The Ministry of Foreign Affairs submitted Proposition No. 56 (2001-2002) to the Storting today on consent to ratification of the International Convention of 9 December 1999 for the Suppression of the Financing of Terrorism.

The Convention is the most recent treaty on measures for combating terrorism to be negotiated under the auspices of the UN. While the other counterterrorism treaties contain measures for combating specific terrorist acts, the Convention is designed to prevent the financing of such acts. It is therefore directed at those who are behind and organize terrorism, and it eliminates one important condition for organized terrorism.

The Convention is closely linked with Security Council resolution 1373 of 28 September 2001. Both the Convention and the resolution require member states to take measures to freeze any assets or funds intended for financing terrorist acts and to bring to justice those who are accessory to the financing of terrorism. The requirements necessitated legislative amendments in Norway, and a Proposition to the Odelsting on legislative measures to combat terrorism is therefore being submitted at the same time.

The Convention entered into force on 10 April 2002. Norway signed the Convention on 1 October 2001, and it will enter into force for Norway 30 days after the instruments of ratification have been deposited with the UN.