Military

DATE=10/01/01

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=U-N / TERROR DEBATE (L ONLY)

NUMBER=2-281224

BYLINE=BRECK ARDERY

DATELINE=UNITED NATIONS

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: A week-long debate is underway in the United Nations General Assembly on international terrorism and what to do about it. V-O-A Correspondent Breck Ardery reports from the United Nations.

TEXT: Before the session officially began, New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani addressed the Assembly, saying that the September 11th attacks were not just on New York and the United States but on the principles of the United Nations itself.

Then, U-N Secretary-General Kofi Annan said terrorism will be defeated only if nations unite in a broad coalition or it will not be defeated at all.

U-S Ambassador John Negroponte said the United States has the right of self-defense but that it is not proceeding alone in the battle against terrorism.

British Ambassador Jeremy Greenstock acknowledged that many nations have endorsed what they view as legitimate armed struggles for self-determination. However, Mr. Greenstock said what "terrorism" is should be clear.

///GREENSTOCK ACT///

Let us be wise and focused about this. Terrorism is terrorism. It uses violence to kill and damage indiscriminately to make a political or cultural point and to influence legitimate governments or public opinion unfairly and amorally. There is common ground amongst all of us on what constitutes terrorism. What looks smells and kills like terrorism is terrorism.

///END ACT///

Many speakers hailed the swift action of the U-N Security Council in unanimously approving a tough anti-terror resolution. It requires all nations to crack down on the financing of terrorism, to share intelligence information and to tighten border controls. The resolution also requires all countries to report, within 90 days, on the steps they have taken to comply. (Signed)

NEB/UN/BA/RH