NEWS RELEASES
CANADA RATIFIES INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION FOR THE SUPPRESSION OF TERRORIST BOMBINGS
May 1, 2002 (3:30 p.m. EDT) No. 44
CANADA RATIFIES INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION FOR THE SUPPRESSION OF
TERRORIST BOMBINGS
Foreign Affairs Minister Bill Graham today announced that Canada has ratified the International Convention for the
Suppression of Terrorist Bombings. The Convention gives countries jurisdiction over the unlawful and intentional use of
explosives and other lethal devices in public places with intent to kill or cause serious bodily injury, or with intent to cause
extensive destruction of a public place.
With this ratification, Canada becomes one of the few countries to have ratified all 12 existing United Nations'
international counterterrorism instruments, consisting of 10 conventions and two protocols.
"By strengthening the powers of the international legal community to suppress terrorist bombings, this Convention
provides one more key instrument in the fight against global terrorism," said Minister Graham. "In ratifying all 12 major
UN anti-terrorism instruments, Canada has shown leadership in its commitment to stamping out terrorism, and dedication
to providing the means necessary to deliver on this commitment."
The Convention for the Suppression of Terrorist Bombings was unanimously adopted by the UN General Assembly on
December 9, 1999, and has been open for signature since January 10, 2000. Canada played an important role in drafting the
original text of the Convention, served as chair for its negotiation and was among the first signatories.
Canada and its international partners continue efforts to combat terrorism, through work in such organizations as the United
Nations, the Organization of American States and the G8. The G8 has always been a key international forum for the
development of international counterterrorism norms and, with Canada as G8 Chair in 2002, the fight against terrorism
remains a focus of discussion among its members. It will be on the agenda for the G8 Foreign Ministers' meeting in
Whistler, the G8 Leaders' Summit in Kananaskis, and other ministerial meetings and events.
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For further information, media representatives may contact:
Media Relations Office
Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade
(613) 995-1874
http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca
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