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Commonwealth Secretariat press release

Secretary-General calls for intensified action on terrorism

11 October 2001

Commonwealth Secretary-General Don McKinnon today welcomed President Chandrika Kumaratunga's call to combat terrorism, published in the London Times.

"Many Commonwealth countries have been directly affected by acts of terrorism. Sadly the Sri Lankan President and other Commonwealth leaders have themselves been the victims of attacks by extremist groups," he said. "I was in Sri Lanka, meeting with President Kumaratunga on 11 September when I condemned the terrorist attacks in the United States," added McKinnon.

"Many of the principles that bind Commonwealth countries together, such as democracy, the rule of law, human rights and pluralism are threatened by terrorists. At their meetings in Edinburgh in 1997 and in Durban in 1999, Commonwealth leaders reaffirmed their strongest condemnation of acts of terrorism. They called for increased international co-operation against terrorism and sought progress on a UN Comprehensive Convention Against International Terrorism," he said.

Commonwealth leaders have also recognised the linkages between terrorism, money laundering and trafficking in drugs, arms and people.

The Commonwealth has long been active in tackling these scourges: the 1966 London Scheme to facilitate extradition procedures between member countries was an early step towards cooperation on terrorism. The 1986 Harare Scheme dealt with seizing and confiscating the proceeds of crime. It has also worked actively to combat transnational crime including money laundering in the Commonwealth.

The 11 September attacks brought into focus the need to redouble efforts in the fight against terrorism. "When our leaders gather for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in March, they will have an unprecedented opportunity to address again the issue of terrorism. I am confident that they will take steps to ensure that our organisation and our membership are at the forefront of the fight against terror," declared Mr McKinnon.

"We must both intensify our efforts and refine our long-term strategy," added the Secretary-General. "With its diverse membership, the Commonwealth is ideally positioned to face this challenge. Our organisation brings together people of different faiths and cultures from around the world and is committed to promoting tolerance, understanding and the respect of democratic principles."
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ISSUED BY THE COMMUNICATIONS AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS DIVISION
Commonwealth Secretariat Marlborough House Pall Mall London SW1Y 5HX United Kingdom
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