Opinions & Interviews

Belarus’ leading role in UN noted

MINSK, 4 September (BelTA) – Belarus, as the UN founder, continues to play the role of one of the leaders of this organization, Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Office Vladimir Voronkov told the media after his meeting with Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko on 4 September, BelTA has learned. 

Vladimir Voronkov stressed that he had very fruitful talks with the Belarusian head of state on the international agenda. “The fight against terrorism is a priority for all the states as it is a real threat to mankind. The fact that Belarus is actively working in this area shows that the country continues to play the role of one of the organization’s leaders. We remember that Belarus is one of the UN founders,” the UN under-secretary-general said.

“The tradition of these active efforts continues and counter-terrorism testifies to the fact,” he said.

According to Vladimir Voronkov, the Minsk conference is a very important international event. “The conference focused on the best ways to counteract terrorists’ attempts to use new technology, the internet in recruiting new members and getting funds for their criminal activities. If we do not succeed in this area, we will not be able to put an end to terrorism,” he said.

The UN under-secretary-general highly appreciated the fact that Belarus is one of the leaders in combating terrorism: “Yesterday's speech of President Aleksandr Lukashenko at the conference was a very important signal for the international community that it is necessary to unite in the fight against terror, that only common efforts and strong solidarity of all states and participants on this track can lead to a final victory. It will be a difficult battle but events such as the Minsk conference, contribute to this consolidation.”

He also touched upon the topic of countering the financing of terrorism, recalling the previous UN Security Council resolution. Vladimir Voronkov drew attention to the fact that terrorists possess huge funds: “According to the most conservative estimates, the Islamic State has up to $300 million which is used to carry out terrorist attacks around the world. Countering the financing of terrorism is one of the main tasks for the UN. All states agree that it is one of the most serious problems in the fight against terror. I think that this cooperation to counter terrorism will continue developing.

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