WASHINGTON - Defeating terrorism needs globally coordinated responses, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres said on Tuesday, convening a summit of heads of counter-terrorism agencies to boost multilateral cooperation.
“There are distinct links between conflicts and the spread of terrorism. It is clear that in countries like Afghanistan, moves towards peace would advance the fight against terrorism that plagues the country and spreads well beyond its borders,” he said.
Guterres told an informal General Assembly meeting: “Terrorism needs globally coordinated responses to defeat it. In June, I will convene a summit of heads of counterterrorism agencies to advance multilateral cooperation in this vital struggle.”
Noting that it was also critical to focus on root causes and support for victims, he said actions must be grounded in respect for human rights and the rule of law.
“And we must avoid approaches that feed the grievances and narratives that may generate the very violence we seek to eliminate,” he added. “In short, in preventing and combating terrorism, we should be both tough and smart.” (Pajhwok)