Address by Prime Minister Chrétien
at the Fighting Terrorism for Humanity Conference

September 22, 2003
New York City, United States

I am very pleased to have an opportunity to be part of this conference and I would like to thank Prime Minister Bondevik for his efforts and capable stewardship in bringing us all together today.

This event, and the presence of so many world leaders, is a testament to our collective sense of duty to fight terrorism and our growing awareness that such a fight must address the issues that foster and sustain extremism and violence.

We must remember that our success in the struggle against terrorism will be determined not by what we are fighting against, but rather, by what we are fighting for. We must fight for a global community united in safety and security, prosperity and opportunity, openness and respect, dialogue and democracy.

No one country, no matter how powerful, has either the wisdom or the ability to defeat terrorism on its own. We must work together to devise a lasting and effective response that respects international law. A response that combats organizations dedicated to terror and attacks the roots of terrorism.

Let me be very clear. Terrorists are criminals that must be held accountable for their acts of hate. Individuals have free will and we are all responsible for our actions.

By speaking of addressing the roots of terrorism, we are not excusing it.

By engaging in dialogue about issues that create the conditions of terrorism, we are not justifying it. We are acknowledging that terrorist acts emerge from a complex web of hatred and extremism.

Our work lies in identifying the various elements that create the conditions of terrorism and taking appropriate action in the medium and long-term. A comprehensive approach to eliminating terrorism will be made up of far-reaching and diverse policies.

As a country founded on diversity, Canada has adopted policies of inclusiveness. We are intimately aware of the challenges associated with facilitating dialogue between different groups – and we have learned that differences do not have to be divisive. Canada has much to share with respect to its rich and peaceful heritage of multiculturalism.

But there is a critical link – that we must never take for granted – between democracy, good governance, and the ability of people to live free from threats to their personal security.

In the absence of inclusive and responsive political institutions, discontent, destabilisation and violence find room to grow. In contrast, when all members of a society can freely participate in political life; when the government is accountable both to the law and to the people; when there is a free and independent media and a vibrant civil society; when human rights are respected; and when there is a functioning and unconstrained judiciary, then it is possible to express dissent in legitimate, non-violent ways. Then we give a voice to the voiceless.

When we all have a voice, conflict can be channelled into the political arena in the form of dialogue and debate, which, as we know, are essential components to democratic nation-building.

We must also do more to expand opportunities and share prosperity – to reduce the growing disparity between rich and poor. Global security and stability today depend on greater equity.

The more we promote and encourage economic security, the more we promote global security.

Inclusiveness, democracy, openness, and shared opportunities for prosperity are our weapons in the medium and long-term battle against terrorism.

We also have a solid battle plan for the here and now that includes action on the political, financial, legal and military fronts.

The G8 is committed to preventing terrorists from acquiring weapons and materials of mass destruction. Under Canadian leadership, the G8 launched an ambitious Global Partnership, aiming to raise up to $20 billion (US) to address the WMD terrorist threat. Canada, for its part, has agreed to contribute up to $1 billion (CDN) over the next decade to this important international security initiative.

This money is funding cooperation projects, initially in Russia, relating to chemical weapons destruction, fissile material disposition, nuclear submarine dismantlement and the employment of former weapons scientists.

We have also established common standards, on such issues as transportation security and terrorism financing. We must ensure that the appropriate resources are applied to their consistent, comprehensive and effective implementation.

Countries that do not, or cannot, meet these standards have a duty to themselves, and to all of us, to take the necessary steps – even if this means asking for help. Other countries, such as Canada, must accept the responsibility to assist our friends and neighbours.

Our presence here today underlines our common understanding and commitment to fight terrorism. We must stop terrorists from exploiting the weaknesses of human nature – from fuelling fear and igniting hatred. We do this with concerted action to keep our public places safe and secure. We also do this by strengthening democratic institutions, promoting policies of inclusion and openness, and by providing more opportunities for prosperity for more people of this earth.

Thank you very much.

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