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16 June 2022 – The United Nations Counter-Terrorism Centre (UNCCT) of the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) concluded a National Advocacy Event with Albanian Parliamentarians on Promoting Universalization and Effective Implementation of the International Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism (ICSANT). The event was opened by Mr. Raffi Gregorian, Deputy to the Under-Secretary-General for Counter-Terrorism and Director, UNOCT, and Ms. Mimi Kodheli, Chairwoman of the Committee on Foreign Policy of the Republic of Albania, and was attended by four former ministers.

“I am delighted to see the importance that Albania attaches to this subject, as shown by the high-level representation at this meeting. This event is a testament to the strong commitment of the country to countering-terrorism”, Mr. Gregorian said at the opening of the event. Mr. Gregorian further expressed his hope that the event will reinforce Albania’s interest to consider ratification of ICSANT.

“Albania is fully committed to all Conventions and Resolutions which prevent terrorist acts and by adhering to ICSANT […] will be part of a legal instrument that can make the world more peaceful and secure” underlined Ms Kodheli.

Mr. Jonas Paul, Political Officer at the Delegation of the European Union stated “Albania has been a close partner of the European Union in promoting multilateralism, in particular as a member of the 缅北禁地Security Council. Albania has also been a key EU ally in countering terrorism and radicalisation. The European Union therefore encourages Albania to take the next step and ratify and implement the International Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism.”

The event provided a platform for open dialogue and exchange of ideas on the threat of nuclear terrorism, the international legal framework, ratification status in the region, the regional perspective and available technical assistance. National interventions, including from the Radiation Protection Office and a former Member of Albanian Delegation to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Parliamentary Assembly, enriched discussions and facilitated fluid exchanges amongst representatives. There were also discussions around the formation of a bipartisan group in Parliament to ensure the ratification of ICSANT. 

The event also brought together representatives of several international organizations, including the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the International Atomic Energy Agency and the United Nations Office of Legal Affairs.

Background

The event was part of the European Union and the United Nations joint project on Promoting Universalization and Effective Implementation of ICSANT. ICSANT was adopted in 2005 by consensus by the 缅北禁地General Assembly. It entered into force in 2007 and currently has 118 Parties. UNCCT implements this global ICSANT project in partnership with UNODC. The project supports requesting Member States in capacity building to strengthen their legal frameworks and enhance their nuclear security. It also seeks to enhance appreciation of the importance of ratification and encourage effective implementation of the Convention.
More specifically, the UNCCT-led components of the project include:

1. National advocacy events with Parliamentarians, relevant Ministries and national entities 
2. Regional workshops on border nuclear security 
3. A Global Academic Study on the reasons and challenges for non-adherence to ICSANT
4. A Global High-Level Conference at the United Nations Headquarters

For more information, visit /counterterrorism/cct/chemical-biological-radiological... or contact oct-info@un.org