HEADLINE NEWS THE RISING NEPAL (DAILY)

PM calls on SAARC leaders to tackle terrorism
Implement UN resolutions, Adopt pro-poor policies

BY A STAFF REPORTER

Kathmandu, Jan. 5:Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba today asked all the respective governments of South Asian nations to collectively tackle terrorism that has been threatening the socio-economic progress of the impoverished region.

While delivering his inaugural address at the inaugural session of the 11th SAARC Summit this morning, Prime Minister Deuba noted that terrorism had emerged as a major threat to development and peace in the region.

"This scourge has begun to negate whatever achievements are have made in strengthening democracy, promoting human rights and creating momentum for social and economic change," the Prime Minister said adding, "Majority of South Asian humanity are fighting terror, being forced to divert the attention and limited resources from the much-needed development activities.

"To root out the growing menace of terrorism, we should collectively and resolutely fight against this crime," he said urging quick passage of enabling legislation by the SAARC member countries.

"We need to expedite enabling legislations that will facilitate the implementation of the SAARC Regional Convention on Suppression of Terrorism. This should be complimented with the effective implementation of the United Naions Security Council’s latest Resolution 1373, which all of us have supported," the Prime Minister maintained.

Referring to Nepal’s fight against terrorism Prime Minister Deuba said, "We are fighting terror which forces us to divide our attention and needed resources from development activities.

Meanwhile, he lauded the new and creative initiative the SAARC has taken in economic, social and cultural fields, enriching the contents of cooperation.

"Founded on the strength of shared culture, aspirations and interests, SAARC has established our regional identity in the international arena. During this period, regional initiatives have been launched in core economic area of poverty eradication and trade liberation, together with social and cultural activities," he noted.

He also maintained that Nepal wanted to prioritise poverty reduction from the region as its main agenda. "To eradicate persistent poverty, we must have economic performance at a higher trajectory of growth and we must expand production and markets, increase trade, raise incomes and consumption, as well as adopt pro-poor policies."

He said that while seeking to expand trade outside the region, efforts must be exerted to stimulate the regional trade and to achieve that the member countries needed to finalise the SAFTA framework treaty and fix the priority and sequencing of its execution.

Meantime, he also stressed the need for forging coalition among the governments, private sectors and civil societies of the region for achieving sustainable development.

"One among many ways, for translating our commitments into actions was by furthering strengthening and empowering the SAARC Secretariat as the Secretariat was gearing up for change.

Prime Minister Deuba, who was also elected the chairman for the 11th SAARC Summit and thereafter as soon as the Summit started this morning, welcomed the appointment of Q.A.M.A. Rahim of Bangladesh as next Secretary General of the Association and extended Nepal’s full support to him.

He also expressed thanks to the outgoing Secretary General Nihal Rodrigo of Sri Lanka for the exemplery commitment and distinction with which he served the SAARC process.

The Prime Minister, meanwhile proposed that the regional organisation establish a SAARC Peace Award to honour the exemplery work of individuals and organisations to promote peace, understanding, friendship, and development in the region.

He also asked the regional people to live by examples if the region was to be developed in a faster pace.

Premier Deuba maintained that the South Asian nations must move regional cooperation forward focusing on what was doable and achievable, and persuing it with resolve and determination.

"It calls for political will and commitment at the highest level. He further assured that Nepal remained committed to work with its friends to invigorate SAARC and accelerate its journey to collective prosperity and peace.

Other Stories