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Commonwealth Secretariat press release

Combating terrorism is everyone’s responsibility says Commonwealth Secretary-General

10 September 2002

Speaking on the first anniversary of the attacks of 11 September Commonwealth Secretary-General Don McKinnon said today, "Defeating terrorism is everyone's responsibility. It is a task all who believe in freedom, tolerance and the sanctity of human life must take on."

Terrorism or the threat of it is not new for the Commonwealth. In October 2001, Commonwealth leaders issued a statement establishing that any member country that harbours or supports terrorists in any way is in violation of the fundamental values of the Commonwealth and has no place in the organisation.

In March at their meeting in Coolum, Australia, Commonwealth Heads of Government agreed to a wide-ranging plan of action on terrorism. They pledged their support for UN action against terrorism and to assist all members—particularly the smaller and less developed countries—in their efforts to meet their obligations under UN Security Council Resolution 1373, which imposes a new international legal obligation on all countries to co-operate against terrorists.

The Commonwealth Secretary-General added, "We have stepped up our action to help cut the money supply of terrorists and those who support them and to increase capacity for international co-operation in law enforcement—for instance, in cross-border evidence gathering.

"Of course, we cannot eliminate terrorism without addressing its root causes. The Commonwealth agenda emphasises preventive diplomacy and conflict resolution, to prevent feelings of disadvantage, grievance and despair from spilling over into division, violence and instability. We also promote 'a spirit of generous globalisation'. For the good of all, there has to be much more equality of opportunity throughout the world."

Note to Editors:
The Commonwealth has been working for a long time to enhance international cooperation in criminal matters and to tackle money laundering and cut the money supplies of terrorists. It has also worked actively to combat trans-national crime including money laundering in the Commonwealth. The Commonwealth Plan of Action on Terrorism is available at:http://www.thecommonwealth.org/
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