Spindelegger: „Austrian initiative for impartiality and transparency in connection with the UN terror list“

Security Council decides on new rules for the Al-Qaida/Taliban Committee

Vienna, 17 December 2009 – Today the UN Security Council unanimously adopted a resolution setting new rules for the future modus operandi of the Al-Qaida/Taliban Committee. Ever since taking over the presidency of the Committee, Austria has particularly advocated  that the method according which individuals are placed on the terror list or are subsequently removed from it should be managed as transparently as possible and in compliance with international standards. „Today’s decision represents a real milestone. As a result of Austria’s engagement, a change of paradigm in the application of human rights has been achieved in this sensitive area“, said Foreign Minister Michael Spindelegger.

As of 1 January 2009, Austria has been chairing the Al-Qaida/Taliban Committee as part of its membership in the UN Security Council. The committee is examining the sanctions imposed against individuals or companies who are seen as belonging to these terrorist organizations. The Al-Qaida/Taliban Committee was established in 1999 as a subsidiary body of the Security Council and manages the so-called "Consolidated List“ currently comprising some 500 individuals and entities subject to UN sanctions. These include in particular the freezing of assets and a travel ban.

The procedure for inclusion on this list has been subject to criticism due to the lack of transparency and guarantees for fair trial under the rule of law, in particular the right to be heard. „The position of an ombudsperson will now be created upon Austria's initiative. This will ensure an independent examination of all cases that are to be removed from the list. This resolution will finally solve a problem that has already led to lawsuits before EU courts“, said Spindelegger.

The Foreign Minister welcomed the fact that the new resolution will also optimize the modus operandi of the Committee. The quality of the information on the entries to the terror list will thus improve, and the deadlines for dealing with each case will be tightened: „The UN’s Al-Qaida/Taliban list is an important instrument in the fight against terrorism. Yet the fight against terrorism must be waged in accordance with the rules of due process and the protection of human rights. Austria has been actively supporting this ever since it assumed the presidency of the Committee. Today’s resolution represents a fruition of these efforts“, said Spindelegger.

Moreover, the Security Council yesterday unanimously adopted two more resolutions which have been prepared and submitted by Austria. These extend the mandates of the judges at the UN War Crimes Tribunals for Yugoslavia (ICTY) and Rwanda (ICTR), allowing them to bring their current work to a conclusion.

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