Taking a strong stand against terrorism, President George W Bush today called for the completion of a Convention on International Terrorism.
As we fight, the terrorists must know that the world stands united against them. We must complete the convention on international terrorism that will put every nation on record,' Bush told the 60th UN General Assembly.
'We also need to sign and implement an international convention for the suppression of acts of nuclear terrorism,' he said, adding 'we must send a clear message to the rulers or outlawed regimes that sponsor terrorism and pose a threat to peace and stability.
"The world's free nations are determined to stop the terrorists and their allies from acquiring the terrible weapons that allow them to kill on a large scale (which) equals their hatred.'
He told world leaders that targeting and deliberate killing by terrorist of civilian and non-combatants cannot be justified or legitimized by any cause or grievance.
He said that was the reason why more than 60 countries are supporting the proliferation of security initiatives to intercept shipments of weapons of mass destruction on land, sea and air.
'Later today the Security Council has an opportunity to put the terrorists on notice while they vote on a resolution that condemns the incitement of terrorist acts, a resolution that calls on all states to take appropriate steps to end such incitements,' he said.
President Bush also said that the world will not be won by the force of arms alone, and that is why there is a need to defeat the terrorists on the battlefield as well as in the battle of ideas.
'We must change the conditions that allow the terrorists to flourish by spreading the hope of freedom to millions who have not known it,' he said. 'We must help raise up the failing states and stagnant societies that provide fertile grounds for terrorists.'
He said the world needs to defend and extend a vision of human dignity, opportunity and prosperity, a vision far stronger than the 'dark appeal' of resentment and murder.
