Russia To Ratify Convention Against Terrorism Financing As Soon As Possible

Speaking at the 56th session of the UN General Assembly, Russian Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov announced Russia's intention to ratify the international convention to combat terrorism financing as promptly as possible. The minister drew attention to the interaction and merger of international terrorism, drug trafficking and trans-national organized crime. "These vices have similar and sometimes common channels of financial support," he said. "Therefore this international convention should be given effect in no time." The Russian minister also urged the necessity of launching mechanisms of the convention against trans-national organized crime as well as additional protocols to it. The regime of nuclear non-proliferation was also emphasized. "One should see to it that the slightest opportunity of these weapons getting into the hands of terrorists is excluded," he said. The minister insisted on pooling efforts to perform such key tasks as strict observance of the nuclear non-proliferation treaty, imparting the universal nature to the treaty on the comprehensive prohibition of nuclear tests and effective control regime for the Convention banning biological weapons. "Russia will continue doing everything possible for the attainment of these ends," assured Igor Ivanov.