Foreign secretaries of South Asian countries recommended
"strong" statement on cooperation to fight terrorism at their
meeting ended in News Delhi Sunday.
The 33rd standing committee of foreign secretaries of the South
Asian Association of Regional Cooperation (SAARC) countries
concluded here Sunday, two days ahead of the SAARC summit.
"We are recommending strong statement on the implementation of
what has already been agreed on (terrorism) and to see what further
action can be taken," said Indian Foreign Secretary Shivshankar
Menon quoted by Indo-Asian News Service.
But he did not specify what steps have been recommended.
"It's for every country to come out with its idea. Every idea
that helps to counter terrorism is welcome," he said.
Sri Lanka had underlined the need for more regional cooperation
on fighting against terrorism and called for a revision of the 987
SAARC protocol on suppression of terrorism at the meeting
Saturday.
The foreign secretaries worked out a report at the meeting and
will present to the foreign ministers of the SAARC countries
Monday.
India will quadruple its financial contribution to various
activities of SAARC to US$100 million, Menon said.
The committee also formally welcomed the Iranian interest in the
SAARC and recommended its inclusion as an observer at the regional
grouping, he said.
(Xinhua News Agency April 2, 2007)
