AS DELIVERED

Thank you, Mr. President.

The Global Counterterrorism Strategy resolution should guide global efforts to counter terrorism and prevent violent extremism, not become yet another vehicle to unjustly criticize Israel at the UN. The United States cannot accept the divisive reference to foreign occupation in preambular paragraph 36 of the resolution. This reference to foreign occupation serves to justify terrorist acts, which are categorically unacceptable under any circumstances and undermines Member States’ legitimate right to self-defense. Accordingly, the United States dissociates from consensus on preambular paragraph 36 of the resolution. We must reject all terrorist acts, not pick and choose which forms and manifestations are criminal or unjustifiable. There is no excuse for terrorism.

Thank you.