Thank you, President. This is my first time sitting with you in this Council, and I’d like to congratulate you on your presidency and thank Algeria for its leadership last month. Under-Secretary-General Vladimir Voronkov and Executive Director Natalia Gherman prepared the twentieth ISIL report and provided briefings.
Countering ISIS and other terrorist groups globally is a top priority for the Trump Administration. President Trump has directed precision airstrikes against ISIS in Somalia on February 1st, in conjunction with the Somali government.
"President Trump’s message is clear: The United States always stands ready to find and eliminate terrorists who threaten the United States and our allies."
ISIS has increased its attacks' frequency and lethality in the Sahel, making it a global epicenter for fatalities from terrorist attacks. ISIS-Somalia, ISIS-Sahel, and ISIS-West Africa collectively pose a significant threat to Africa's stability and prosperity.
The Secretary-General’s report highlights that ISIS affiliates in Central Asia, notably ISIS-Khorasan, also pose a significant global threat. There are concerns about ISIS-K’s capabilities to plot attacks and sustain recruitment campaigns, particularly in Afghanistan and Pakistan.
The situation in Syria is being watched closely. The United States wants stability in the region, peace with neighbors, respect for human rights, and prohibition of terrorists using Syria as a safe haven.
"The United States urges Member States to repatriate expeditiously and prosecute as appropriate their foreign terrorist fighter nationals currently in northeast Syrian detention facilities. These individuals must not be allowed to replenish ISIS’s ranks."
The U.S. is committed to preventing Syria from being used as a base for ISIS or other terrorist groups threatening the region. Destroying Syria’s chemical weapons program is vital for regional security.
"Accountability for terrorist attacks and other terrorist activity is key to the fight against terrorism and to deterring such acts from taking place in the future."
Members of this Council are urged to take action by listing more ISIL and al-Qa’ida affiliates in the 1267 Sanctions Committee so they will face asset freezes, travel bans, and arms embargoes worldwide.
Member States are encouraged to play an active role in updating UN 1267 sanctions against ISIS and al-Qa’ida.
"Money is the lifeblood of terrorists. We must bolster our collective efforts to stem the flow of funds to terrorists and terrorist groups."
Efforts should expand beyond security-centered approaches to include comprehensive measures against emerging threats.
"The measures Member States take to counter this grave threat to international peace and security must be in line with the rule of law, respect human rights, and not be used as a pretext to silence political dissent."
I thank you.