Homeland Security

Terrorism a major issue before SAARC leaders

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

New Delhi, Nov 9, IRNA
Dhaka-SAARC-Terrorism
The SAARC summit, due to open in Dhaka on November 12, will finalize modalities of the Additional Protocol to the SAARC Regional Convention on Suppression of Terrorism to tackle this growing menace, which has virtually engulfed all countries of the seven-member grouping.

Briefing newsmen today, Bangladesh Foreign Minister Morshed Khan said terrorism was a major issue before SAARC leaders as it posed serious threat to the security of its member countries.

The Additional Protocol, which was finalized at the Islamabad summit, was aimed to give more teeth to the member nations to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, he said, adding that "the modalities of the protocol are being discussed and (will be) finalized here for taking collective measures to eradicate terrorism from the region."
"We have built up an institutional framework, which can be utilized by the member countries to initiate effective actions.

"Combatting terrorism is a task that South Asia needs to pursue relentlessly. The issue has been in the international and regional spotlight for very undertsandable and compelling reasons," the minister further stated.

The Additional Protocol was approved in the Islamabad summit after India complained that some countries were extending financial and material support to terrorists to unleash a reign of terror.

It stated that terrorism cannot be justified on any ground as it violates the fundamental values of the UN and SAARC Charter.

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