Date: March 19, 2008
Original Source: http://www.un.int/usa/press_releases/20080319_064.html


Statement by Ambassador Alejandro D. Wolff, U.S. Deputy Permanent Representative, on the extension of the mandate of CTED, to the Security Council, March 19, 2008


We welcome Ambassador Michael Smith, the new CTED Executive Director, and thank him for his briefing.  Mr. Smith is off to an energetic and productive start, and we value his contributions, and support his recommendations on how best to advance the work of the CTED.
We are also pleased to welcome the new Counter-Terrorism Committee Chairman, Ambassador Jurica, Permanent Representative of Croatia.  In his short time in the chair, Ambassador Jurica has already proved to be an effective leader.
The United States thanks Mr. Smith for responding so quickly and efficiently to the Council’s request in resolution 1787 (2007) that he submit any changes to CTED’s organizational plan that he considered to be appropriate. The paper, which outlines the proposed changes to the Executive Directorate’s method of work and organizational plan, was produced following thoughtful and broad based consultations with UN Member States.
The organizational plan, endorsed by the Council’s Counter-Terrorism Committee, clearly sets forth CTED’s priorities, including active participation in the Counter-terrorism Implementation Task Force (CTITF) established to assist Member States in their Implementation of the Global Strategy.  It is an ambitious but realistic plan to move CTED’s operations forward and, by doing so, to enhance the CTC’s efforts and therefore this Council’s efforts to promote States’ implementation of resolution 1373 (2001).
Counter-terrorism is our common effort.  This is evident in the goals of the General Assembly Counter-Terrorism Strategy.  It is equally apparent in the priorities and activities of CTED, as exemplified by the high priority CTED and the Council place on strengthening the facilitation of technical assistance aimed at increasing the capabilities of Member States in the fight against terrorism and ensuring that the provision of assistance is adjusted to each country’s own needs.
In addition to technical assistance, Mr. Smith has also highlighted two other specific priorities – consistency and communications.  These three elements: consistency – the responsibility of a new quality control unit, technical assistance, and enhanced communication with all UN members -- are the pillars supporting CTED’s work.  We commend Mr. Smith for his outreach to the wider UN membership.  It is out of these consultations that these three priorities were reaffirmed.
We also applaud the modifications in the plan to CTED’s working methods.  They reflect a more focused and refined approach to its work which is aimed at greater efficiency and productivity.  In the same vein, revisions of the operational structure reflect a plan to make the best possible use of personnel resources.  The United States views these innovations positively and supports their underlying objectives.
My government is hopeful that this CTED mandate renewal, under Mr. Smith’s leadership as Executive Director, and with a revised organizational plan, will be a beginning that will build on the foundation laid in the course of the prior mandate.  This, in turn, will strengthen the CTC.  We will give Mr. Smith and the CTED staff our full support in this endeavor.