SC/7730
AFG/221
16 April 2003

Press Statement by Security Council President Following Briefing by Chair of Committee Monitoring Taliban, Al-Qaida Sanctions

NEW YORK, 15 April (UN Headquarters) -- Following is today's press statement by Security Council President Adolfo Aguilar Zinser (Mexico), following a briefing by the Chair of the Committee monitoring implementation of sanctions against the Taliban and al-Qaida:

The Security Council has just heard, and welcomes, the first oral briefing from the Chairman of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1267 (1999), as called for in resolution 1455 (2003).

Commending the proactive approach taken by the 1267 Committee in discharging its mandate, the Council remains convinced that the implementation of the arms embargo, assets freeze and travel ban against individuals and entities associated with the Taliban and al-Qaida by all Member States is an important component in the fight against terrorism.

Council members recognize that the 1267 Committee has communicated, to all Member States, guidance for the preparation of the implementation reports called for in paragraph 6 of resolution 1455 (2003). Noting that those reports are essential for an assessment of both success and challenges related to the implementation of the sanctions measures, the Council urges States that have not yet done so to submit their reports, on the basis of the Committee's guidance, as soon as possible.

The Security Council notes that the 1267 Committee has improved the quality of its consolidated list by modifying it, and also by adopting transparent guidelines to be applied by the Committee in considering new or additional list-related information submitted by States or regional organizations. The Council strongly encourages States to submit to the 1267 Committee further such information whenever they are able to do so.

* *** *