Annan says parliamentarians hold key to implementing UN anti-terror measures

Members of parliaments worldwide have a key role to play in implementing United Nations counter-terrorism measures, Secretary-General Kofi Annan said today.

Addressing an annual meeting of parliamentarians attending the General Assembly session in New York, Mr. Annan recalled that Security Council resolution 1373 - adopted in the wake of the 11 September attacks - aimed to target terrorists and those who harbour, aid or support them. "Parliamentarians will be responsible for enacting the legislation that must give force to this resolution on the national level," he said.

Noting that many countries would need help in implementing the 12 UN conventions and protocols on international terrorism, the Secretary-General called on those present "to provide this assistance, promptly and generously."

At the same time, he called attention to other pressing issues on the international agenda, such as conflict, poverty, AIDS, environmental degradation and advancing the rule of law. "Your advocacy will be essential to ensure that we do not lose sight of these pressing challenges," he said.

Mr. Annan also urged those present to pay particular attention to the International Conference on Financing for Development to be held in March in Mexico, and the World Summit on Sustainable Development, in Johannesburg next September.

"These [events] hold great promise for reinvigorating the development process, and ensuring that we do pursue a path of economic growth that will enable our children, and their children, to meet their needs," he said. "Again, it is your unique legislative power - not least the power of the purse - that can translate international agreements into action at home, in your communities."