The visiting delegation with Greek authorities.
Acting on behalf of the Counter-Terrorism Committee, its Executive Directorate (CTED) conducted a three-day follow-up visit to Greece from 30 January to 1 February 2018. The aim of the visit was to discuss Greece’s progress in implementing Security Council resolutions 1373 (2001), 1624 (2005), and 2178 (2014), on stemming the flow of foreign terrorist fighters (FTFs).
In welcoming the delegation, H.E Ambassador Dimitrios Paraskevopoulos, Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, highlighted the need for multilateral responses to the evolving terrorist threat and the crucial role to be played by the UN in this regard. He also stressed the need for comprehensive responses to terrorism that incorporated both preventive and repressive measures.
The visiting delegation with Greek authorities.
The delegation’s discussions with the Government focused on legislation and judicial practice, counter-financing of terrorism, law enforcement, border control, international cooperation, countering violent extremism that leads to terrorism, the role of women in countering terrorism and violent extremism, and the need for rule-of-law-based responses to terrorism.
Outside the capital, the delegation visited the island of Kos to assess border-management measures, including measures to stem the movement of FTFs.
The delegation welcomed Greece’s development of a draft national strategy for countering terrorism and violent extremism and discussed with the Government ways to ensure its effective implementation. The delegation also discussed measures taken by Greece to address domestic terrorism, prevent radicalization, and strengthen international and regional cooperation.
Greece reaffirmed its strong commitment to countering terrorism in all its aspects, including the phenomena of FTFs and FTF returnees, as well as abuse of the Internet and social media for terrorist purposes, noted that its preparations for the visit had facilitated its review of measures taken in the area of countering terrorism and violent extremism, and reaffirmed its wish to continue its constructive dialogue with the Committee.
Mr. Ahmed Seif El Dawla, CTED Chief of Section and Head of Delegation, noted that Greece had made significant progress in its implementation of the relevant Security Council resolutions, despite the impact of the recent financial crisis and large-scale migrant influx. He also commended Greece for the high level of cooperation and engagement demonstrated during the visit.
The visiting delegation also included representatives of the European Police Office (Europol), the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL), the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), and UN Women.