Letter dated 12 March 2007 from the Chairman of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1373 (2001) concerning counter-terrorism addressed to the President of the Security Council The Counter-Terrorism Committee has received the attached report from the Islamic Republic of Iran submitted pursuant to paragraph 6 of resolution 1373 (2001), as well as that country’s response to resolution 1624 (2005) (see annex). I would be grateful if you could arrange for the present letter and its annex to be circulated as a document of the Security Council. (Signed) Ricardo Alberto Arias Chairman Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1373 (2001) concerning counter-terrorism Annex Letter dated 2 March 2007 from the Chargé d’affaires a.i. of the Permanent Mission of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the United Nations addressed to the Counter-Terrorism Committee With reference to the letter dated 13 February 2006 received from the Chairman of the Committee, I have the honour to transmit herewith the fifth report of the Islamic Republic of Iran prepared in response to the questions received from the Committee (see enclosure). (Signed) Mehdi Danesh Yazdi Ambassador Chargé d’affaires a.i. Enclosure* Response to the questions of the Counter-Terrorism Committee (Fifth report of the Islamic Republic of Iran) Response to question 1-1: The Draft Anti-Money Laundering Act has yet to be finalized. Because of minor discrepancies between Parliament and the Council of Guardians regarding the assignment of a central body to monitor the implementation of the proposed legislation, the Draft Act has been forwarded to the Expediency Council, which is constitutionally authorized to resolve disputes between the two bodies. The Draft Act imposes strict mechanisms to verify the lawfulness of the origins of any financial transactions in the banking system. According to the Draft Act, funds of illicit origin are to be traced and identified in order to block their transfer and entrance into the monetary and/or financial institutions. The Draft Act furthermore states that a high-level council comprised of top officials of the relevant ministries and organizations will be established in order to facilitate and monitor the implementation of the provisions of the Act. Relevant bodies, including the Central Bank of the Islamic Republic of Iran, other banking and non-banking financial and credit institutions, insurance companies, interest-free loan funds, charities and municipalities are to be legally bound to implement the directives and regulations issued by this council. Notary public offices, attorneys, auditors, accountants and official experts of the Justice Ministry shall hold the responsibility of presenting the necessary instructions for the implementation of the legislation. The Draft Act also asserts that any person convicted of money laundering must return all proceeds of the crime and pay a fine equal to one fourth of the income expected from the crime, which will be deposited into the Public Income Account at the Central Bank of the Islamic Republic of Iran. In cases where an agreement on judicial assistance or exchange of information on combating money-laundering exists between the Islamic Republic of Iran and a foreign country, cooperation is to be carried out in accordance with the terms of the agreement. Response to question 1-2: In accordance with Article 9 of the Regulations for Prevention of Money Laundering, the Specialized Committee for Prevention of Money Laundering, headquartered in the Banking Supervision Department of the Central Bank of the Islamic Republic of Iran and comprised of the following officials from the Central Bank, has been established: • Deputy Governor of the Board of Governors of the Central Bank, responsible for Banking Supervision, as the chairperson of the Committee; • Director General of the Department for Supervision of Banks and Credit Institutions; • Director General of the Foreign Exchange Policies and Regulations Department and, in his absence, the Director of the Foreign Exchange Policies and Regulations Department; • Director General of the Legal Department and, in his absence, the Director of the Legal Research Department; • Director General of International Affairs Department and, in his absence, the director of one of the departments headed by him; • Director of the Banking Supervision Department; • Director General of the Department for Security of the Central and other Banks or, in his absence, the Director of the Security Department of the Central Bank; It should be noted that financial institutions shall report suspicious transactions to the Banking Supervision Department of the Central Bank. After examining such cases, the Department refers them to the Specialized Committee and, if so decided in that Committee, the case will be sent to the relevant judicial authorities. Hence, at this stage, the examination of suspicious cases falls within the purview of the Central Bank. The Specialized Committee for Prevention of Money Laundering holds the following mandates: 1- to supervise and monitor the implementation of the Regulations for Prevention of Money-Laundering by the following financial institutions as mentioned in Article 1 of the Regulations: 1-1: State and private banks; 1-2: Credit Institutions licensed by the Central Bank; 1-3: Authorized exchange bureaus; 1-4: State Co-operative Fund, interest-free loan funds and co-operative credit companies, which operate within the framework of the regulations adopted by the Currency and Credit Council and other relevant regulations; 2- to consider and adopt the internal guidelines and regulations for financial institutions, mentioned in Article 1(3), in order to identify customers and to fight money-laundering. The said internal guidelines consist, inter alia, of: 2-1: Mechanisms for collecting, preserving, classifying and consolidating information about the identity of account-holders and/or beneficiaries; 2-2: Methods for filing documents related to the verification of the identity of customers and their financial transactions; 2-3: Developing methods for identifying cases that should be reported to the Central Bank of the Islamic Republic of Iran, and the appropriate mechanisms of reporting suspicious cases to the Central Bank; 2-4: Developing appropriate training programs for the personnel in the areas of detection and prevention of suspicious transactions; 2-5: Regulating internal monitoring systems and assigning qualified persons to head each unit; 3- to obtain the names of, and to be in regular contact with, those responsible for fighting money-laundering in each of the financial institutions mentioned in paragraph 1 above. 4- to identify unauthorized credit institutions (the subject matter of Article 10 of the Regulations for Prevention of Money Laundering), and to set deadlines for blocking the accounts of these institutions and the public disclosure of their names. 5- to consider other appropriate methods of identification of customers, suggested by financial institutions (the subject matter of Article 12(4) of the Regulations for Prevention of Money Laundering). 6- to consider and take proper action on the reports submitted by the Banking Supervision Department regarding suspicious cases reported by financial institutions as mentioned in paragraph 1 above. 7- to formulate policies on training personnel of financial institutions and the Central Bank in order to enhance the country’s capacity to prevent and combat money-laundering. 8- to investigate cases that involve failure on the part of financial institutions and/or their personnel in the implementation of anti-money laundering prevention provisions. 9- to examine and decide on urgent cases that are raised by the Chairman of the Committee and are related to money laundering and/or the financing of terrorism. It should be noted that the prevention of the financing of terrorist activities falls also within the sphere of money laundering prevention regulations and therefore, the Committee deals with such cases too. Response to question 1-3: The Executive Directive on the Establishment and Operation of Non-Governmental Organizations, adopted by the Cabinet of Ministers on 30 July 2005 (see annex), requires all NGOs to obtain authorization for their operation. According to Clause 1 of Article 1 of the Directive, entities under such titles as “society”, “association”, “center”, “congress”, “institution” and the likes (referred to as “organization” in the Directive), must obtain authorization from relevant official bodies set out in the Directive, depending on the nature of their activities. Background checks of the main applicants and members of the board of trustees of such organizations are also necessary. The Directive includes provisions that remove any possibility for the terrorist organizations to misuse NGOs or operate under their guise. The Directive also contains mechanisms ensuring that there will be no transfer of money or assets by NonGovernmental Organizations in support of terrorism and terrorist groups. In this regard, for instance, Articles 5, 6 and 9 of the Directive contain provisions that enable the supervisory body to exert control over the financial activities of NGOs. Furthermore, with the enactment of the Anti-Money Laundering Bill, the monitoring regulations of monetary and financial transfers and transactions mentioned therein will be applied to the financial transactions of the NGOs as well. In addition, as stipulated in Article 6 of the Directive, the financing of NGOs must be transparent and fully within the framework of the laws and regulations in place. It should be noted that, as the Directive stipulates, all NGOs must declare in advance, to the relevant supervisory authorities in each case, the amount and modality of the financial aid to be received from foreign sources. The said authorities must seek the views of the ministries of Intelligence and Foreign Affairs and the Central Bank within one week from the date on which a declaration is made. The aforementioned bodies’ approval of the foreign financial sources is necessary, for the NGOs to receive aid from them, except in cases where the aid is provided by the official international and/or regional institutions including the United Nations agencies as enlisted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It is worth mentioning that in accordance with Article 18 of the Directive, the board of founders should meet professional competency and the conditions provided for in the said Article, and should not hold any criminal convictions or have any record of affiliation with, or membership in, groups engaged in, or suspected of, terrorist activities. Furthermore, in accordance with Article 1 of the “Act on Regulating the Informal Money Market “ adopted by Parliament, engagement in banking business by natural or legal persons under any title needs to be approved and authorized by the Central Bank. Under clause 3 of the said Article, supervision over the establishment and activities of non-banking financial institutions, as well as the responsibilities and qualifications of their managers, shall be carried out in accordance with the regulations developed by the High Council on Currency and Credit and subject to the approval of the Cabinet of Ministers. Response to question 1-4: • Under paragraphs 1 and 3 of Article 5 of the “Amendment to the Rules of Criminal Procedures Act”, prosecution and investigation of terrorist crimes fall under the Jurisdiction of specialized courts, and shall be carried out in accordance with the Rules of Criminal Procedures and with full respect for civil rights. Such cases shall be initially heard by the Public Prosecutor’s office and in the event of the issuance of an indictment against the suspect; the case would be heard by the specialized courts. Under Articles 185, 186 and 187 of the Rules of Criminal Procedures, the presence of the defense attorney is a must in all criminal proceedings including in terrorist crime cases. The rulings issued by the courts can be appealed in the courts of appeals or Supreme Court in accordance with the Rules of Criminal Procedures. Such rulings can also be requested to be reviewed at the appellate stage through, inter alia, re-hearing and/or protest, and/or by special powers of the Chief of the Judiciary. Moreover, given the importance of the cases related to terrorist crimes, Articles 62, 63 and 64 of the Rule of Criminal Procedures introduce a special measure, which requires that all such cases shall be referred to, and heard by, the relevant competent courts in the Capital (Tehran). • In addition to its membership in the international anti-terrorism instruments mentioned in previous national reports to the Counter Terrorism Committee, the Islamic Republic of Iran has also acceded to the International Convention against the Taking of Hostages on November 20, 2006. The draft acts of accession to International Convention for the Suppression of the Financing of Terrorism, Convention for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts against the Safety of Maritime Navigation and its Protocol are under consideration by the Cabinet of Ministers. The draft act of accession to the Convention on the Marking of Plastic Explosives for the Purpose of Detection has already been sent to the parliament and is being considered therein. Accession to the three remaining instruments is on the agenda of the Government. It is noteworthy that the draft Act of accession to the Convention against Transnational Organized Crime is also under consideration in the Cabinet of Ministers. • To further enhance its capacity in combating terrorism, the Islamic Republic of Iran has also engaged in bilateral cooperation with the neighboring and other countries by concluding agreements and MOUs on mutual legal assistance and exchange of information on criminal matters. In the same vein, there has also been contacts and cooperation with more than 65 foreign intelligence services to coordinate measures against terrorist elements and their activities. • To guarantee an integrated and conclusive approach against terrorist crimes, the Judiciary of the Islamic Republic of Iran has decided to appoint a special anti-terrorism judge in order to deal with terrorist cases. The courts have also been obliged, in accordance with a recently issued circular by the Head of the Judiciary, to act resolutely on the illegal entry of foreign citizens into the country and on any possible efforts by terrorist groups to recruit new members, and also to take prompt and appropriate measures to counter suspected cases of financing of terrorism. • Iran has also taken various measures to enhance its national legal capacity in fighting terrorism. On 17 and 18 January 2007, for instance, the Judiciary of the Islamic Republic of Iran, in cooperation with UNODC, held a two-day workshop in Tehran to deliberate on this important issue. Many Iranian judges and officials from judiciary, as well as relevant representatives from other governmental institutions responsible for the fight against terrorism, actively attended the said workshop. One of the main aims of the workshop was to provide the opportunity for the attendants to become more familiar with international anti-terrorism legal instruments, and to exchange ideas and experiences in this regard. Two working groups were formed within the framework of the said workshop, in one of which the international commitments of the countries on the basis of existing international legal instruments were discussed, and in the other one the attendants had a thorough deliberation on national legal capacities of the country to implement these commitments. Note: For more information on our response to this question, please also refer to the response to question 1-7. Response to question 1-5: Successful measures taken by the Islamic Republic of Iran to fight terrorism in the past several years include, inter alia, the following: • drafting of the plan for collection of illegal weapons; • identification of arms trafficking routes; • suppression of the terrorist operations and activities of the Mujahedin-e Khalq Organization (MKO); • suppression of mortar operations of terrorist MKO agents against civilian targets in Iran; • implementation of measures to strengthen control over the entry and exit points of the country including through listing the terrorist suspects; • identification of some suspected terrorist elements inside the country and taking appropriate measures in this regard. A case in point is the capture of around 700 agents of the terrorist group Party for a Free Life in Kurdistan (PJAK) in the northwestern part of the country; • identification of, and countering, criminal gangs and drug-related Mafia as well as elements affiliated with terrorist groups active across the border areas; • identification of illegal crossing routes in the border areas and taking appropriate measures in this regard; • admitting 238 of repentant members of MKO terrorist group; • signing a cooperation agreement with Turkey to confront PJAK, the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) and the Kurdistan People’s Congress (KHK) terrorist groups; • detention of some suspected Al-Qaeda members in the last several years and extraditing them to their respective countries (as reported to the Committee established pursuant to paragraph 6 of resolution 1267 (1999) (the 1267 Committee)); Furthermore, officials at all points of entry and exit of the country, in addition to the border guards, have been provided with, and updated on, the Consolidated List provided by the 1267 Committee. Individuals on the list have been put into entry control systems in order to prevent their entry into the country. Response to Question 1-6: The Draft Anti-Terrorism Act, which is under reconsideration by relevant bodies for its final adoption, lays emphasis on the need for the respect for human rights while fighting terrorism, including the guarantee not to interfere with lawful demonstrations or expressions of dissenting views. Response to question 1-7: The Islamic Republic of Iran has concluded agreements on mutual legal assistance and/or extradition and/or transfer of the sentenced with: Afghanistan (Extradition of Culprits, 1928); Turkey (Extradition of Culprits and Judicial and Penal Cooperation, 1937); Pakistan (Extradition of Culprits, 1960); France (Extradition of Culprits, 1963); Azerbaijan (agreements on Judicial Assistance in Penal matters, Extradition of Culprits and Transfer of the Convicted or Offenders Sentenced to Imprisonment, 1998); Russian Federation (Judicial Assistance, Extradition of Culprits, 1999); the Syrian Arab Republic (Judicial Assistance, Extradition of Culprits and Transfer of the Convicted or Offenders Sentenced to Imprisonment, 2002); Uzbekistan (Extradition of Culprits, 2002); Algeria (Judicial Assistance for penal matters dated 2004, Extradition of Culprits, 2005); and Kuwait (Judicial Assistance for Civil and Penal matters, Extradition of Culprits and Transfer of the Convicted or Offenders Sentenced to Imprisonment, 2005). All of the above-mentioned Agreements have been ratified by the Parliament and, therefore, have the force of law according to article 9 of Iran’s Civil Code. Iran has also signed such agreements with Kazakhstan (1999), Kyrgyzstan (2002 and 2003), Turkmenistan (2002), Ukraine (2004), and South Africa (2004). Moreover, the draft agreements on mutual legal assistance with a number of countries including India, Greece, Tunisia, and Armenia have been finalized in recent 3 years and are ready to be officially signed. We have also either proposed or received proposal for concluding mutual legal assistance and/or extradition agreements with more than 20 other countries. Besides, the Islamic Republic of Iran has thus far signed agreements on security cooperation with Italy and Saudi Arabia, which have been ratified and are being implemented. These agreements include provisions for fighting terrorist acts and designation of working committees to implement these provisions. Iran has also signed agreements on security cooperation with Kuwait, Bahrain, Yemen, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kazakhstan and Turkey, which are in the process of final ratification. These security agreements contain provisions on bilateral cooperation for fighting terrorist acts. While some of these agreements have yet to be ratified by the parliament, in some cases working committees have already been established, the working committee on police cooperation between Iran and Belarus being an example in this regard. Concluding MOUs on security cooperation with all its neighboring countries is another measure taken in this regard by the Islamic Republic of Iran. These MOUs include provisions on cooperation for fighting terrorist acts. In accordance with the said MOUs, committees have been set up to follow up the said cooperation between parties. Iran is also considering the signing of bilateral MOUs with some other interested states, and intends to conclude agreements on security issues, including counter terrorism measures, with countries such as Afghanistan, Turkey, Qatar, Spain, and Austria. Furthermore, as a founding member of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), the Islamic Republic of Iran hosted the first meeting of ECO Interior Ministers to address the issues of security as well as counter-terrorism cooperation. The said meeting, held on 1 November 2006 in Tehran, is considered to be a turning point in enhancing regional cooperation on anti-crime and counter-terrorism measures. A wide range of anti-crime and anti-terrorism measures were raised, discussed and decided upon in the said meeting, including issues such as; the impacts of organized crime and terrorism on internal and regional security and development, enhancing cooperation with related UN bodies in particular UNODC to promote national and regional capacities against organized crime and terrorism, and exploring new initiatives to strengthen border security and promote police cooperation. ECO Secretariat has been mandated to prepare a Plan of Action for implementing the decisions of the Meeting and to submit its report to the next Meeting of Ministers of Interior to be held in 2008. A copy of the final declaration of the meeting is annexed to the present report. Moreover, within the framework of the meetings of the Interior Ministers of Iraq’s neighboring countries plus Egypt and Bahrain, Iran is in cooperation with Saudi Arabia, Syria, Egypt, Bahrain, Iraq, Turkey and Jordan regarding security and counter-terrorism issues. The first session of these meetings was held in Tehran from November 30 to December 1, 2004. The Islamic Republic of Iran is also a party to the protocol on cooperation for fighting terrorism and organized crime as well as enhancing border security that was signed among Iraq and its neighbors, plus Bahrain and Egypt, in the second meeting of Interior Ministers of Iraq’s neighboring countries in Jeddah on September 19, 2006. It should also be noted that since terrorism and drug trafficking are mutually reinforcing and terrorist groups are among major beneficiaries of the proceeds of drug-trafficking, fighting the menace of drug-trafficking is essential in any meaningful campaign against terrorism. The Islamic Republic of Iran, for its part, has fought a costly war against heavily armed drug traffickers in the last decades, and is determined to continue this fight. Iran has also extended its helping hand to the Government of Afghanistan to counter this threat through various measures. Some of the measures taken by Iran in this regard are as follows: • In the context of cooperation with the government of Afghanistan on the fight against drug trafficking, Iran has commenced the training of the Afghan Anti- Drug Police Force, has further enhanced border cooperation between the two countries and has promoted intelligence and operational cooperation with Afghanistan. • To enhance regional capacities for cooperation, a quadrilateral intelligence committee composed of the representatives of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, with Germany serving as observer, has been set up and has thus far convened several meetings. • Trilateral cooperation between the Islamic Republic of Iran, Pakistan and Afghanistan within the framework of the UN Border Project is expanding and strengthening. • Operations against major drug trafficking bands and the identification of drug trafficking networks have been intensified since last year. In this regard, the Islamic Republic of Iran has been constantly exchanging intelligence with the relevant authorities in and outside the region. • Establishment of twenty-five more outposts across the long border between the Islamic Republic of Iran and Afghanistan has increased Iran’s capabilities to control the movements and activities of organized criminal groups, particularly drug traffickers as well as terrorists elements. • Iran has been active in the Paris Pact. The Pact has enhanced regional cooperation and could contribute to further restrict the activities of drug traffickers and terrorist groups in the region. • Close cooperation and contact between Iran and UNODC in fighting drug trafficking has been a top priority for the Islamic Republic of Iran and a number of important joint projects have been introduced and implemented in this regard. Response to Question 1-8: As described in our responses to questions 1-4, 1-5 and 1-7 there are agreements for cooperation in this regard. Response to question 1-9: Unofficial translations of articles 5,512 and 516 of Iran’s Penal Code and of the Law for the Punishment of Perpetrators of Offences and Crimes against Foreign Countries are annexed to the present report. Response to question 1-10: Given the grave nature of terrorist crimes and the need to adopt special measures to counter them, the following measures have been envisaged within the existing laws of the country: • Referring such cases to special courts; • Assigning certain courts to hear such cases; • Assigning experienced judges, with special mandates, by the Chief of the Judiciary to deal with such cases; • Separating prisoners suspected of terrorist crimes from ordinary prisoners at all stages; • Hearing such cases solely in Tehran court under the provisions provided in the Rules of Criminal Procedures; • Possibility of exercising vigilance with regard to suspicious telephone calls, communications, and postal parcels that are suspected to involve terrorist related crimes, in accordance with the Rules of Criminal Procedures; • Cooperation with other countries on extradition of culprits and/or transfer of the convicted or offenders sentenced to imprisonment. Given the fact that Iran shares borders with quite a large number of countries and while there is the problem of lack of needed control by some of the neighboring States over their sides of the border, the Islamic Republic of Iran has had to shoulder extra burdens in securing the border areas and prevent cross border movement of suspected terrorist elements and drug traffickers. Furthermore, the Iranian Judiciary is determined, as in the past, to fulfill its responsibilities by effectively dealing with terrorist crimes in accordance with the existing laws and regulations. Nevertheless, lack of agreements on extradition and legal assistance, especially with neighboring countries, has created obstacles in this regard, prompting the judicial authorities to redouble their efforts to remove these problems by trying to conclude such agreements with interested States in the neighboring areas and beyond. Response to question 1-11: Intelligence data, if reliable and collected with the authorization and under the supervision of the judge, can be used in the court. Response to question 1-12: All suspects can be detained for 24 hours by law enforcement forces and, should the case be referred to the court, the judge can rule for their 24 hours detention. Thereafter, they will be informed of the nature and cause of charges against them. If the Judge deems the detention of the suspect necessary, he can issue a warrant for the detention of the suspect for up to one month. Response to question 1-13: According to the existing laws, including the Rules of Criminal Procedures, when security or law enforcement forces detect a crime, it is reported to the relevant judicial authorities and the case should be heard with the permission and under the authority of the judiciary. Warrants for summons and arrest of suspects and those for the search of places, as well as orders for telephone-tapping, etc are issued by competent judicial authorities. The case shall be brought to the notice of the relevant judicial authority not later than 24 hours after the detention of the defendant(s). The competent judicial authority brings the charge(s) to the attention of the suspect and carries out preliminary investigations. And the Judge could benefit from the help and services of police and security officials during the investigation and hearing stages. In regards to investigation methods, appropriate methods are used in accordance with the existing laws and standards. The said methods are applied with strict care and precaution to ensure the security and protection of identity of officers, informants, witnesses and sources. Regarding secret operation methods in countering terrorist elements, it should be noted that methods which may be applied (Despite the technical problems resulting from unfair sanctions imposed on the country) include secret surveillance, infiltration and breaking up terrorist networks. To apply these methods, security agents as well as law enforcement and police forces should obtain the required permissions from the investigating Judge in accordance with relevant laws and should observe civil rights. Response to question 1-14: The Iranian Customs Department has made every effort in recent years to render satisfactory customs services and to facilitate related control and clearance procedures while providing required security for commodities and parcels. To this end, the Iranian Customs Department has employed advanced technologies, including the use of X-ray machines for the screening of containers of goods and commodities and the use of portable X-ray machines for baggage screening and controlling. These measures combined with the implementation of speedy customs clearance procedures have increased the rate of the discovery of illegal materials, including narcotics, at Iranian entry and exit checkpoints. Iranian Customs Department, along with 100 States out of 186 Member States of the World Customs Organizations, agreed to implement the framework of standards to secure and facilitate global trade in June 2005, and Iran is currently implementing a number of these standards and tries to put into force the remaining. This framework of standards is divided into two categories: the first covers customs to customs relations while the second addresses customs-business relations. Promotion of these standards requires capacity-building efforts, related procedures of which are currently followed up by the Iranian Customs Departments. With regard to the capacity building drive in all member states, the World Customs Organization is expected to carry out diagnostic missions and provide these countries with its expertise recommendations. Response to question 1-15: As previously mentioned, the Iranian Customs Department screens most passengers at Iranian entry and exit checkpoints, utilizing, inter alia, X-ray scanners. It should be noted that the Department carries out its duties in close cooperation with the Iranian Police Department. Regarding passenger control measures on international flights, the Islamic Republic of Iran, as a member to the Chicago Pact, is committed to the implementation of the provisions of this important pact to ensure aviation safety and security. Furthermore, the Islamic Republic of Iran has purchased and deployed advanced inspection scanners (X-ray, Gateway, handheld detectors and inspection camera systems), and these equipments are currently utilized in entry and transit terminals at all domestic and international airports. The following figures display the deployment of the said equipments in Iranian airports (8 international and 80 domestic airports): • 426 X-ray machines. • 316 Gateway inspection machines. • 375 handheld detectors. • Installation of a number of inspection camera systems which are currently in use at Imam Khomeini Airport, Mehrabad Airport, Shiraz Airport, Isfahan Airport, Tabriz Airport, Mashhad Airport and Sanandaj Airport. In accordance with the latest norms and standards of aviation referred to in the ICAO Annex No. 17, on the aviation security, the process of updating of security equipments and inspection and safety methods continues unabated and remains as one of the important issues high on the agenda of the Iranian airport authorities. Response to question 1-16: Yes. It is to be added that all the names mentioned in the Consolidated List of the 1267 Committee have been entered into the entry control systems at all ports of entry and if a suspect is identified, the appropriate measures will be taken immediately. So far, none of those mentioned in the consolidated list of the 1267 Committee have been identified. Furthermore, the said systems are regularly updated in order to keep pace with any additions or amendments to the list made by the 1267 Committee. Response to question 1-17: Not completely. Response to question 1-18: In accordance with the existing laws and regulations, strict measures shall be taken, including appropriate and full investigation from relevant authorities on the applicant’s identity and on his request, as well as background checks, before new identity documents are issued. Response to question 1-19: Yes. The Iranian Customs Department holds training workshops with the presence of Iranian and foreign instructors in order to familiarize its staff with the methods to tackle this menace. Among the workshops held so far, we can refer to the risk assessment and intelligence, inspection for narcotics at the airports and X-ray workshops. These workshops are not yet being held on a regular basis but there are efforts underway to conduct them as often and as regularly as possible. Response to question 1-20: Regarding immigration control, records of all legal immigrants and refugees are maintained in computer systems. The Islamic Republic of Iran has thus far registered an estimated 954,000 immigrants. Response to question 1-21: Iran has established 37 official camps, which allow for the close monitoring of immigrants. Background checks on those who apply for naturalization are conducted through the cooperation of intelligence and judicial authorities. Response to question 1-22: Yes. Moreover, after obtaining the required personal information of such people, the relevant intelligence officials are contacted to verify the obtained information. The names are also checked against the lists of terrorist suspects and those on travel ban lists of the United Nations. After verifying the identity of the individuals who ask for naturalization, if they meet the required conditions then necessary legal measures are taken to grant them citizenship. In sum, there are enough controls in place to make sure that individuals who may have any link with terrorism will not be naturalized. Response to question 1-23: Yes. In accordance with the mechanisms in place, the Customs and Immigration officials at the points of entry will be immediately informed if any information alerting of the presence of a terrorist or those in the UN Consolidated List is received. Response to question 1-24: Please refer to the response to question 1-7. Response to question 1-25: The Islamic Republic of Iran has spared no efforts to implement the provisions of Annex No. 17 of the International Civil Aviation Convention, and despite the existing foreign pressure and economic sanctions on aviation facilities and equipments in Iran, the country has been quite successful in meeting requirements in this regard and in preserving the qualities stipulated by international standards. Furthermore, the Islamic Republic of Iran has adopted two separate acts on aviation safety and security, which are reflected in all its related mutual agreements with other states on aerial transportation cooperation. Also, in order to combat criminal acts on its aircrafts, the Islamic Republic of Iran has trained in-flight security guards for all its domestic and international airliners with the purpose of ensuring aviation security and proper reaction to any in-flight illegal and criminal acts, according to the relevant law. Nonetheless, the existing US sanctions against the Islamic Republic of Iran have caused grave problems for the country in this regard by hindering its ability to purchase necessary security and inspection equipments as well as required aircrafts. Iran hopes that these problems could be addressed in an expedited manner, given the decisions made in the 35th General Assembly of ICAO, the follow-ups of the distinguished Head of the ICAO Council and the support of the UN in this respect. The Global Security Inspection Program in the Islamic Republic of Iran has been postponed in coordination with ICAO and due to the C130 and Falcon aircraft accidents and because of a number of other domestic problems. However, the Islamic Republic of Iran intends to renew its invitation to ICAO for dispatching its security officers to Tehran in order to inspect the executive affairs related to aviation security. It should be added that in 1984 the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps was assigned to ensure aviation security of Iranian airports, leading to the introduction of in-flight security guard units. The in-flight security guards have thus far thwarted more than 18 hijack attempts, preventing a number of hijackings and arresting some hijackers. Services rendered by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in securing aviation in Iran during the last 22 years have surpassed international standards and the group is prepared to exchange expertise and experiences and to train the in-flight security guards of other countries. Response to question 1-26: Airports in the Islamic Republic of Iran enjoy various methods of security. Police forces, security officers and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps carry out their assigned missions to ensure the security of airports, and camera monitoring systems and other equipment are utilized in inspection routines. In accordance with the current plans, about 19 airports throughout the country (including Bandar Abbas, Ahvaz, Zahedan, Bushehr, Abadan, Urumiah, Kerman, Kermanshah, Khoramabad, Ilam, Rasht, Lar, Ardebil, Yasuj, Sari, Birjand, Iranshahr, Shahrekurd and Zabul) will be equipped with monitoring camera systems soon. Also, airport staff applicants are subject to thorough background checks and must go through interviews and medical and physiological examinations. In addition to the existing regulations and methods used in the executive sectors of the aviation security (Police and the Guard Corps) to deal with terrorist related situations, a number of written guidelines and regulations, based on Annex No. 17 and document No. 8973, provided by ICAO, have been prepared to respond to critical situations. Given the existing capacities in the country in the field of civil aviation security, every terrorist attempt to disrupt the aviation security is doomed to fail and the Islamic Republic of Iran, as a victim of terrorist acts during the past 27 years, has now sufficient experience on how to respond to terrorist related situations in civil aviation. Response to question 1-27: The Islamic Republic of Iran has taken important steps to counter the smuggling of arms into the country from neighboring countries, which has been a problem for Iran in the post-Islamic Revolution period, particularly following the cessation of the war imposed on Iran by the previous Iraqi regime. Presently, due to the critical situations in some of Iran’s neighboring countries and the presence of occupying forces there, the problem of smuggling of arms, munitions and hunting rifles from some of those countries into the territory of the Islamic Republic of Iran continues. Since most of these illegal weapons will finally end up in the hands of thugs, bandits, drug traffickers and enemies of the country, the prevention of the smuggling of illicit arms and munitions into the Islamic Republic of Iran has been accorded a priority on the agenda of the Supreme National Security Council and its Central Commission on Monitoring Arms and Munitions. Thus far, significant plans, implemented with the cooperation of the security, military, and law-enforcement forces of the country, have produced the following results: • National amnesty granted to possessors of illicit arms and munitions in 1997, which led to the collection of some 270,000 arms of various types, including 90,000 firearms and 160,000 hunting rifles. • Implementation of the second phase of the plan to collect illicit arms and munitions, adopted in 2000 and revised in 2004 by the Supreme National Security Council, which resulted in the collection of some 90,000 arms, munitions and war equipment of different types. These arms and munitions were seized and the related suspects were handed over to judicial authorities. • Implementation of another special plan on fighting the smuggling of arms passed in 2005 by the Supreme National Security Council resulted in the identification and eradication of a considerable number of arm-smuggling bands and the seizure of some 45,000 arms and munitions of different types. • Amendment of the Law on Aggravation of the Punishment of Arms and Munitions Smuggling, which suggests aggravated penalties against producers and holders of illicit explosives and incendiary, chemical, stun, numb and tear gases has been prepared by the Central Commission on Monitoring Arms and Ammunitions and submitted to Parliament for ratification. Figures related to the Fight against the Smuggling of Illicit Arms and Munitions from 2001 to 2005: Identification of the holders of illicit arms Eradication of arms smuggling bands Detection of arms and munitions Identification of smugglers Operations against arms smuggling 37819 persons 92 bands 101255 cases 3000 persons 12 The latest measures taken against the smuggling of firearms and munitions are as follows: • Expansion of intelligence operations in public places in this regard, and the screening of suspected individuals and suspicious vehicles. • Issuance of directives to military, security and police forces to further tighten their control over the borders. • Conduct of daily intelligence briefing. • Tracking of the activities of smugglers, using sophisticated equipment, along with the launch of ambush operations on foot, car and boat. • Coordination of intelligence units at the operational level. • Issuance of orders to alert operational units. Response to question 1-29: As mentioned above, in addition to the conventions already signed by the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Bill on accession to the International Convention against the Taking of Hostages was ratified on 24 May 2006 by the Islamic Consultative Assembly, and was communicated by the President on 15 July 2006. Iran acceded to the Convention on November 20, 2006. Response to question 1-30: The OIC Convention on Terrorism can be used as a legal regional and supplementary tool to enhance international anti-terrorism efforts. 2- The Implementation of resolution 1624 (2005): Response to question No. 2-1: Iranian laws prohibit any incitement to violence and terrorist acts by publications, individuals or entities, and have made such crimes punishable. Moreover, the Islamic Republic of Iran, as the initiator of the idea of “Dialogue among Civilizations” has always supported the initiatives that help prevent and counter the incitements to violence and terrorist acts. Based on the sublime teachings of Islam, which denounce and prohibit incitement to terrorist acts, Iran is determined to combat the culture of terrorism. With regard to preventing those guilty of incitement to terrorism from entering the country, it should be noted that in recent years important steps have been taken by the relevant authorities and institutions of the Islamic Republic of Iran to counter this menace. However, given the long borders between Iran and its neighboring countries — large parts of it in mountainous and/or impassable areas- exercising full control over the whole borders without cooperation of the neighboring countries is extremely troublesome. Therefore, Iran is seriously concerned that because of the lack of control by certain neighboring countries over their sides of the border, illegal immigrants and arms traffickers may infiltrate the Iranian territory and commit terrorist and other criminal acts in Iran. As a case in point, on February 14, 2007, the Jundullah terrorist group perpetrated a heinous terrorist attack in Zahedan, southeastern Iran, killing and injuring tens of people. Some of the perpetrators of this atrocious terrorist attack, arrested by Iranian security officials, confessed that they had entered the country from a neighboring state where they had received terrorist trainings. The same terrorist group was also plotting to incite violence in the city of Zahedan, by planning to assassinate the leaders of a certain religious group and bombing their places of worship. These wicked ploys were successfully aborted by the Iranian security officials. Also, in this regard there were 15 Iranian nationals suspected of involvement in acts of inciting others to commit and/or support terrorist acts in the country, which were arrested and handed over to the judicial authorities in 2005. A report in this regard will be soon submitted to the 1267 Committee. Response to Question 2-2: Regarding this issue, the following measures, among others, have been taken: • Strict monitoring of borders. • Greater control over cross-border movements, and construction of security headquarters along the eastern and western borders of the country (such as the Nabie-Akram Headquarters) to exercise more control over cross-border movements. • Construction and expansion of security walls along the eastern borders. • Efforts to raise public awareness among peoples living along the border areas, aiming at aborting and preventing any incitement to violence and terrorist acts plotted by Al-Qaida and its affiliated terrorist groups. Response to question 2-3: The cooperation between the Islamic republic of Iran and other states in this regard, as well as the related difficulties, are explained in responses to previous questions including questions 1-7 and 2-1. To be added that Iranian police and customs officers have been trained and briefed on methods of identifying and spotting forged documents which terrorist groups may use. Response to question 2-4: With the firm belief on the importance of dialogue and interaction among civilizations, cultures and religions, the Islamic republic of Iran initiated the idea of Dialogue among Civilizations in 1998. The international community embraced the idea and the United Nations General Assembly laid a solid foundation for institutionalizing, promoting and facilitating dialogue among civilizations by resolution A/53/22, adopted during its 53rd session. Designation of the year 2001 as the United Nations year on Dialogue among Civilizations and the adoption of the Global Agenda for Dialogue among Civilizations and its Program of Action were indeed major initiatives in enhancing dialogue and understanding at the beginning of the millennium. These endeavors demonstrated the collective resolve of the international community to begin the new millennium with a fresh approach to global interactions and a determination to build a better tomorrow for future generations. As the initiator of this whole idea, Iran has been serious in its efforts, and unwavering in its determination, to promote dialogue and understanding among cultures, civilizations and religions and has taken important steps to implement the previously mentioned Program of Action. Response to question 2-5: The Islamic Republic of Iran has taken various measures in this regard, including endeavors to raise awareness among clergymen, religious scholars, chiefs of religious sects and other relevant officials of the religious minority living in border areas, about the nature and activities of extremist and terrorist groups. Response to question 3-2: The Islamic Republic of Iran has been facing various problems and constraints in the procurement of required technical equipments, which are necessary for the serious and resolute efforts it has been making, and continues to make, to exert technical control over the borders. The relevant officials of the Islamic Republic of Iran have at times approached their counterparts in Western states for such equipments, but have yet to receive any positive response in this regard. We also need to recognize that application of double-standards in dealing with terrorism and terrorist groups is a matter of concern, which seriously undermines the international community’s collective campaign against terrorism. In the course of the past 27 years, the Islamic Republic of Iran has been subject to different acts of terrorism by various terrorist groups. A particular reference should be made to the MKO terrorist group, which has long been stationed in Iraq and has organized, financed supervised and perpetrated terrorist operations in and outside Iran, resulting in the killing of many Iranian civilians and officials as well as damaging private and government properties. The said terrorist group has also designed numerous atrocious ploys to incite acts of terrorism inside and outside the country. This terrorist group was long supported and sheltered by the former regime of Iraq and was engaged in the said regime’s bloody campaigns against the Iraqi people, too. Despite its heinous and appalling record of terrorist acts and its incitement to terrorism and although it is officially designated as a terrorist group by the United States and European Union, its elements and members have enjoyed support and received safe heaven in the US and some European countries, including some member states of the EU. Such supports are indeed clear violations of the provisions of the Security Council resolutions, particularly resolutions 1373 and 1624. It is noteworthy that in the last 3 decades, the MKO terrorist organization has perpetrated more than 612 terrorist operations in Iran or against the Iranian interests outside the country, including through hijacking, abduction, bombing and indiscriminate terrorist attacks against civilians. We are of the strong view that all forms of terrorism should be countered resolutely, and there can be no justification for any inaction, negligence and using double standards in fighting this menace. Response to question 3-4: The Islamic Republic of Iran would welcome technical assistance offered by the Committee. The followings are some of the items needed by the country: • Various types of mine-detecting and bomb deactivating vehicles. • Advanced GPS systems. • Telecommunication and optical equipments. • Search cameras. • Explosive, chemical, biological and nuclear substance detectors needed for all airports and other ports of entry. • Portable radars. • Fixed and mobile bugging systems. • Satellite telephones. • Early warning systems for immediate contact between border guards in emergencies. Some other proposals in this regard are also as follows: • Organizing training courses by the Committee in order to provide the attendants with the opportunity to know the methods used by terrorist groups to exploit NGOs for their own purposes. • Arranging for the representatives of the Islamic Republic of Iran to visit states that the Counter-Terrorism Committee believes are successful in fighting terrorism in order for the said representatives to become familiar with their effective methods and best practices. • Organizing regional and international conferences on counter terrorism issues. • Organizing a visit by the Counter-Terrorism Committee to the Islamic Republic of Iran to view the efforts made by our country in its fight against terrorism and the loss of lives and properties caused by terrorist acts suffered by our people during the past 27 years. Response to question 4: The Islamic Republic of Iran welcomes a continuous and constructive dialogue with the Counter-Terrorism Committee and hopes to benefit from its guidelines. The Islamic Republic of Iran also hopes to receive information on the practical measures taken by the Committee in the fight against terrorist groups other than Taliban and Al-Qaeda. * Annexes are on file with the Secretariat and are available for consultation. __________________ __________________  sss1 \* MERGEFORMAT S/2007/142 sss1 \* MERGEFORMAT S/2007/142 FooterJN \* MERGEFORMAT 07-26928 \* MERGEFORMAT 20 \* MERGEFORMAT 19 FooterJN \* MERGEFORMAT 07-26928 United Nations S/2007/142 Security Council Distr.: General 13 March 2007 Original: English jobn \* MERGEFORMAT 07-26928 (E) 120407 Barcode \* MERGEFORMAT *0726928*