NEWSLINKS US EDITION SOUTH ASIA COLUMNISTS DIARY SPECIALS INTERVIEWS CAPITAL BUZZ REDIFF POLL THE STATES ELECTIONS ARCHIVES US ARCHIVES SEARCH REDIFF
Josy Joseph in Kathmandu
The 11th SAARC summit on Sunday condemned terrorism in 'all its forms and manifestations' and the leaders 'affirmed their determination to redouble efforts, collectively as well as individually, to prevent and suppress terrorism in all its forms and manifestations'.
The seven heads of SAARC countries said, "Terrorism is a challenge to all states and to all of humanity, and cannot be justified on ideological, political, religious or any other ground."
The leaders agreed that terrorism 'violates the fundamental values of the United Nations and the SAARC Charter and constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security in the twenty-first century'.
The seven heads of states, including Pakistan President General Pervez Musharaf, called on all states to 'prevent and suppress the financing of terrorist acts by criminalising the collection of funds for such acts and refraining from organising, instigating, assisting or participating in terrorist acts in states or acquiescing in organised activities within its territory directed towards the commission of such acts'.
The leaders 'reaffirmed that the fight against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations has to be comprehensive and sustained'.
Indian officials said the declaration 'was very encouraging'.
The leaders emphasised the need for urgent conclusion of a Comprehensive Convention on Combating International Terrorism, and reiterated their support to UN Security Council resolution 1373 of September 28, 2001.
The declaration also said the heads of states or government were 'unanimous in recognising the distinct ominous link between terrorism, drug-trafficking, money laundering and other trans-national crimes and emphasised the need to coordinate efforts at the national and regional levels to strengthen the global response to this serious challenge and threat to international security'.
They called upon the international community to assist member states of SAARC, to 'deal effectively with the adverse economic effects of terrorism in general and to meet the rising insurance and security related costs in particular'.
The leaders also committed to introduction of necessary laws in their countries for the implementation of SAARC Regional Convention on Suppression of Terrorism passed in 1987 under which states are not to tolerate any terrorist movement from their soil.
The seven leaders also said they would strengthen SAARC Terrorist Offences Monitoring Desk and the SAARC Drug offences Monitoring Desk in an effective manner.
Back to top
Tell us what you think of this report
Call India
