Statement by Mr. Bahram Heidari
Representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran,
on
Agenda item 109: “Measures to eliminate international terrorism”
Sixth Committee
New York, 2 October 2023
In the Name of God, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful
Mr. Chair,
At the outset, I would like to align myself with the statements delivered on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement as well as the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and would like to deliver the following in my national capacity.
Mr. Chair,
My delegation welcomes the annual consideration of this Agenda item, as this provides an opportunity for all countries to reiterate their commitments to combatting terrorism, as well as extremism conducive to terrorism, and to express solidarity with the victims of this menance.
While we unequivocally condemn terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, as well as all acts, methods and practices of terrorism, wherever, by whomever and against whomever committed, my delegation regrets the growing politicization, double standards and selective approches of few States by labeling and accusing other States of allegedly supporting terrorism. Along the same lines, as the international community, yet again, witnesses acts of terrorism being brazenly perpetrated against civilians, scientists and governmental officials, not just by terrorist groups but by certain arrogant States, it is regrettable that just a few days ago the General Assembly observed a particular regime threatening to commit nuclear terrorism. We stronlgy condemn such threats of nuclear terrorism, which is a gross violation of the principles and rules of international law.
The Islamic Republic of Iran has long been a victim of terrorism, and is still suffering from terrorist attacks under different forms and manifestations. To cite just a few examples, I should refer to the terrorist attacks committed against the Iranian high-ranking official and world renowned anti-terrorism champion General Ghasem Soleimani, the hero of combatting ISIL in the Middle East, on 3 January 2020, in Baghdad International Airport while he was on an official visit by the invitation of the Iraqi Government; the assassination of Dr. Mohsen Fakhri Zade, the Iranian Scientist and Deputy of the Ministry of Defense, on 27 November 2020; the terrorist attack on Natanz, an Iranian peaceful nuclear facility, in April 2021; the heinous and cowardly terrorist attack by DAISH-Khorasan against innocent people and pilgrims at the Shah-e-Cheragh holy shrine in Shiraz on 26 October 2022 and 13 August 2023 which unfortunely took many lives and inflicted injuries, as well as many other terrorist attacks, including against critical infrastructures, are all obvious instances of the reprehensible policies and practices of terrorism.
Mr. Chair
Given the nature of this menace, combatting terrorism has been one of my country’s priorities in ensuring national and regional security. Placing strong emphasis on the importance role of cooperation and coordination in fighting terrorism, the Islamic Republic of Iran, upon the request of affected states in our region, has been assisting them in diminishing terrorist groups, such as ISIS and Al-Nusr.
The Islamic Republic of Iran opposes any attempt to equate the legitimate struggle of people under colonial or alian domination and foreign occupation for self determination and national libration with terrorism. Such equation is aimed at prolonging occupation of territories and oppression of their people.
Distinguished colleagues,
We shall not lose sight of the Unilateral Coercive Measures which, tantamount to terrorism, targets people for the purpose of imposing political pressure on governments. Such internationally wrongful acts hinder international cooperation in fighting terrorism and undermine the capacity of states in countering such menace. As such, states shall refrain from and terminate the imposition, promulgation and application of such unlawful measures. which are flagrant violation of the fundamental pricniples of international law and the principles set forth within the Charter of the United Nations.
Mr. Chair,
We reaffirm that the fight against terrorism should be in full compliance with the fundamental principles of international law and the principles set forth in the Charter of the United Nations, in particular, sovereign equality, non-intervention and and with due respect to the independence and territorial integrity of States. We emphasize the importance of national ownership as well as the primary role and responsibility of States in fighting against terrorism while recognizing the pivotal role of the General Assembly in this process.
We also condemn the repeated attempts in certain European countries to instigate violence and terrorism against Muslims through the deliberate desecration of mosques and the Holy Quran. We once again urge Governments to take all necessary measures to prevent such heinous acts and fully hold persons responibsle for these unlawful conducts accountable, we believe that acquiesce to deliberate acts of incitement to terrorism against Muslims is tantamount to being accomplices for these xenophobic and islamophobic acts as well as being accomplices to terrorism.
Mr. Chair,
We consider the presence of the Foreign Terrorist Fighters in the occupied Syrian territory as a serious threat to regional peace and security and call for their repatriation to their countries of origin. We condemn the relocation of these terrorists between conflict zones and we remind the obligations of all States to deny providing any safe haven to terrorists.
Mr. Chair,
Let me conclude, by reiterating that the Islamic Republic of Iran remains committed to the fight against terrorism and I would also like to underline the need to focus on the finalization of the draft Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism as well as convening a high-level conference under the auspices of the United Nations in this regard so as to move forward with our coordinated counter-terrorism efforts which will ultimately send a unified and unambiguous signal to the perpetrators of terrorist acts. With that in mind, we look forward to the finalization of the draft convention which will be of practical utility for enhancing international counter-terrorism efforts.
I thank you.