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South Asian nations committed to democracy: Fakhruddin Ahmed
Diplomatic Correspondent
| SAARC meet for strong measures against terrorism |
SUMMIT OF AMITY: Taro Aso, Foreign Minister of Japan, an observer at the SAARC summit, is with Li Zhaoxing, his counterpart from China, also an observer, at the opening session of the summit in New Delhi on Tuesday.
NEW DELHI: Chief Adviser to the Bangladesh Government Fakhruddin Ahmed and Sri Lanka President Mahinda Rajapaksa called for strong measures against the menace of terrorism at the SAARC summit here on Tuesday.
Dr. Ahmed, whose Government recently hanged some Islamist extremists for murder, said in his address that it was impossible to realise the dream of a prosperous South Asia without addressing security concerns.
"We must make bold efforts to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations... we should also address the root causes that lead to violent actions," he stressed.
In his speech, the Sri Lankan leader maintained that the recent air attack by Tamil Tiger separatists must attract the attention of "all of us" to the fact that the region as a whole was not safe from barbaric terrorist groups.
"I wish to appeal, therefore, to this august forum to work jointly on a counter-terrorism strategy for our entire region, to defeat terrorism," Mr. Rajapaksa suggested.
"My Government has placed great emphasis on eradicating terrorism and making Sri Lanka a safe place for our people. It is not lost on us, however, that terrorism, whilst [it] needs to be suppressed, also has to be grappled with on a political platform," he remarked.
Potential not realised
The Sri Lanka President was concerned that SAARC, which was formed in 1985, had not been able to realise its potential yet. "I strongly believe that SAARC must become a Union where we will endeavour to achieve our political and economic pursuits. It is also high time that we adopt a single currency, which will enhance the productivity of the region and improve trade without barriers."
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh welcomes Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa.
Underlining the fact that the entire SAARC area suffered from poverty, Mr. Rajapaksa maintained that for most people in the region, life was far from satisfactory. "We, as leaders, therefore, have an enormous responsibility to deliver now, and not wait for the future."
On his part, Dr. Ahmed looked at SAARC as a catalyst for regional growth and sustainable economic development.
"Alleviating poverty remains a key challenge for all of us. We must redouble our efforts and ensure that the SAARC development goals are realised in full."
"Implement SAFTA"
On the South Asian Free Trade Area agreement, he hoped that the full implementation of SAFTA would pave the way for further integration of regional economies. "To optimise the potential of SAFTA, we must pursue trade-facilitation measures and address the non-tariff barriers."
Afghan President Hamid Karzai and Pakistan Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz greet each other.
Dr. Ahmed asserted that new ideas were needed to make people-to-people connectivity in the region meaningful. "It is in this context that we strongly support the establishment of a South Asian University which was proposed during the Dhaka summit by Dr. Manmohan Singh."
According to him, the peoples of SAARC countries deserved an enabling environment, where the State and its vital institutions would ensure a level-playing field for all and uphold the rule of law and good governance.
"All of us in South Asia are committed to these fundamental principles of democracy. As a natural corollary, it is also expected that the governments and public representatives, elected through free and fair electoral processes, remain mindful of the aspirations of the people," Dr. Ahmed added.
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