Sedoc: “Terrorism unacceptable “ Vatican’s Permanent Observer at U.N tells UN General Assembly

(Tues.17 Oct:2006): -In recent years, terrorism has developed into a sophisticated network of political, economic and technical collusion which crosses national borders to embrace the whole world, and because the stakes are so high and concern us all, what is most needed is an internationally binding Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism. The remarks were made by Vatican’s Permanent Observer at the United Nations, Archbishop Celestino Migliore in his address to the 61^st session of the UN General Assembly in New York on Monday Oct. 16. “My delegation believes” said Archbishop Migliore, “ that in the debate aimed at adopting a convention, it is fundamental to affirm from the very outset that effective counter terrorism measures and the protection of human rights are not conflicting goals. The former must serve the latter, because the protection of human rights is the primary objective of any counter terrorism strategy.The prelate said the absolute unacceptability of terrorism lies precisely in the fact, that it uses innocent people as a means to obtain its ends, thus showing contempt and utter disregard for human life and dignity.This disregard for life reaches the point of cynically using innocent individuals and entire populations as human shields to hide and protect terrorists and their weapons,he added. The comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism should make clear that no cause, no matter how just, can excuse or legitimize the deliberate killing of maiming of civilian populations, he said. The terrorist’s claim to be acting on behalf of the poor is a patent falsehood said Archbishop Migliore. He stressed that religions and inter religious dialogue have a fundamental role to play in contrasting the terrorist’s preaching of hate and violence as anti-ethical to authentic religion;in promoting a culture of peace and mutual respect and in helping people with grievances to opt for non-violent means. This grave duty falls upon religions,but States and the family of nations can help by fostering an environment, in which religions and inter faith dialogue can flourish, Arch-Bishop Migliore told the U.N. General Assembly.