The U.N. Security Council has adopted a sweeping resolution to fight terrorism with a major emphasis on eliminating international financial resources for terrorist groups. Without debate, the Council unanimously approved the resolution, sponsored by the United States, that takes aim at the financing of international terrorism.
It requires that all 189 U.N. member-nations freeze the assets of terrorist organizations and criminalize fund raising by terrorists or their front groups.
It also calls for exchange of intelligence information on terrorist activities and requires nations to tighten border controls to inhibit the movement of terrorists from country to country.
The resolution requires that all nations report, within 90-days, on the actions they have taken.
Speaking to reporters after the vote, Security Council President Jean Levitte of France said the Council had made history with meaningful action. "Tonight we have adopted a very ambitious, comprehensive strategy to fight terrorism in all its forms throughout the world," he said. "You know this text, you know its ambition. The Security Council is determined to work hard to implement it fully."
The resolution was approved very quickly by U.N. standards. The United States formally introduced it Thursday. U.S. Ambassador John Negroponte said he was very encouraged by the quick action.
The United States reportedly wanted the resolution in place in advance of next week's U.N. General Assembly debate on terrorism.