UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan today proposed the creation of a comprehensive treaty outlawing terrorism, denounced attacks that target civilians and argued that no political grievance justifies killing the innocent.
Speaking at an international conference on terrorism in Madrid, Mr Annan said prevention, such as addressing the causes of extremist violence, is the best counterterrorism strategy, and that "human rights and the rule of law must always be respected."
"We cannot compromise on the core values," he said in remarks to terrorism experts and world leaders from 50 nations. Delegates have worked since Tuesday on research panels trying to identify the causes of terrorism and propose solutions.
Their recommendations, including a proposed UN definition of terrorism, will be refined into guidelines called the "Madrid Agenda" that conference participants plan to take back to their governments for implementation.
Nato chief Jaap de Hoop Scheffer defended the selective use of force against terrorism , saying that sometimes legal and non-military means are not enough to dislodge those wishing to commit violence.
Speaking on the sidelines the terrorism conference, Mr de Hoop Scheffer said the alliance remained prepared to fight for democratic ideals. "Let's not forget these terrorists are not attacking us because they don't like our policies," Mr de Hoop Scheffer said.
"They are attacking us for what we are: liberal, open, free, democratic societies. That's why they're attacking us." World leaders and experts from 50 countries have been discussing how to prevent attacks by addressing perceived causes of terrorism, such as economic inequality and cultural feelings of powerless.
While Nato agrees with that concept, the alliance reserves the right to use what Mr de Hoop Scheffer called "hard power" in fighting terrorism. "As you know, Nato can do that," he said.