Terrorism is a global threat and must be combated globally

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In the period following the terrorist attacks on the USA on 11 September 2001, international terrorism and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction have emerged as the principal threats to international security. Terrorism have since struck innocent civilians in Moscow and Madrid, on Bali and in Baghdad, in London, Mombai and Amman. Terrorism is a global threat and must be combated globally.

The UN, NATO, the EU and other international organisations have therefore given the fight against terrorism top priority.

This threat looms over all people and all societies, and all countries have an obligation to support the fight in line with UN decisions. This was underlined in the 2005 UN World Summit Outcome Document, in which the member states condemned all terrorism, irrespective of its form and purpose, and declared that terrorism is one of the most serious threats to international peace and security.

The international community’s efforts following 11 September 2001 have shown that there are no simple solutions in the fight against international terrorism. Military force may in certain cases be required, but it is not sufficient. We must apply a broad approach, including political, legal, economic, humanitarian and diplomatic measures. In order to identify effective countermeasures it is essential to have a basic understanding of how terrorist groups operate and of the motivation that drives them and their supporters.

International terrorism is dominated by Islamist groups linked to or inspired by the al-Qaeda network. Al-Qaeda’s claim that Muslim societies and values are under attack from the West appears to find considerable resonance in parts of the Muslim world. It is, however, important to point out that the vast majority of Muslims strongly disapprove of terrorism.

Still, it is important that “they” seek to reduce the popular support for terrorist groups that does exist, at the same time as “they” fight known terrorist networks. This is the best way of limiting the recruitment that is currently taking place from Muslim countries and other countries and communities. Particular attention should therefore be paid to measures aimed at countering radicalisation and reducing the terrorists’ recruitment base.

The past decade has shown that armed conflict in Muslim countries and in areas with Muslim minorities can give rise to renewed resentment in Muslim communities and attract terrorists from other countries. We have seen this in Afghanistan, Chechnya and Iraq. Such conflicts can thus lead to increased recruitment. It is therefore important that the international community acts in accordance with international law and respects human rights. It is also crucial to support democratic institutions, including in the field of security, in order to contribute to stable and democratic societies.

The link between poverty and terrorism is not evident. Still, some of our efforts in the fight against poverty will also help to prevent terrorism. This applies particularly to efforts to promote democratic development, equitable distribution and good governance. It is important that we continue to develop our own thinking in this field.

So far, “Norway has” been spared acts of terrorism on Norwegian soil. Nevertheless, Norway and Norwegian interests are threatened by international terrorism. A fundamental principle of Norwegian foreign policy is to strengthen the role of the UN. Norway will therefore contribute to the fight against terrorism in line with the outcome document of the 2005 World Summit. “Norway” will continue to fulfil “their” responsibility in close cooperation with other actors. This is also the best way for “them” to safeguard Norwegian interests and “their” own security.

“The” overall goal is that Norway should, within the framework of international law, make an effective and relevant contribution to the fight against international terrorism and that these efforts should at the same time reduce the threat to Norway.

In order to achieve this goal, it is necessary to take a holistic view of “the” efforts. “Norway is” participating in the fight against terrorism along several different tracks, in cooperation with a variety of actors at the national level, and in a number of forums at the international level. It is essential to improve the coordination of these efforts. This is also necessary in order to gain wider acceptance for Norway’s views. “They” must take the same position and the same approach wherever Norwegian interests are represented.

A holistic view “their” efforts is also necessary in order to prevent short-term measures undermining our long-term goals.

“They” must have a comprehensive strategy that is adapted to the available resources and be in line with the general priorities of Norway’s foreign and security policy. This means that it must clearly stress the importance of multilateral cooperation and the leading role of the UN. “They” will also continue “their” extensive development cooperation and “their” peace and conflict resolution efforts. Furthermore, “they” will take a clear stance in defence of international law and human rights.

“They” must ensure that “their” policy remains predictable and recognisable over time.

Against this backdrop, the objectives of Norway’s strategy for contributing to the international fight against terrorism must be to:

• support the development of an effective international framework for combating terrorism
• ensure that all efforts are in line with international law and respect human rights
• support reconciliation, conflict resolution and reconstruction
• foster understanding between religions and communities
• fight poverty
• promote peace and security by participating in international operations
• prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction
• prevent terrorism financing
• strengthen intern
• National police and intelligence cooperation

In order to achieve these objectives, “they” must coordinate Norway’s efforts in the international arena more closely.”

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*”/”*Lifted By Korir

Published by African Press in Norway, apn, africanpress@chello.no, tel +47 932 99 739 or +47 6300 2525, source.mfa.no

The Gambian President has told foreign diplomats in his country that he can cure Aids and Asthma

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BBC reports that, “a claim by Gambian President Yahya Jammeh (<right photo) that he can cure Aids in three days has been lambasted by a leading South African HIV / Aids specialist.”

The specialist Jerry Coovadia is quoted saying, “I’m astonished. The danger of a president standing up [to say this] is shocking.”

It is now reported that, “Mr Jammeh said last month he had begun treating 10 patients on Thursdays with secret medicinal herb ingredients. His health minister backs his claims, saying in trials so far patients had gained weight and physically improved.”

But disputing the claims Prof Coovadia says, “A response within three to 10 days and a three-day course is almost inconceivable for a disease like HIV/Aids.” He heads the “HIV research team at the University of KwaZulu Natal and is a member of South Africa’s Treatment Action Campaign. He said that science was many years away from finding a cure “so the fact that someone announces a cure like this is exceedingly difficult to accept.”

Foreign diplomats who were meeting last month with President Jammeh, “who says he can also cure asthma”, were astonished to hear the remarks.

He told them, “I can treat asthma and HIV/Aids… Within three days the person should be tested again and I can tell you that he/she will be negative. I am not a witch doctor and in fact you cannot have a witch doctor. You are either a witch or a doctor.”

Confirming his president’s claims, “Gambian Health Minister Tamsir Mbow says the herbal medicines are taken orally and applied to the body. and is quoted saying, “we cannot actually tell you the type of herbs we are using presently, it will be known to the whole world later on.”

According to the reports, “One of the patients currently undergoing the treatment is Gambian university lecturer Ousman Sowe.”

He has told the media, “I’ve noticed I’ve increased weight substantially over the last 10 days. I am no longer suffering from constipation, but we have yet to receive result of the tests”, adding, “I have 100% confidence in the president and I’m taking the medication with all confidence.”

But for Mr Coovadia, “it was tragic that The Gambia had a “political environment that allows a minister of health and a president to violate every foundation of science and public health”, adding, “The entire exercise is circumscribed by secrecy - that’s not how science works.”

Working on preventing measures to curb the spread of the disease must be continued despite the president’s alleged cure methods, until it is proven that it is working effectively.

Others fear that the president’s claim may have negative impact and could lead to risky sexual behaviour, instead of following preventative measures.

Since the cure has never been found, all methods must be tried and if the president’s method can work, why not welcome it! After all, what the world wants is a cure. It is wise that the World Health Organisation has chosen not to attack the president for having said what he has said before studying if the method really works or not. BBC reports that, “The World Health Organisation told the BBC it did not wish to comment on the issue at this stage.”

Others have been criticised before on the same subject. “Last year, South Africa’s health minister came in for severe criticism for promoting a diet of garlic and beetroot to those with HIV, while not rolling out the anti-retroviral drugs which are the only recognised treatment. South Africa has now reversed its controversial advice.”

The WHO should get interested in President Jammeh’s method and research on it immediately, before issuing any statements to the contrary.

By Korir,

Published by African Press in Norway, apn, africanpress@chello.no, tel +47 932 99 739 or +47 6300 2525, source.bbc