Unofficial transcript 
October 8, 2012

EGYPT (OIC):  Thank you, Mr. Chairman.  I have the honor to speak on behalf of the OIC group on the agenda item:  Measures to Eliminate International Terrorism.  At the outset allow me to congratulate you on your election as Chairman of the Sixth Committee.  Congratulations also go to other members of the bureau on their election and I would like to assure you the OIC group's full support for the efforts aimed at finding a solution to the contentious issues under consideration of this item.  
It has been very well known to the international community that the OIC group strongly condemns all acts and practices of terrorism and remains convinced that terrorism irrespective of its motivation, objectives, forms and manifestations committed by whomsoever and wherever can never be justified.  We wish to draw the Committee's attention to the final communique of the OIC's Summit held in Dakar, Senegal, in March 2008.  The OIC group resolution adopted by the 38th Meeting of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers held in Astana in June 2012 as well as the joint communique of the OIC Annual Coordination Meeting held in New York in September 2012.  
Mr. Chairman, the OIC group reaffirms that terrorism should not be associated with any religion, race, faith, theology, values, culture, society or group.  No religion or religious doctrine encourages or inspires acts of terrorism and thus none should be portrayed as such.  In this increasingly globalized world we need more than ever before understanding, harmony, mutual respect and building of bridges among all cultures and people.  The OIC group also reaffirms its commitment to strengthen mutual cooperation in the fight against terrorism.  Only through a coordinated approach the international community's fight against terrorism will yield effective results.
To achieve this objective the OIC group supports a comprehensive strategy to combat terrorism that must address the root causes of terrorism, including unlawful use of force, aggression, foreign occupation, festering international disputes, denial of the right of people living under foreign occupation to self-determination, political and economic injustices and political homogenization and alienation.  
The group reiterates once again the need to make a distinction between terrorism and the exercise of legitimate right of people to resist foreign occupation and would like to stress that this distinction is duly observed in international law, international humanitarian law, Article 51 of the Charter of the United Nations and the General Assembly Resolution 46/51 which also endorses this position.  
The OIC reaffirms that the UN Global Counterterrorism Strategy constitutes an ongoing effort and is a living document which should be updated and examined regularly.  The group also reaffirms that the counterterrorism strategy should be implemented in a balanced manner in all its aspects.
The OIC considers that the financing of terrorism is a matter of grave concern for the international community and recognizes that the payment of ransom of terrorist groups constitutes one of the main sources of financing of terrorism.  The group urges in this regard the member states to cooperate for banning the payment of ransoms, claimed by terrorist groups.  
Mr. Chairman, the General Assembly remains ... [?] [01:13:23] to the pending issues of the draft comprehensive convention on international terrorism.  The OIC group reaffirms its commitment to the process of negotiations and underscores the need for progress in this process.  We reiterate our previous proposal on the scope of the draft convention.  The group is still willing to continue consideration of the coordinator's latest proposal, reaffirm our determination to make every effort to reach a consensus agreement on the draft convention by resolving the outstanding issues including those related to the legal definition of terrorism, particularly on the distinction between terrorism and the struggle for the rights of self-determination by people under foreign occupation and colonial alien domination, as well as on the scope of the acts covered by the draft convention.
The OIC group reiterates a call to hold a high level conference under the auspices of the United Nations to formulate a joint organized response of the international community to terrorism in all its forms and to conclude an agreed definition of terrorism.  The group recognizes that the United Nations Counterterrorism Center has started its work as part of the Counterterrorism Implementation Task Force office in New York, following the contribution agreement signed by the United Nations and the government of Saudi Arabia and is performing its duties in supporting the implementation of the United Nations Global Counterterrorism Strategy, fostering international cooperation and strengthening the organization's capacity building efforts.  And we encourage all members to take advantage of its activities.  
Mr. Chairman, the OIC group has noted with deep concern the continuing instances of intolerance, discrimination, profiling, negative stereotyping, stigmatization, religious hatred and violence against Muslims as well as denigration of their religion, prophet, holy book and symbols occurring in many parts of the world, of which most recent is the despicable acts of the release of a slanderous video in the name of innocence of Muslims.  Such acts clearly contradict the international human rights norms, the principle of freedom of religion as well as relevant General Assembly and Security Council resolutions including Resolution 1624 concerning counter-incitement of terrorist acts, motivated by extremism and intolerance.  We acknowledge the importance of freedom of expression, but at the same time stress the need to insure that this freedom should be exercised by all with responsibility and in accordance with the relevant international human rights law and instruments.  We further condemn any advocacy of religious hatred that constitutes incitement to discrimination, terrorism, hostility, or violence whether it involves the use of print, audio visual or electronic media or any other means.  In this context we reiterate the importance of promoting dialogue, understanding, and cooperation among religions, cultures, and civilizations for peace and harmony in the world, and welcome in this regard all international and regional initiatives and efforts.  
I thank you, Mr. Chairman.