OSCE anti-terrorism head addresses UN General Assembly, calls for an active UN role in co-ordinating regional co-operation

UNITED NATIONS, 8 September 2010 - Raphael Perl, the OSCE Head on Anti-terrorism Issues, emphasized the pivotal role regional organizations played in helping states implement the UN Counter-Terrorism Strategy at the 117th plenary meeting of the UN General Assembly today.

"The UN has demonstrated visionary leadership in setting the global counter-terrorism agenda. But regional organizations play an important role as well. Regional organizations are a powerful force multiplier for implementing the UN Strategy. We want to guarantee that we use this potent resource for our maximum benefit," said Perl in remarks to the special meeting on implementing the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy.

He called for an active role for the UN in co-ordinating the efforts of regional entities.

"Further strengthening mechanisms within the UN framework to co-ordinate activities of regional organizations would greatly enhance the effectiveness of efforts to implement the UN Strategy. The more closely we work together, the better our chances to spot terrorist trends and devise countermeasures. Our resources are limited and we need to maximize what we get out of them," said Perl.

With 56 participating States from Europe, Central Asia and North America, the OSCE is the largest regional security organization in the world and has an active counter-terrorism agenda.