Highlights of Developments in ARF Cooperation on Counter-Terrorism and Transnational Crime

Transcription

1 Highlights of Developments in ARF Cooperation on Counter-Terrorism and Transnational Crime Introduction 1. The ASEAN Regional Forum Inter-Sessional Meeting on Counter-Terrorism and Transnational Crime (ISM on CTTC) was institutionalised with the adoption of its Concept Paper in 2002 and followed by the inaugural meeting in As defined in the Concept Paper, the purposes of the ISM on CTTC are: a) to propose specific common policies to counter-terrorism and related transnational crimes for national and cooperative implementation by the ARF participants; and b) to assess the state of counter-terrorism action and cooperation against transnational crime in the region with a view to identifying a priority area for consideration and policy development prior to the next meeting. 2. The ISM on CTTC is convened under different themes every year. The first three meetings discussed the issues namely border security, transport security, information/intelligent sharing and documents integrity and security. Since the fourth meeting, the focus of the discussion has shifted towards the soft measures in counter-terrorism by addressing the possible root causes of terrorism while at the same time reviewing the regional counter-terrorism strategies. This theme was further explored at the fifth and sixth meetings which discussed the issues of inter-civilizational dialogue and social participation on counter-terrorism and transnational crime respectively. The problems of cyber and information security were highlighted as the themes of the seventh and eighth ISMs on CTTC. At the 9 th ISM on CTTC, the ARF conducted a review of implementation of the first Work Plan on CTTC and developed a new Implementation Annex of the Work Plan for the period of The 10 th ISM on CTTC focused on crime and terrorism in the maritime domain. The 11 th ISM on CTTC exchanged views on key trends in transnational crime in East Asia and the Pacific and also reviewed and updated the ARF Work Plan on CTTC for implementation in The 12 th ISM on CTTC discussed the current situation in illicit drugs trafficking, updated the ARF Work Plan on CTTC for implementation in , and welcomed New Zealand as the co-lead of the Illicit Drugs priority area of the Work Plan with Thailand. A. Highlights of the 1 st 12 th ARF Inter-Sessional Meeting on Counter-Terrorism and Transnational Crime (ISM on CTTC) 3. 1 st ARF ISM on CTTC, Karambunai, March 2003 a. Called on the ARF participants to become parties to the 12 United Nations Conventions and Protocols relating to counter terrorism. b. Suggested increased cooperation in intelligence sharing to effectively fight terrorism c. Stressed direct international law enforcement collaboration as vital to enhancing border security. d. A list of the various counter-terrorism officials worldwide could be compiled, circulated, and updated regularly, forming a basis for regular consultations between governments on border security issues. e. Suggested that existing multilateral legal inconsistencies be resolved so there can be a uniform enforcement of international conventions and protocols on counterterrorism. 1

2 f. Stressed the need for capacity building - increasing the ability of governments to provide security without impeding legitimate flows of people and trade. g. Agreed on the need for regional cooperation, especially in the areas of exchange of information related to the abuse and forgery of travel documents, illegal migration and terrorism. h. Stressed the vital need for the advanced countries to provide technical assistance to the less developed countries for capacity building and the acquisition of the necessary technology and equipment to enhance the security of documents nd ARF ISM on CTTC, Manila, March 2004 a. Recognised that sharing of intelligence with other countries should be an essential element of any form of cooperation against terrorism. b. Viewed that domestic efforts to support internationally agreed security standards such as the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code and various UN security conventions and protocols as well as the signing of bilateral agreements on cross-border terrorism and other forms of regional cooperation arrangements, should be pursued by individual countries. c. Emphasised the need to find an appropriate balance between improving transport security while ensuring the smooth flow of goods and people, as well as the need to avoid higher and more burdensome costs. d. Raised the need to give serious attention to combat piracy and armed robbery at sea, and develop a multilateral framework for achieving cooperation in the region. e. Emphasised cooperation among different government agencies and other stakeholders. f. Cooperation against terrorism should also give priority to the capacity-building needs of some countries, including the transfer of knowledge and technology and raising public awareness. g. Link between cyber crime and transport security should be looked into to determine how information technology can be harnessed to facilitate transport security. h. Further work needs to be done to enable member-countries to share information on such subjects as real time data on cargo, good practice case studies, cooperative projects between member countries, training material and data on terrorist incidents rd ARF ISM on CTTC, Bangkok, 6-8 April 2005 a. To establish a list of national points of contact for information exchange as a means to supplement existing bilateral arrangements among the ARF participating countries. b. To consider collaboration among law enforcement agencies for the purpose of prosecution and to encourage the ARF participating states to share best practices on this issue. The use of information and intelligence for prosecution must be in accordance with domestic laws of respective ARF participants. c. To strengthen cooperation on capacity building through training and, where feasible, technology transfer, in order to reduce the gap between developed and developing countries. It was also agreed that capacity building should include training on, inter alia, cognitive skills, threat recognition and operational capabilities. d. To work towards implementation of International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) document standards. e. To designate points of contact for the purposes of exchanging information on documents, including supporting documents, and document fraud. 2

3 f. To enhance capacity building through training, sharing of best practices, technological resources, and in this regard, agree to submit information about document fraud and other related training programmes, facilities and needs, including relevant regional centres, to the ARF Unit of the ASEAN Secretariat for compilation. g. To broaden the accessibility to the INTERPOL I 24/7 communications system and databases, including the lost and stolen passport database, amongst relevant national agencies. h. To strengthen the ARF law enforcement cooperation on the basis of bilateral and multilateral agreements and through use of existing mechanisms in particular INTERPOL and its I 24/7 communications network for the exchange of information. i. To develop a directory of the ARF law enforcement points of contact. j. To provide law enforcement assistance to counter terrorism, including in response to terrorist attacks, and other transnational crime on the basis of UN Directory of Counter-Terrorism Information and Sources of Assistance. k. To further enhance capacity building cooperation and assistance and sharing of best practices and to utilize existing regional centres including, inter alia, ILEA, JCLEC and SEARCCT for that purpose. l. To further strengthen cooperative efforts to combat drug trafficking and the illicit profits therefrom, that can be used to finance terrorism and other transnational crimes. m. To encourage participants to enter into mutual legal assistance and other cooperative arrangements and to simplify and streamline formal mechanisms for cooperation in areas such as extradition to the degree possible th ARF ISM on CTTC, Beijing, September 2006 a. To implement the cooperation suggestions already agreed upon, including developing some action plans for various recommendations made in the ARF counter-terrorism statements. The ARF unit may be tasked to coordinate the implementation of the suggestions. b. To pay more attention to long-term strategies for addressing terrorism, while recognizing the importance of addressing root causes of terrorism. c. To explore on how to promote inter-faith and inter-culture dialogues, to increase public awareness and preparedness, and to alleviate socio-economic disparity with a view to elevating the standard of living of underprivileged groups and people. d. To strengthen the role of the ISM on CTTC in coordinating regional counterterrorism efforts. This may include holding counter-terrorism-related CBMs every inter-sessional year according to the established theme of the ISM, and reviewing the reports of these CBMs at each ISM. e. To strengthen linkage with other regional organizations and security cooperation frameworks. It is suggested that as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) are particularly dealing with counter-terrorism issues, further interaction with SCO should be promoted, iter alia, by holding joint expert meetings on counter-terrorism. f. To focus more on the overlapping areas between terrorism and transnational crime, including issues closely connected with financing of terrorism as money laundering and drug trafficking th ARF ISM on CTTC, Singapore, 2-4 May

4 a. Agreed on the continued utility of measures such as depriving terrorists of financing through anti money laundering legislation, strengthening border security, and document management security. b. Underscored the need for capacity building and information sharing in order to deal more effectively with the terrorist threat. c. Pointed to the need to address the root causes or conditions conducive to the spread of terrorism and this would entail a sustainable strategy to win the hearts and minds of the people. d. Called for the identification of national strategies that could promote greater tolerance amongst different cultures, religions and civilisations. e. Emphasised the need for inter-civilisational dialogue to take place, so as to promote greater understanding and mutual respect among different communities, cultures and religions. f. Agreed that intra-civilisational dialogue entailed the promotion of moderate ideologies and that strengthening moderate elements within various communities would help counter extremist ideologies and contribute to the fight against global terrorism. g. Suggested that future ARF activities in counter terrorism and transnational crime should continue to encompass concrete cooperation such as information sharing among civilian and military agencies, capacity building and practical cooperation in areas such as anti-money laundering and maritime security th ARF ISM on CTTC, Semarang, February 2008 a. Agreed that it is important for the ARF participants to share best practices on how to harness and use NGOs, media, enterprises and civil society organizations to the best advantage so that terrorists do not use them as their weapon. b. At the regional level, journalists exchange, annual media graduate scholarships, media internship programme, establishment of regional media fellowship programme were identified as some of the best practices. c. Underscored the crucial role played by the public to counter terrorism, inter-alia, through raising the people s awareness and understanding on terrorist threats, and community outreach programmes. d. Agreed that family based, workplace based, community based prevention and public-private partnership and cooperation can contribute to combating transnational crime. e. Discussed proposal by United States of America on Work Plan for the CTTC and the Republic of Korea s proposal on for the ARF Virtual Working Group on Cyber Security and Cyber Terrorism, for which many delegations expressed their preliminary support. f. Viewed that the future work of the CTTC should be practical, action oriented, concrete and not be duplicative or overlapping with the similar activities in the region th ARF ISM on CTTC, Ha Noi, 4-7 May 2009 a. Underlined the need for a multifaceted and comprehensive strategy in counterterrorism efforts and called for the ARF to move forward with action-oriented approaches in addressing terrorism and transnational crimes. b. Recognised the urgency to implement a soft approach and to involve the nongovernment entities in addressing terrorism and transnational crime. c. Agreed that on the following recommendations: 4

5 - The ARF ISM on CTTC should begin the implementation of the ARF CTTC Work Plan which is envisaged to have a long term-strategy that will help the ARF participants meet their CTTC-related national, regional and international commitments; - To focus on capacity building and greater information exchange; - Intensify coordination of respective Financial Intelligence Units to track suspected transactions and cross-boundary movement of funds; - Emphasize the need for greater cooperation and better information sharing on transboundary law enforcement agencies; - Where applicable, set up the SOP for intelligence sharing and regular information exchange particularly among the ARF members, for hunting down suspects. d. Under the ARF Work Plan on Counter-Terrorism and Transnational Crime, Viet Nam informed the Meeting that it would submit a proposal for a 15-day training workshop on enhancing cooperation in fighting the cyber financial-economic scam. The training workshop is aimed to meet the need for fighting cyber security, identify best practices and develop a standard operating procedure to respond to cyber financial-economic scam th ARF ISM on CTTC, Bandar Seri Begawan, April 2010 a. Russia introduced the proposed draft ARF Statement on Cooperation in Ensuring International Information Security. The Meeting considered that more time was needed to study the draft and it was proposed that the draft be discussed at the future ISMs. It was also suggested that the draft be concise and Russia could continue the process of consultation. b. Welcomed the progress of the Virtual Meeting of Experts (VME) project, initiated by the Republic of Korea and the Philippines. The VME was established with the aim to take forward cooperation in specific areas of cyber terrorism and provide an opportunity to facilitate the real time exchange of threat and vulnerability assessments. Participation in the Meeting will be on a voluntary basis. A basic website for the VME had been established at To date, twentyeight experts have been listed as members of the VME and would be given access to the website. c. The United States proposed to include the idea of establishing an ARF Transnational Threat Information-sharing Center (ATTIC) and the ARF Mutual Legal Assistance Task Force in the draft Hanoi Plan of Action to Implement the ARF Vision Statement (PoA). ARF participants were encouraged to provide their views and comments on the proposal. d. Took note of the importance of protecting physical infrastructure, and that the ARF could strengthen cooperation in this area. The Meeting noted that the ARF should continue with useful and practical programmes to enhance institutional capacity and enforcement mechanisms. They also noted the suggestion to encourage further involvement of relevant stakeholders and the need to pursue programmes that would help promote greater tolerance and understanding amongst various groups. e. On the implementation of the ARF Work Plan on Counter-Terrorism and Transnational Crime, Philippines volunteered to work with the United States to lead in the priority area of bioterrorism and biosecurity and Russia expressed it interest to assume the role of lead shepherd on cyber security and cyber terrorism th ARF ISM on CTTC, Kuala Lumpur, May

6 a. Recognised that transnational crimes today are growing and are supported by strong financial linkages. Therefore, there should be ways to track the movement of finances involved in transnational crime by devising appropriate methodology and forging cooperation at both regional and international level. b. Agreed on the following strategies to address terrorism and transnational crimes: - Strengthening regional dialogue on counter-terrorism and transnational crimes; - Enhancing commitment towards counter terrorism capacity building measures; - Improving collaborative efforts between the ARF participating countries; - Ensuring that counter terrorism measures are undertaken without compromising the sanctity of human rights; - Deepening cooperation among the relevant law enforcement agencies in countering terrorism within the region; - Promoting interfaith and intercultural dialogue and a culture of peace; - Promoting tolerance amongst diverse communities; and - Strengthening international cooperation in the fight against piracy. c. Reviewed and identified several challenges towards the implementation of the ARF Work Plan on CTTC, including the difficulty in appointing lead countries for some priority areas under the Work Plan, the insufficient period of time for implementation of activities, as well as the lack of interest among the ARF participants in taking up projects under the priority areas. The Meeting emphasised that the ARF participants should focus on areas of concern, and that lead countries should play an active role in initiating projects under the respective priority areas. d. Noted Japan s proposal to include counter-radicalisation, Russia s proposal to include terrorism financing, and the Philippines proposal to include trafficking in persons as new priority areas in the Work Plan. The Meeting also noted Australia s proposal to expand the scope of bioterrorism and biosecurity to include chemical, biological, radioactive and nuclear (CBRN) aspect. e. Took note of the suggestion on the need for the ARF to develop more initiatives or undertake more activities to ensure full implementation of the Hanoi Plan of Action to Implement the ARF Vision Statement (PoA) by the year One way to achieve this is to synergise the activities in the existing or forthcoming ARF Work Plans for Disaster Relief, Counter-Terrorism and Transnational Crimes, Non- Proliferation and Disarmament, Maritime Security, and Preventive Diplomacy with the recommendations of the PoA. f. On the establishment of the ATTIC, the United States presented the revised concept paper which included only drugs and related transnational crimes as opposed to its initial paper which incorporated broader areas of cooperation. The United States welcomed detailed feedback from participating countries to identify the appropriate modalities for the ATTIC, and expressed its intention to discuss the proposal at the upcoming ARF SOM th ARF ISM on CTTC, Quang Nam, March 2012 a. Discussed the issues of crime and terrorism in the maritime domain, including piracy and armed robbery against ships, illegal smuggling of contraband goods, illegal drug trafficking, illegal immigration, illegal dumping of toxic and chemical waste, and illegal, underreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing. The Meeting encouraged close coordination with the ARF Inter-Sessional Meeting on Maritime Security (ISM on MS) to prevent overlaps in efforts to address these threats, and compiled a summary of the discussion to be presented to the ISM on MS. 6

7 b. Noted the following recommendations for future cooperation to address terrorism and transnational crime in the maritime domain: - Promote awareness for maritime security in the region; - Strengthen current information-sharing mechanisms and practices; - Conduct joint patrols and improve capacity of marine personnel through training and joint exercises; - Develop and implement mutual legal assistance agreements; and - Address root causes of terrorism through counter-ideology and counterfinancing efforts. c. Reviewed the implementation of the ARF Work Plan on CTTC and welcomed the progress of activities under the priority areas of CBRN and cybersecurity and cyberterrorism. Recalling the decision of the previous ISM on CTTC regarding new additional priority areas, the Meeting took note of the following suggestions: - Conduct workshops on trafficking in persons (TIP) involving elements of the grassroots and law enforcement; and - Include terrorism financing as a subject for a thematic discussion at the next ISM on CTTC th ARF ISM on CTTC, Ha Noi, 4-5 March 2013 a. Identified several major trends in transnational crime in East Asia and the Pacific, including terrorism and terrorism financing, drugs trafficking, money laundering, illicit trade activities and practices, internet and telecom fraud, illegal gambling, document fraud and identity theft, organ smuggling, and wildlife trafficking. b. The Philippines and the United States introduced the Concept Paper for ARF Cross-Sectoral Security Cooperation on Bio-Preparedness and Disaster Response. The proposed project will build on the progress in the Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) priority area and facilitate the implementation of ARF and ASEAN objectives as indicated in the ASEAN Political-Security Community (APSC) and ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) Blueprints. c. Noted the recommendation to align the activities of the CBRN priority area with the efforts of the ARF Inter-Sessional Meeting on Non-Proliferation and Disarmament (ISM on NPD) and the ARF Work Plan on NPD. d. Malaysia, Russia and Australia as the lead countries of the Cybersecurity and Cyberterrorism priority area are starting work on developing the ARF Work Plan on Cyber Security in accordance to the task set out by the Ministers at the 19 th ARF in July The proposed Work Plan would promote transparency and confidencebuilding measures in cyberspace and develop capacity-building activities. e. Welcomed the presentation by Indonesia and the United States as the Co-Chairs of the ADMM-Plus Experts Working Group on Counter-Terrorism (EWG on CT) as part of the efforts to promote synergy between the ARF and the ADMM-Plus. f. Reviewed the implementation of the ARF Work Plan on CTTC and agreed to update and continue the Work Plan for the implementation period of th ARF ISM on CTTC, Bali, April 2014 a. Exchanged views on the increasing production and consumption of illicit drugs in East and Southeast Asia as well as the increasing use and trafficking of precursor chemicals in the manufacture of illicit drugs. b. Participants shared their experiences on implementing counter-terrorism measures such as de-radicalisation programmes and countering violent extremism by addressing the security and social aspects of its root causes. Participants also 7

8 discussed the nexus between terrorism and transnational organised crime, illicit financing, money laundering, drug trafficking, piracy, and illegal arms smuggling. c. Reviewed the implementation of the ARF Work Plan on CTTC and discussed amendments to the draft Work Plan The European Union proposed to add trafficking in human beings as a new priority area. Participants recalled the decision of the 9 th ARF ISM on CTTC to include new priority areas only if there are lead countries from both ASEAN and non-asean ARF participants. d. Noted the proposals for activities to be implemented in the inter-sessional year under all four priority areas of the Work Plan on CTTC as well as other activities such as the ARF Workshop on Combating Wildlife Trafficking (proposed by Thailand and the United States), the ARF Workshop on Security, Stability and International Migration in the ASEAN Region (proposed by Myanmar and the United States), and the ARF Workshop on First Response Support for Victims of Terrorism (proposed by the United States). e. Malaysia, Russia and Australia presented the first draft of the ARF Work Plan on the Use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in accordance to the task set out by the Ministers at the 19 th ARF in July The Meeting noted that more time might be required before the draft Work Plan could be finalised. f. Welcomed the presentation by Indonesia as the outgoing Co-Chair of the ADMM- Plus Experts Working Group on Counter-Terrorism (EWG on CT) as part of the efforts to promote synergy between the ARF and the ADMM-Plus. B. Highlights of Other ARF Meetings and Activities th ARF, Manila, 2 August 2007 The Ministers adopted the ARF Cooperation Framework on Counter-Terrorism and Transnational Crime (CTTC). The Framework is a compilation of ARF commitments in counter terrorism and transnational crime which have already been agreed upon in earlier ARF statements. The Framework was prepared by the ARF Unit of the ASEAN Secretariat as requested by the 4 th ARF ISM on CTTC held in Beijing in When endorsing the document, the Ministers tasked the officials in charge of the subject to monitor and sustain its implementation. This Framework is in line with the ARF s efforts to move the discussion to action. In view of the mandate given by the Ministers, the ISM on CTTC may wish to consider monitoring and reviewing the status of implementation of the initiatives and measures under the Framework at every ARF ISM on CTTC th ARF, Phuket, 23 July 2009 The Ministers adopted the ARF Work Plan on CTTC that was initiated by the United States. The Work Plan is created for three objectives, namely: 1) build regional capacity towards meeting CTTC-related commitments; 2) focus ARF s CTTC efforts into concrete forms of cooperation; 3) bring value added to and complement existing initiatives in the region. At the initial stage of its implementation, the Work Plan will focus on three priority areas where ARF can add most value, namely illicit drugs, bioterrorism and biosecurity, cyber security and cyber terrorism. C. ARF Statements on Counter-Terrorism and Transnational Crime 17. The ARF has issued the following statements, which contain agreements to cooperate on various areas relative to counter-terrorism and transnational crime: 8

9 a. Statement by the ARF Chairman on the Terrorist Acts of the 11 th September 2001, 4 October 2001; b. ARF Statement on Measures Against Terrorist Financing, 30 July 2002; c. ARF Chairman s Statement on Tragic Terrorist Bombing Attack in Bali, 16 October 2002; d. ARF Statement on Cooperative Counter-Terrorist Actions on Border Security, 17 June 2003; e. ARF Statement on Cooperation Against Piracy and Other Threats to Maritime Security, 17 June 2003; f. ARF Statement on Strengthening Transport Security Against International Terrorism, Jakarta, 2 July 2004; g. ARF Statement on Information Sharing and Intelligence Exchange and Document Integrity and Security in Enhancing Cooperation to Combat Terrorism and Other Transnational Crimes, Vientiane, 29 July 2005; h. ARF Statement on Cooperation in Fighting Cyber Attack and Terrorist Misuse of Cyber Space; Kuala Lumpur, 28 July 2006; i. ARF Statement on Promoting a People-Centred Approach to Counter-Terrorism, Kuala Lumpur, 28 July 2006; j. ARF Statement on Promotion of Inter-Civilizational Dialogue, Manila, 2 August 2007; k. ARF Statement Promoting Collaboration on the Prevention of Diversion of Precursors into Illicit Drug Manufacture, Singapore, 24 July 2008; l. ARF Statement on Cooperation in Ensuring Cyber Security, Phnom Penh, 12 July D. Latest Developments 18. The 18 th ARF acknowledged the updated ARF Work Plan on CTTC for , which continued the implementation of the three priority areas and added the new priority area of counter-radicalization, as well as expand the scope of the bioterrorism and biosecurity priority area to cover chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) aspect. The following countries are currently leading the respective priority area: a. Thailand and New Zealand are the lead countries for the priority area of Illicit Drugs. b. The United States and the Philippines are the lead countries for the priority area of CBRN. The European Union submitted its interest to become co-sponsor. c. Malaysia, Russia and Australia are the lead countries for the priority area of Cyber Security and Cyber Terrorism. Viet Nam and the United States submitted their interest to become co-sponsors. d. Malaysia and Japan are the lead countries for the priority area of Counter Radicalization. 19. The 21 st ARF adopted the ARF Work Plan on CTTC for the implementation period of which maintained the priority areas of illicit drugs, CBRN, cyber security and cyber terrorism, and counter radicalisation. The Ministers noted the proposal by the European Union and Indonesia to co-lead the new priority area of Trafficking in Persons. The proposal will be further discussed at the next ARF ISM on CTTC in Looking ahead, the foundation for ARF future cooperation in CTTC has been laid in the Hanoi Plan of Action (PoA) to Implement the ARF Vision Statement. The PoA 9

10 stipulates that the ARF should focus on concrete and practical cooperation. Henceforth, capacity building, mutual assistance and information sharing to address CTTC threats are identified as core actions for future CTTC cooperation. Specific areas such as information and communication technology security and provision of legal assistance upon request in combating transnational security threats are among the key issues highlighted in the PoA. 21. Following up on the PoA recommendation to work towards the establishment of an ARF transnational threat information-sharing centre, the ARF is considering the proposal for the establishment of the ARF Transnational Threat Information-sharing Centre (ATTIC), which was initiated by the United States. The workshop to further develop the ATTIC concept has been scheduled to be convened in Thailand in on September The ARF continues to hold seminars and undertake other concrete activities, particularly under the priority areas of CBRN and cyber security and cyber terrorism. The Philippines and Canada conducted the ARF Workshop on Countering Illicit Trafficking of CBRN Materials on November 2013 in Manila which discussed, among others, measures to control trade of strategic and dual-use goods so as to avoid the utilisation of such goods for criminal purposes. On the area of cyber security and cyber terrorism, Malaysia and China conducted the ARF Workshop on Measures to Enhance Cyber Security Legal and Cultural Aspects on September 2013 in Beijing which focused on the legal and cultural considerations of applying cyber security measures. In addition, Malaysia and Australia convened the ARF Workshop on Cyber Confidence-Building Measures on March 2014 in Kuala Lumpur which focused on the issue of regional networks to address cyber security incidents with a view of preventing such incidents becoming a source of tension and/or conflict. 23. Following on the adoption of the ARF Statement on Cooperation in Ensuring Cyber Security by the 19 th ARF in Phnom Penh on 12 July 2012, the Ministers tasked the ARF SOM to develop an ARF work plan related to cyber security. Malaysia, Russia and Australia have developed the draft ARF Work Plan on Security in the Use of Information and Communication Technologies which aims to develop transparency and confidence-building measures to prevent conflict in cyberspace and to develop ARF participants capacity to secure their information and communication technology (ICT) systems and protect their critical infrastructure. The first draft of the Work Plan was circulated at the ARF ISG on CBMs and PD in Brussels in April 2014 but was not finalised in time for the Ministers adoption. At the 21 st ARF the Ministers instructed officials to complete the draft on the basis of consensus at the next ARF ISG on CBMs and PD in Malaysia in November 2014 and submit the Work Plan to the 22 nd ARF in ### 10