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CANADA BECOMES FIRST COUNTRY TO RATIFY INTER-AMERICAN CONVENTION AGAINST TERRORISM

December 2, 2002 (4:20 p.m. EST) No. 166

CANADA BECOMES FIRST COUNTRY TO RATIFY INTER-AMERICAN CONVENTION AGAINST TERRORISM

The Government of Canada today announced that Canada has ratified the Inter-American Convention Against Terrorism, becoming the first country to do so. The announcement coincides with today's Washington, D.C., preparatory meeting for the Third Regular Session of the Inter-American Committee Against Terrorism (CICTE) to be held in San Salvador from January 22 to 24, 2003.

"International cooperation is crucial to combat terrorism effectively," said Foreign Affairs Minister Bill Graham. "Canada is proud to be the first country to ratify this important OAS Convention which will further coordinate hemispheric efforts aimed at eliminating threats of terrorism. We encourage other OAS members to ratify the Convention."

"In the Speech from the Throne, the Government of Canada committed to continue working with its allies to ensure the safety and security of Canadians," said Justice Minister and Attorney General Martin Cauchon. "Today the government advances that commitment by ratifying this Convention, allowing more effective collaboration with our international partners in the Americas. The Convention complements Canada's Anti-Terrorism Act, which represents a comprehensive legislative strategy against the threat of terrorism."

"Threats are international in scope, so we must ensure that our efforts to counter them are both domestic and multilateral," said Solicitor General Wayne Easter. "This Convention symbolizes the ongoing cooperation within the hemisphere to combat terrorism. We stand strong and united in this fight."

The Inter-American Convention Against Terrorism was adopted at the Organization of American States (OAS) General Assembly in Barbados in June 2002. The Convention calls for OAS member states to adopt their own measures to combat terrorism, and for stronger cooperation in the hemisphere in areas such as law enforcement, legal assistance and border management. The Convention also calls for members to become parties to 10 UN counterterrorism instruments, all of which Canada has signed and ratified, and which are central to the international legal framework. The Convention adds an important regional focus to existing international counterterrorism efforts, and will come into force once six OAS member states have ratified it.

The CICTE is the preeminent forum for coordinating efforts to protect citizens of the hemisphere from terrorism threats. The Committee allows decision makers, leaders in the field and subject matter experts to exchange information and work together to strengthen hemispheric solidarity and security. The First Regular Session of the CICTE took place in Miami in 1999. The last session took place on September 21, 2001, to discuss strengthening hemispheric cooperation on terrorism following the events of September 11.

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