U.N. urges cooperation to fight terrorism

UNITED NATIONS, Dec. 5 (UPI) -- The United Nations has called for global cooperation in the fight against terrorism or face a growing threat to peace and security.

In a meeting convened to review the implementation of the U.N. global counter-terrorism strategy, U.N. General Assembly President Srgjan Kerim described terrorism as a serious threat and that cooperation is crucial for achieving any success.

"Countering terrorism is a daunting challenge that we can only overcome by working together in partnership," he said in a statement. "If we do not act now, the magnitude of the threat could grow and affect many more innocent people."

Adopted in September 2006, the U.N. global counter-terrorism strategy is a guide to "strengthening the capacity of individual states to prevent and combat terrorism to ensuring that human rights and the rule of law are always respected in the fight against terrorism," a U.N. statement said.

Kerim called on the international community to work together and create a dialogue among religions and cultures in countering terrorism.

"We must put a stop to the misuse of religion in contemporary society, and reject extremist ideologies that threaten peace and understanding among nations and peoples," he said.