Perspectives.

• Position: Column

In the wake of the terrorist attacks, calls for the strengthening of existing international instruments to combat terrorism have gained new urgency. Among the various proposals are calls for convening a world summit on terrorism, addressing the threat of nuclear terrorism, and completion of a comprehensive convention on international terrorism. At the invitation of the UN Chronicle, the Ambassadors of India, Malaysia and the Russian Federation--countries which have introduced these initiatives--present their views.

An International Conference on Terrorism

By Hasmy Agam, Permanent Representative of Malaysia to the United Nations

In the wake of the horrific attacks on the United States on 11 September 2001, Malaysia's Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad called for a world conference among leaders to discuss the rise in the crime of international terrorism. He believed that the convening of a world summit on terrorism was timely, given the serious nature of this crime which can affect all countries. While he sympathized with the United States on its intention to hunt down terrorist groups and stop terrorism, Dr. Mahathir was against the use of force that would result in the victimization of innocent civilians. He felt that retaliatory actions would not solve the problem, but would only provoke counter-retaliation.

The Prime Minister felt that for global efforts to effectively curb terrorism, it was important for the international community to deal with the phenomenon objectively and impartially. The envisaged conference should examine the issue comprehensively, including its definition and root causes. He added that measures taken to combat terrorism, including the use of arms, would not solve the problem as long as unresolved issues related to the oppression of people in several parts of the world, particularly in Palestine, remain unresolved. While Malaysia supported efforts to curb terrorism, it was timely for the world community to give serious attention to solving problems which drove people to resort to terrorism.

An International Convention on Nuclear Terrorism

By Sergey Lavrov, Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation to the United Nations

Experience shows that the objective of terrorist attacks is to achieve an immediate dramatic impact, and this can best be done by using hazardous nuclear and similar materials. It is, therefore, important to take as soon as possible preemptive measures to establish a reliable international...