Security Council commends Al Qaida sanctions committee's 'proactive' approach

Commending the "proactive" approach taken by its committee monitoring sanctions imposed against Usama bin Laden, the Taliban and Al Qaida, the Security Council today strongly encouraged Member States to submit, whenever they are able, implementation reports on entities and persons subject to the measures because of their links to the group or other terrorist operatives.

In a statement to the press, the Council's President, Ambassador Adolfo Aguilar Zinser of Mexico said the 15-nation body remained convinced that the implementation of the arms embargo, assets freeze and travel ban against individuals and entities associated with the Taliban and Al Qaida by all Member States is an important component in the fight against terrorism.

Ambassador Zinser's statement followed the first oral briefing to the Council from the Chairman of its committee established under resolution 1267 of 1999. The UN sanctions established by that text require States to freeze financial resources, including funds derived or generated by any undertaking owned or controlled by the Taliban, and to ensure that they are not used by the group. In addition, nations must prevent the supply, sale and transfer of all arms and materiel - along with any form of military training - to the named individuals and entities.

Urging States that have not done so to submit their reports to the committee, Ambassador Zinser said the Council noted that such reports "are essential for an assessment of both the success and the challenges related to the implementation of the sanction measures."

The Security Council also noted that the Committee has improved the quality of its consolidated list of entities and persons subject to the measures by modifying it and also by adopting transparent guidelines to be used when considering new of additional relevant information submitted by States and regional organizations.