CSTO Member States Issue Joint Statement

The member states of the CSTO are deeply concerned about the terrorist attacks that have occurred within and beyond the CSTO territory, as well as the increasing use of the internet, including live broadcasts, for such purposes.

This was stated in a joint declaration adopted by the foreign ministers of CSTO member states—Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, and Tajikistan—during the 28th OSCE Ministerial Council on December 2.

The foreign ministers of CSTO countries emphasized that terrorism in all its forms and manifestations is one of the greatest threats to global and international security, noting that any terrorist act is a crime and has no justification, regardless of its motives or causes.

“We reaffirm our commitment to maintaining unity in the international fight against terrorism while recognizing the UN's central and coordinating role in this,” the ministers stated. “We reiterate that states play a key role in preventing and combating terrorism in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations. We reaffirm our commitment to the full implementation of the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, respecting human rights, fundamental freedoms, and the rule of law.”

The foreign ministers welcomed the United Nations Security Council's document titled “A Comprehensive International Framework Strategy for Countering the Spread of Terrorist Ideologies” (S/2017/375), calling on participating states to adhere to the guiding principles and best practices outlined in this document.

They also expressed concern regarding the dissemination of hate speech and ideas that incite violence and terrorism, including through the internet. In the opinion of the foreign ministers, efforts should be made to develop information literacy, especially among the youth, to counteract the promotion of hate and terrorist ideologies.

On December 2, under the coordination of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia, a working meeting of the foreign ministers of CSTO member states was held within the framework of the 28th OSCE Ministerial Council.