Mr. President, I wish to thank the three Chairs of the SC subsidiary bodies for their comprehensive briefing and contribution to the common action against international terrorism. Italy endorses the statement by the E.U. Presidency and will limit its remarks to the following points. We appreciate the closer cooperation fostered by the three Committees and their Expert’s Groups. This will improve the implementation of the full-range of the UN’s counter-terrorism policies. Italy believes that these joint efforts should continue and that every opportunity should be taken to strengthen this cooperation, also in the larger framework of the Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force activities. Joint visits, a coordinated approach with regional and sub-regional organizations, an open dialogue with Member States - in particular those requesting technical assistance – are useful tools for the full implementation of both the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy and the pertinent Security Council resolutions.  In this perspective, a more rational location of the Committees’ Expert Groups and CTITF secretariat within the UN Headquarters could facilitate their common efforts. Mr. President, The promotion and protection of human rights and Rule-of-law are integral part of any effective counter-terrorism strategy. An ad hoc declaration on counter-terrorism is to be adopted at the G8 Summit of next July in L’Aquila. The focus will be placed, first and foremost, on combating the appeal of terrorism and recruitment of younger generations, and on the need to reconcile the effective use of international counter-terrorism instruments with the necessary respect for human rights and international law. Mr. President, The CTC’s implementation of Resolution 1373 requires that all Member States participate in the ongoing Preliminary Implementation Assessment and stocktaking exercise. More than an evaluation tool, it is a unique opportunity for productive dialogue and lasting cooperation between the CTC and any Member State that should provide better guidance on technical assistance.
While looking forward to the interim review of the CTED to be conducted by the Security Council by 30 June 2009, we welcome the CTC’s revised technical assistance strategy aimed at improving the match-making between providers of assistance and its recipients. Along these lines, Italy, as G8 Presidency, is supporting the CTC and CTED cooperation with the Counter-Terrorism Action Group (CTAG) and promoting a wider participation in local CTAG meetings in order to include other donor States or international/regional organizations which are contributing significantly to the counter-terrorism activities in the host-country. Under the Italian Presidency, local CTAG meetings are being convened in 22 Countries in 2009. In 15 of them, meetings will be held both prior to a CTC/CTED visit and in the follow-up.  Mr. President,
In the framework of the UN targeted-sanctions regime, resolution 1822 is an important step in the evolution from individual sanctions to a more transparent system based on clear and fair procedures. This trend should continue. Italy is ready to contribute to this process in all the pertinent fora, particularly in its current capacity as President of the G8. A new resolution to be adopted by the end of 2009 would be a useful opportunity to move forward. In our view, the Consolidated List is a living document that should be constantly updated to address the ever-present threat of Al Qaeda and the Taliban. This is why the ongoing General Review process - complemented by the publication of the narrative summaries of reasons for listing - is so crucial. So far, we have provided the 1267 Committee and its Monitoring Team with 24 updated statements of the case and 22 draft-summaries of reasons out of the 158 individuals and entities already under review. Mr. President, We reiterate our firm commitment to the full implementation of Resolution 1540 to counter the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery. This goal is a priority in the agenda of the Italian Presidency of the G8. At the international conference “Overcoming Nuclear Dangers” – which Italy organized last month with the “Nuclear Threat Initiative” – recognition was granted to the need to prevent terrorist groups from acquiring sensitive materials and technologies. In April of last year, Resolution 1810 extended the mandate of the 1540 Committee for three more years. Italy welcomes the Resolution’s emphasis on the outreach activities and technical assistance needed to attain compliance with non-proliferation obligations, as duly reflected in the subsidiary body’s new program of work. The recent Chairman’s paper on funding mechanisms options is a useful contribution to mobilizing the necessary financial resources – also through intensified coordination among potential donors. Italy looks forward to the comprehensive review of the status of Resolution 1540. This is a timely opportunity to assess evolving threats, identify major challenges and loopholes – at the national and international levels – and develop appropriate strategies and measures to strengthen the multilateral non-proliferation regime.