Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
05KINGSTON275
2005-02-01 20:57:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Kingston
Cable title:  

GOJ COMMITTED TO RATIFYING COUNTERTERRORISM

Tags:  PTER ASEC PREL JM 
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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