Zero tolerance of terrorism essential for security of the oceans

Issues relating to maritime security formed a prominent part of the themes discussed at recent international events including the meeting of Commonwealth Heads of State and Government in Perth, Western Australia, two weeks ago and the 17th Summit of SAARC, concluded over the week-end at Addu City in the Maldives.  Sri Lanka’s geographical location and contemporary circumstances made it exceptionally appropriate for Galle to be chosen as the venue for a conference which brings together policy makers and Navy personnel representing major maritime nations, Professor G.L Peiris, Minister of External Affairs, said in Galle on Monday.

He was speaking as Chief Guest at the official banquet at the Galle Dialogue, 2011.  Mr. Lalith Weeratunga, Secretary to the President, was Guest of Honour.  Mr. Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Secretary to the Ministry of Defence and Urban Development, delivered the keynote address at the symposium in which nineteen countries participated.

The concept of the “blue economy” placing emphasis on the vast economic resources of the ocean and methods for exploiting this potential for the benefit of humankind without inflicting grave damage on the environment, has been an integral part of the current international discourse.   This discussion has included reference to practical means for conservation of fisheries resources, new arrangements for regional and international co-operation to enhance benefits, regulation of new technology and a fresh look at principles of international maritime law and practice, including suitable changes to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the Minister said.

Oil and gas exploration in territorial and international waters, and viable mechanisms for resolving disputes among countries with regard to access to these resources, also warrant close attention, he continued.  

Prof. Peiris discussed the role of navies in operating as a bulwark against collaboration among terrorist organizations, with particular reference to exchange of sensitive information and logistics, and controlling the proliferation of small arms which could threaten the tranquility of countries in the relevant area. 

One of the central areas of responsibility imputable to modern navies has to do with piracy, Minister Peiris observed.  He referred to the relative security of sea lanes in the Indian Ocean area, in contrast with the vexed problems arising in other geographical regions such as the Gulf of Aden and broad swaths of the Arabian Sea.  There is, however, an urgent need to strengthen mechanisms for dealing with piracy.

Among the current gaps which need to be addressed in earnest, he said is the absence of effective provision in international law to follow ransom money and, obtain restitution of it, the grave lacuna in respect of co-ordination of anti-piracy activities within and among nation States, the financial burden that falls on a country which apprehends pirates on its own initiative, and the lack of an established international tribunal to deal swiftly and effectively with acts of piracy, he pointed out.

Minister Peiris recounted a moving instance of compassion by the Sri Lanka Navy whose personnel, at the height of the conflict with the LTTE, had provided all material needs of the monks residing at the historic temple at Nagadeepa and prevented an attack on its hallowed precincts.  He remarked that the Navy has a continuing role to perform, with the advent of peace.  This consists, he said, of engendering confidence and facilitating transition from an atmosphere of naked intimidation and terror to a stable environment in which activity providing livelihoods, including agriculture and fisheries, and a rapid return to normalcy could be brought about.

In the concluding part of his address, Minister Peiris stressed the importance of resolute political will to combat terrorism on a global scale.  He identified this as an absolutely necessary condition for maintaining security of sea lanes and integrity of transnational commerce.  He expressed disappointment with blatant impunity in some instances with regard to continuing public use of emblems and insignia associated in the pubic mind with banned terrorist organizations, and commented on the courage which such impunity is certain to give these groups.  Any distinctions that are even indirectly recognized on political grounds within the spectrum of terrorism, spell disaster for the global onslaught against terrorism, he emphasized.

Another necessary ingredient of  success of the objectives of the conference, the Minister said, is a basic attitude on the part of the international community.   The chief elements of this attitude, he explained, is solidarity and empathy with governments engaged in the struggle against terror or active in rebuilding nations recovering from the effect of terror.

Judgmental or prescriptive postures, which take no account of factors relating to time, place and context, unwittingly undermine the desired objectives, he insisted.  Respect for other cultures and sensitivity to domestic processes designed to harness public support in the aftermath of terrorism, must be painstakingly fostered if eradication of terrorism from the oceans is to be achieved, he said. 

Prof. Peiris also dealt with issues relating to illicit migration and the role of diaspora. Referring to people smuggling and trafficking as a grave threat to security of the oceans and stability of the countries affected, he underlined the need for cohesive international action in this regard.

He concluded by observing that the relationship of the international community with countries affected by terrorism, should never be one-dimensional, and that areas of co-operation should be identified and expanded as a means of strengthening forces opposed to terrorism.

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