For the first time in the history of the Security Council counter-terrorism issues were discussed by interior ministers. UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, Secretary General of Interpol Jurgen Stock, other high-level representatives delivered speeches at the meeting.
The event organized by Lithuania aimed at discussing the implementation of the UN Security Council resolution 2178 (2014) adopted at the Summit in September, 2014 Condemning Violent Extremism, Underscoring Need to Prevent Travel, Support for Foreign Terrorist Fighters.
In his statement, Mr Linkevičius stressed that the phenomenon of foreign terrorist fighters is becoming an increasingly global threat. "There are already more than 25,000 of such fighters from more than 100 countries. Most of them are going to Syria and Iraq to commit exceptionally barbaric and brutal acts. Return to their home countries poses enormous challenges for local law enforcement and counter-terrorism authorities," said the Minister at the meeting.
According to Minister Linkevičius foreign terrorist fighters pose complex, constantly changing and adaptive threat and it calls for revision of the existing anti-terrorism measures as never before. This phenomenon needs to be addressed systematically and consistently and include the countries of origin, destination, transit and neighboring states, with a specific role for each.
The Minister also stressed the importance of strengthening border security and noted the need to prevent financing of foreign fighters. According to Minister Linkevičius, the member states should first of all implement international obligations of the resolution 2178 (2014) and ensure that national legislation acts envisage proper proceedings for individuals involved in the terrorist activities.
Lithuanian Criminal Code provides that various acts of terrorist fighters from abroad are considered criminal. Lithuanian borders are secured efficiently; the data on individuals crossing borders are being checked at various Interpol databases. Lithuania also uses anti-money laundering measures as provided for in international institutional rules.
During the meeting, the Security Council adopted a Presidential Statement on foreign terrorist fighters, in which the member states are encouraged to take all necessary measures, including the application of national legislation, enhancing border security, better international coordination and information exchange, in order to halt the flow of foreign terrorist fighters in the conflict zones.
Lithuania was elected a non-permanent member of the Security Council for 2014-2015. In May for the second time Lithuania holds the Presidency of the UN Security Council. In February 2014, Lithuania chaired the UN body for the first time.
