Israel discusses Syrian support for terrorism at UNSC

Waxman tells the Council that Damascus hosts headquarters of several terror organizations; finances, supports and trains them on its soil.

By JORDANA HORN
Assad Nasrallah (photo credit: Associated Press)
Assad Nasrallah
(photo credit: Associated Press)
NEW YORK – Israeli Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations Haim Waxman told the UN Security Council Monday that Syria is “a prime sanctuary for terrorism.”
Stating that “we in Israel know firsthand the devastation caused by terrorism,” Waxman noted for the Council, engaged in a debate on counter-terrorism, that “every day, at least one [UN] member state suffers some form of a terrorist attack.
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“Hamas and Hizbullah are among the most dangerous terrorist organizations worldwide, threatening not just Israel’s security but also the stability of the entire region,” Waxman told the Security Council, adding that a growing arsenal of missiles and rockets, along with weapons smuggling by Iran and Syria constitute “an imminent threat.”
Waxman said Syria hosts the headquarters of several terror organizations in Damascus, and finances, supports and trains terror organizations on its soil. Facilitating the transfer of ammunition and weapons through its borders, Waxman said, is “in clear violation” of Security Council Resolutions 1373, 1624 and 1701, among others.
“Several member states have granted safe haven to terrorists who seek to attack Israel by any means,” Waxman told the Council.
In his speech, Waxman stated that Israel is committed to cooperating with the UN to combat terrorism around the world. Israel’s counter-terrorism agencies work with numerous regional organizations, Waxman said, and Israel has and will continue to host conferences on the subject.
“We believe that it is critical to continue to develop international standards against the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and dual use items,” Waxman said. “The international community must continue to seek and implement measures that keep the world’s most dangerous weapons out of the hands of the world’s most dangerous individuals, especially in our region.”
Reiterating Israel’s support for resolution 1540, which established binding obligations on member states to enforce measures against the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, Waxman concluded by saying that “the struggle against terrorism requires our joint will, effort and action.”