FOREIGN MINISTER

Australia will take a leading role in managing global sanctions against Al-Qaida,
the Taliban and Iran as Chair of the UN Security Council Committees overseeing
these issues.

Foreign Minister Bob Carr said the Sanctions Committees had delegated authority
from the Security Council to determine which persons or entities the Al-Qaida
and Taliban sanctions applied to.

"These appointments are a reflection of our high standing among Security
Council members" Senator Carr said.

"We're seen as having the commitment and resources to deliver effective
oversight of international sanctions regimes which are critical to Middle East
and global security.

"All Australians would be proud that we'll be taking up this global
security role."

Senator Carr said the sanctions committees would:

• Determine which individuals or entities were subject to Al-Qaida or Taliban
  sanctions; and
• Monitor international compliance with sanctions regimes and report back
  to the UNSC on apparent breaches.

Senator Carr said the Australia's global security agenda in 2013 would
also include a renewed push for a global Arms Trade Treaty in the UN. The proposed
Treaty would impose new controls on illicit cross-border dealings in weapons
such as automatic rifles, rocket-propelled grenades and ammunition.

"Our message is its time for action on global arms control," Senator
Carr said.

"An Arms Trade Treaty would improve the efficiency of UN sanctions by
reducing the flow of conventional weapons to terrorists.

"Each day there are around 2,000 deaths in conflicts potentially fuelled
by illegally traded arms.

"We're taking a lead against terrorism – overseeing UN sanctions
against Al-Qaida and the Taliban and pushing for tougher arms control to cut
illicit weapons supplies."

Security Council sanctions were imposed on the Taliban in October 1999 in response
to human rights violations and the use of Afghan territory to shelter and train
terrorists and plan terrorist attacks.

Global sanctions were imposed on Al-Qaida in December 2000 in recognition of
the threat it posed to international peace and security.

Sanctions were imposed on Iran in 2006 in response to Iran's non-compliance
with UNSC and International Atomic Energy Agency resolutions on the development
of its nuclear program.

Sanctions can include international controls or prohibitions on trade, goods
and services and financial transactions. They can also include measures targeting
individuals or entities through measures such as travel and financial restrictions
and the freezing of overseas assets.

In addition to its appointment as Chair of the Sanctions Committees for Al-Qaida,
the Taliban and Iran, Australia will be vice-chair of sanctions committees addressing
situations in the Sudan, Côte d'Ivoire and Lebanon.