Estonia to accede to UN anti-terrorism convention

TALLINN (BNS) - The Estonian government decided on July 11 to accede to the United Nations convention on the prevention of the financing of terrorism, under which any support to terrorism must be regarded as a criminal offense.

The convention on the prevention of the financing of terrorism was adopted by the General Assembly of the United Nations on Dec. 9, a spokesman for the government said. The convention defines as financing of terrorism any action by which a person makes available means for the perpetration of an action which can be regarded as an act of terrorism.

Terrorism is treated as an intention to kill or to cause grievous bodily harm to a civilian not taking part in a military action in case of an armed clash.

Also, actions aimed at frightening the population or forcing a government or international organization to carry out or refrain from carrying out an action is regarded as terrorism. Parties to the convention must criminalize such actions, stipulate suitable punishments for them and take measures for the confiscation of the instruments of terrorism and criminal proceeds.

The convention also handles the parties' cooperation in the investigation of the crimes and extradition of the criminals. The government intends to authorize Estonia's permanent representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Merle Pajula, to sign the convention.