as well as additional missile and centrifuge components. The IAEA Board of Governors adopts a resolution declaring that Libya’s past clandestine nuclear activities “constituted noncompliance” with its IAEA safeguards agreement. Nonetheless, the board welcomes the cooperation and openness of Libyan officials since December 2003 and recommends that ElBaradei report Libya’s noncompliance to the Security Council “for information purposes only.” The IAEA is required to report noncompliance with safeguards agreements to the Security Council, which can then take action against the offending state. June 28, 2004: Announcing that Washington and Tripoli will resume direct diplomatic ties, Burns inaugurates a new U.S. Liaison Office in Libya. September 20, 2004: The United States lifts most of its remaining sanctions on Libya. Bush terminates the national emergency declared in 1986 under IEEPA, as well as revokes related executive orders. This action ends the remaining sanctions under IEEPA and ends the need for Treasury Department licenses for trade with Libya. The United States also permits direct air flights between the two countries, as well as unfreezes Libyan assets in the United States. Additionally, Bush waives prohibitions on extending certain U.S. export assistance programs to Libya and on the ability of U.S. taxpayers to claim credits for taxes paid to Libya. Libya is still subject to some sanctions as it remains on the U.S. list of state sponsors of terrorism. These sanctions include prohibitions on arms exports and Department of Defense

contracts. The United States also is required to oppose loans from international financial institutions to such countries and impose export controls on dual-use items. Two days later, DeSutter tells the House International Relations Committee that verification of Libya’s disarmament tasks is “essentially complete,” adding that the United States, working with the United Kingdom, has completed verifying “with reasonable certainty that Libya has eliminated, or has set in place the elimination of” its weapons programs. May 15, 2006: Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice announces the U.S. establishment of full diplomatic relations with Libya. As part of that move, President George W. Bush submits a report to Congress certifying that Tripoli had not engaged in acts of terrorism in the previous six months and had provided assurances that it would not support terrorism, thereby allowing Libya to be removed from the list of state sponsors of terrorism. June 26, 2006: The United Kingdom and Libya sign a “Joint Letter of Peace and Security,” in which London pledges to seek UN Security Council action if another state attacks Libya with chemical or biological weapons and pledges to aid Libya in strengthening its defense capabilities. Both states also announce that they will work jointly to combat the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. July 27, 2006: IAEA and U.S. National Nuclear Security Administration officials help remove the last remaining quantity of fresh HEU from Libya. Three kilograms of Russian-origin HEU from the Tajoura research reactor in Libya are returned to Russia for disposal. July 25, 2007: France and Libya sign a memorandum of understanding on nuclear energy cooperation. The agreement outlines a plan for the eventual construction of a nuclear desalination plant. Loreto House United States of America The world is witness to the fact that the United States of America has been a target of the most violent and destructive terrorist attacks of the century. As known to everyone on 11th September, 2001, 19 Al Qaeda terrorists had hijacked four commercial passenger jet airliners. Two of these planes crashed into the World Trade Centre, New York City. The third plane crashed into the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia just outside Washington D.C and the fourth plane crashed into a field near Shanksville in rural Somerset County, Pennsylvania. Over 3,017 people died including the 19 hijackers. Responsibility for these attacks was taken by Osama bin Laden, head of the Al Qaeda. The Al Qaeda is one of the Foreign Terrorist Organisations that have been designated by the Secretary of State in accordance with Section 219 of the immigration and Nationality Act. Other South-Asian terrorist organizations on this list areHarkat ul-Mujahideen Jaish-e-Mohammed Lashkar e-Tayyiba Liberation of Tamil Tigers Eelam Harkat ul-Jihadi-Islami FTO designations play a critical role in our fight against terrorism and are an effective means of curtailing support for terrorist activities and pressurizing groups to get out of the terrorism business.

As a result of the September 11th attacks ex-president George .W. Bush had signed into law the USA PATRIOT Act. The USA PATRIOT Act is a statute enacted by the United States Government. The contrived acronym stands for Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism act of 2001. The titles of this act are as followsTitle I and X- Miscellaneous Provisions Title II- Surveillance procedures Title III- Anti-money-laundering to prevent terrorism Title IV- Border security Title VI- Victims and families of victims of terrorism Title VIII- Terrorism criminal law Title IX- Improved intelligence FOCUS ON THE TRUE THREAT President Obama believes that Afghanistan and Pakistan are the central fronts in the war against the Al Qaeda. He intends on using diplomatic pressure on Pakistan to fulfill its commitment to root out Taliban and Al Qaeda sanctuaries from its soil. He has also offered specific proposals that will address the sources of extremism: promoting economic development in Afghanistan and Pakistan and funding secular education in both countries. PHASED WITHDRAWAL FROM IRAQ, RAMP UP IN AFGHANISTAN To end the war in Iraq, Barack Obama introduced legislation to begin a phased withdrawal of combat troops out of Iraq. A drawdown in Iraq will not only free American troops from policing a civil war, it will also free up desperately needed military resources for the fight against Al Qaeda and Taliban in Afghanistan. President Obama plans to deploy an additional two brigades(7000 personnel) of rested,trained American troops to Afghanistan to reinforce our counter-terrorism operations and support NATO’s efforts to fight the Taliban.. He will also put more Afghan face on security by improving the training and equipping of the Afghan army and police and including Afghan soldiers in U.S and NATO operations. PROMOTE POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC SOLUTIONS The solution in Afghanistan is not just military- it is political and economic. President Obama plans to increase our non-military aid to Afghanistan by $1 billion. He will demand better performance from the Afghan government and support that performance through tough anti-corruption safe-guards on aid. The United States of America has been accused of avoiding human rights legislation and international justice by hiding behind the principle of national sovereignty. These allegations have been made with regard to the various US led operations in Afghanistan and the MiddleEast. It should be taken into account that these allegations were made during the administration of ex-president Mr. George W Bush and current president Mr. Barack Obama is re-considering many previous policies. To conclude, in the words of President Obama, “You get to decide where change will take us because the future does not belong to those who gather armies on a field of battle or bury missiles in the ground- the future belongs to young people with the education and imagination to create.”

Pratt Memorial School (1) India Terrorism and its infrastructure is a spine - chilling truth that marks our present existence. In South Asia terrorism has become a phenomenon characterized by a ferocity and frequency hitherto unknown. India has become a soft target and a global terror hotspot in recent times. Its multicultural and inclusive social fabric has been increasingly put under severe strain. Terrorism has taken its toll on the nation’s agenda for peace, progress and meaningful development. The 1993 Bombay Serial blasts triggered a chain of terrorist acts through almost two decades culminating in the Mumbai attacks of 26/11. Successive governments in India have striven to deal with terrorism through legislation like TADA, POTA, etc. But in an increasingly globalized international context, the Mumbai attacks confirmed that it was not a domestic or a national problem. It is a global menace. India’s stand on terrorism unequivocally makes it clear that international pressure combined with international sanctions must be exercised to isolate perpetrators of terrorism. A change of government in the United States, and a change in its perception of terrorism in South Asia has validated India’s position. It has been proved beyond doubt that almost all terror attacks in India have been acts of aggression by terror groups operating from Pakistani soil. Bilateral relations between India and Pakistan today, revolve around the issue of the latter’s handling of cross border terrorism. As we stand here, explaining India’s position, the UN has confirmed India’s stand and that is a vindication of our commitment to truth, and transparency. India’s location in this subcontinent as a stable, democratic nation makes it an enviable target for a plethora of terrorist groups operating across the border. Pratt Memorial School (2) Russia South Asia is viewed as a region of protracted animosity due to a host of reasons like political, ethno-cultural and religious conflicts of various nature, occasional terrorist activities with cross-border ramifications, illegal trafficking of small arms etc. The region, therefore, remains politically volatile with the potentialities to threaten peace and stability in the areas both within and beyond it. In the context of Russia, terrorism has been tightly associated with activities of Islamic militants in Chechnya and the broader North Caucasus region. The latter has been an area with the highest concentration of terrorist attacks, and Chechen guerilla fighters have been implicated in the vast majority of hostage-taking incidents and terrorist crimes in Russia. Some major terrorist attacks in Russia have been as follows: The Russian aircraft bombings of August 2004-72 passengers and 17 crew members were on board the plane, and there were no survivors after the crash. The February 2004 Moscow metro bombing -a male suicide bomber killed 40 people in Moscow. Up to 120 people were injured in the incident, many of them suffering from broken bones and smoke inhalation.

The Russian apartment bombings killed nearly 300 people and spread a wave of fear across the country. The Beslan School Tragedy in 2004 – attack type-taking, Deaths- 385 Injured- 783 Islamic terrorism is considered a major threat to the security of the nation .The Russian government has banned seventeen terrorist organizations including Mujahedeen of the Caucasus, Al Qaeda, Egyptian Islamic Jihad, Al-Jamaa al-Islami, Lashkar-e-Toiba, Taliban, Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan. Our Russian special services disclosed monstrous designs of international terrorist network al-Qaeda. The organization intended to conduct a series of terrorist attacks in Russia during the celebration of the Orthodox Easter. Russia has always made efforts to combat terrorism be it in the form of anti-terrorism conventions and treaties or by providing help whenever necessary. The Russian foreign minister has attended The Delhi summit on security in 2007 with the foreign ministers of China, and India, to discuss terrorism, drug trafficking, reform of the United Nations, and the security situations in Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, and North Korea. Russian Deputy Prime Minister Valentina Matviyenko announced in October 2002 that the Russian government would provide aid to Afghan refugees leaving Afghanistan if counterterrorism operations against the Taliban created a humanitarian disaster. The Russian government has worked with the United States and Iran in counter-terrorism operations The United States and Russian Counterterrorism Coordinators met in November to advance cooperation within the context of the United States-Russia Counterterrorism Working Group. Cooperation continued on a broad range of counterterrorism issues, including efforts to destroy, safeguard, and prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. Regulating and investigating terrorist websites was a major concern with assistance from United States from both the FSB and the Cybercrime Directorate. Russia increased its commitment to fighting terrorism in Afghanistan. Through the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), Russia committed financial and technical resources and also supported the OSCE’s initiative to develop projects aimed at strengthening security along Tajikistan’s border with Afghanistan. In September, Russia hosted the Sixth International Meeting of the Heads of special services, security agencies, and law-enforcement organizations, which FBI, CIA, DOE, and NCTC attended. Russia participated in the OSCE Public-Private Partnership Counterterrorism Conference. Russia has also expanded counterterrorism activities into newer regional groups. The scenario for the August 9-17 Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) “Peace Mission 2007” exercise in Chelyabinsk involved combating a terrorist takeover of a village. Under the scenario, approximately 6,500 troops from all six SCO countries, but primarily Russia and China, worked together to defeat terrorists and free hostages. Russia is a member of the Financial Action Task Force on Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing (FATF). It is also a leading member, chair, and primary funding source of the FATFstyle body known as The Eurasian Group on Money Laundering (EAG). EAG members include Russia, China, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan. Russia has also signed the last counter-terrorism convention—the International Convention for the Suppression of the Financing of Terrorism. Building a counter-terrorism plan involves all segments of a society or many government agencies. In dealing with foreign terrorists, the lead responsibility is usually at the national level. Because propaganda and indoctrination lie at the core of terrorism, understanding their profile and functions increases the ability to counter terrorism more effectively. Intelligence, and, in particular, intelligence analysis, target hardening is another such measure. Long-drawn and concerted efforts are required to combat terrorism in the age of globalization and communication revolution. South Asia should join the global community to

identify international terror networks and should take strong initiatives. They should develop effective intelligence and counter-intelligence system. Religious extremists should be countered. In fact, religions can be used positively in influencing public attitudes against terrorism in South Asia. St James School (1) Switzerland The Topic of The Council is-Terrorism Interception And Infrastructure In South Asia The Delegate of The Swiss Confederation proposes the following set of solutions to this matter1) In The Recent Mumbai Attacks 12 Swiss nationals lost their lives,therefore the Government Of The Swiss confederation holds the Nations Of India And Pakistan answerable to them.Therefore there should be a thorough investigation regarding the transport of RDX,transfer of money and Organizations involved in the particular matter. 2) The way the indian government has assisted in LTTE matter it should also Provide Defence facilities to the countries of Pakistan and Afghanistan for extermination of Sleeper cell Organisation like Lashkar-E-Toiba and The Mujaheedeen 3) The government of Switzerland also suggests affected countries like USA And UK to provide monetary facilities to The concerned governments 4) At last it suggests a joint seating of The SAARC countries and discuss regarding the issue and strengthen diplomatic relations betweeen each other St James School (2) The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland United Kingdom has seen and gone through many terrorist attacks, the most serious one being the The 7 July 2005 London bombings . The 7 July 2005 London bombings (also known as the 7/7 bombings) was a series of coordinated suicide bomb attacks on London's public transport system during the morning rush hour . The bombings killed 56 people, including the four bombers, injured 700, and caused disruption of the city's transport system (severely for the first day) and the country's mobile telecommunications infrastructure. . The series of explosions constituted the largest and deadliest terrorist attack on London's transit system in history. It has been proved by the history of mankind, and it logically follows from the nature of terrorism, that it is impossible to stop terrorism by killing or imprisoning terrorist leaders. As long as the cause of terrorism (the feeling of injustice) remains, new terrorist leaders appear and replace those killed or imprisoned. The very fact of killing or imprisoning terrorist leaders increases the feeling of injustice and hatred that feeds terrorism and arouses desire for revenge. The killed terrorist leaders become symbols, martyrs, saints and role models for their followers. Occasional terrorist incidents become regular and increasingly frequent part of daily life, until they reach the proportions of a full scale civil war. The only way to eradicate terrorism is to remove its cause – the (justified or unjustified) feeling of injustice. This is the UK’s conclusion based on accumulated historical experience of mankind and on logical reasoning from the nature of terrorism. UK feels terrorism is the deprivation of national and civic rights, and that the way to stop terror is to redress the supposed grievances that arise from this deprivation. The UK is a party or signatory to the following international treaties and conventions Relating to terrorism : -- 1963 Tokyo Convention on Offenses and Certain Other Acts Committed on Board Aircraft;

-- 1970 Hague Convention for the Unlawful Seizure of Aircraft; -- 1971 Montreal Convention for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts Against the Safety of Civil Aviation; -- 1973 Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of Crimes Against Internationally Protected Persons, Including Diplomatic Agents; -- 1979 Convention Against the Taking of Hostages; -- 1979 Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material; -- 1988 Protocol for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts of Violence at Airports Serving International Civil Aviation, (supplements the 1971 Montreal Convention); -- 1988 Rome 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 Located on the Continental Shelf (supplements the Rome Convention) -- 1991 Convention on the Marking of Plastic Explosives for the Purpose of Detection;. he Security Council has established an arms embargo against Al-Qaida, the Taliban and their associates, most recently reiterated in resolution 1617 (2005), and in resolution 1373 (2001) called on States to eliminate the supply of weapons to terrorists. But gaps remain in the control of conventional weapons. Additional efforts must be undertaken, including creating new international instruments regulating conventional weapons, and advocating greater adherence to and fuller compliance with the existing instruments. We must promote accession to the Protocol against the Illicit Manufacturing of and Trafficking in Firearms, Their Parts and Components and Ammunition, andUKurgesMember States to step up implementation of the Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects and the International Instrument to Enable States to Identify and Trace, in a Timely and Reliable Manner, Illicit Small Arms and Light Weapons. The United Kingdom, is in Afghanistan at the invitation of the democratically elected Afghan Government to help rebuild and develop a country emerging from a quarter century of conflict. The UK is there to support Afghanistan's security, reconstruction, good governance and counter-narcotics work. The UK's efforts are co-ordinated by the Foreign & Commonwealth Office, the Department for International Development and the Ministry of Defense. The United Kingdom would like to conclude by stating that it is prepared to offer every help possible to solve the problems of terrorism in South-East Asia. The Heritage School Islamic Republic of Iran The Islamic Republic of Iran would like to state that it’s full support is behind the United Nations’ and international community’s anti-terrorism stand. We believe that the best methods of eliminating such threats would be improving relations in the international community, so as to provide fewer excuses to those extremists/ terrorists who would isolate themselves. Strict non-negotiation should also be a rule. The last attack Iran has had to face is in it’s embassy in London, in the year 1980, where a sixman team calling itself the 'Democratic Revolutionary Movement for the Liberation of Arabistan' (DRMLA), captured the embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Prince's Gate, South Kensington. Prompt action of the police caused minimal damage. We place our support behind India in it’s troubled times, and believe that peace-talks which have been put off by the terrorists should be resumed. The only way to find out who the terrorists were and what their motives were is to mutually agree on a cross-border course of action.

Nuclear weaponry is not a part of our technology and we stand by what our chief nuclear negotiator of February 2006, Ali Larijani stated- that we are willing to accept Mahmoud ElBaradei’s (head of International Atomic Energy Agency) proposal of placing all production and processing of weapon-usable material under international control. I would also like to remind the Committee that the vote on FISSBAN by the UN Committee on Nuclear Disarmament, was rejected practically single-handedly by US, joined later by Palau. While nuclear weaponry is still a threat, international tension will heighten and cause more unrest, thus suspicion and chances of terrorist action will increase. A verifiable treaty against aggression should be ratified by all the nations’, we ourselves have continued efforts to improve bilateral relations. Our honourable President, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has visited Iraq. We are attempting to improve relations with Bangladesh. Relations with India and Pakistan are complex but they have our full support during this difficult conflict. We have cooperated with Afghanistan on the issue of drug smuggling, and have largely succeeded. We have not declared aggression against any country in the last two centuries. We can confidently state that all steps possible are being taken to reduce money being taken out of Iran for any illegal activities. Border and internal security is also being increased, especially in light of recent civil unrest. We are pursuing a more liberal economic policy, with many nations such as Venezuela, Cuba and Turkey and are allying ourselves strongly to an economic and non-military based stand. Welland Gouldsmith School Cuba Terrorism in South Asia has become an area of great concern for the international community and has priority on the international agenda. It is no more regional in character and has spread its tentacles all around the world. Cuban law against acts of terrorism defines the jurisdiction of Cuban government in combating terrorism and emphasizes international cooperation in these matters. Cuba condemns all acts of terrorism, including terrorism financed or tolerated by states. Since 1959 terrorism in Cuba has caused innumerable deaths as well as enormous damage to the country’s security. Cuba has signed and ratified all U.N. and international treaties that regulate terrorism. Most importantly Cuba cooperated with the U.N. Security Council with resolution 1373, which was passed on September, 2001, just a few weeks after 9/11. Cuba also made specific proposals for a bilateral agreement to combat terrorism and international smuggling. Being accused of human rights abuses, it has signed two important U.N. human rights covenants related to basic freedom. The Cuban government does not believe in interfering in the domestic affairs of the other countries so as not to undermine their national security. Fortunately terrorism in South Asia does not pose much threat to Cuba but she condemns any form of terrorism and urges all the South Asian countries to dismantle terrorist infrastructure in the respective regions and take immediate and urgent steps to bring remedy to the situation. Negotiations and deliberations can be a peaceful way ahead in combating terrorism. There is a need for prevention and suppression of terrorist financing and greater exchange of operational information to fight terrorism.

Frank Anthony Public School (Not submitted) Our Lady Queen of the Missions (Not submitted)