GOJ COMMITTED TO RATIFYING COUNTERTERRORISM

UNCLAS KINGSTON 000275 SIPDIS WHA/CAR (BENT),S/CT AND IO/UNP E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PTER ASEC PREL JM SUBJECT: GOJ COMMITTED TO RATIFYING COUNTERTERRORISM CONVENTIONS REF: STATE 269653 On January 24, Post received a diplomatic note from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade (MFAFT) responding to the Counterterrorism Action Group's (CTAG) urging of the ratification of all counterterrorism conventions (Reftel). The MFAFT reaffirmed its commitment to combat international terrorism and reiterated that the Terrorism Prevention Bill will allow the GOJ to ratify the remaining outstanding conventions. This legislation is expected to be debated in the House of Representatives in February. Begin text of dipnote: 50/101/113 The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade presents its compliments to the Embassy of the United States of America and has the honour to refer to the latter's Note No. 385/04 of 29th December, 2004 concerning previous discussions relating to international counter-terrorism, conventions and protocols. The Government of Jamaica reaffirms its commitment to combat international terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. Every effort has been made to develop legislation which will effectively implement Jamaica's obligations in the fight against terrorism while respecting the fundamental rights and freedoms of all its citizens. The Embassy will recall that the legislation to implement UNSCR 1373, the Terrorism Prevention Bill, was tabled in the House of Representatives on 28th October, 2004 and reintroduced on 20th April, 2004 when Parliament resumed sitting. The Bill was also referred to a Joint Select Committee of Parliament for further discussion and the report of the Committee was tabled in the House on 28th October, 2004 along with a Minority report. It is intended to commence debate on the Bill in February 2005, with a view to passage in the House of Representatives. As the foregoing indicates, the Government of Jamaica has never waivered in its efforts to put this legislation in place, within the context of the rule of law and respect for the rights and freedoms of others. The Government of Jamaica will advise the United Nations Security Council when the legislation is in place. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade avails itself of this opportunity to renew to the Embassy of the United States of America the assurances of its highest consideration. The Embassy of the United States of America Kingston, January 19, 2005 End text of dipnote. (Note: The Terrorism Prevention Bill was reintroduced in April, 2004 and was tabled in the House of Representatives in October, 2004. End Note.) TIGHE