Dhaka, November 11
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and other South Asian leaders will reaffirm their commitment to jointly tackle the menace of terrorism and work for the speedy economic development of the region when they meet here tomorrow for the two-day 13th SAARC Summit, being held under unprecedented security.
With terrorism posing the biggest challenge to the countries in the region, the seven-nation grouping is expected to outline a series of steps to collectively combat the scourge, which has impeded its economic progress.
Besides Dr Manmohan Singh, the twice-postponed summit will be attended by Pakistan Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz, Sri Lanka President Chandrika Kumaratunga, Maldives President M.A. Gayoom, Nepal King Gyanendra, Bhutan Prime Minister Lyonpo Sangay Ngedup and Bangladesh Prime Minister Khaleda Zia.
Officials, drafting the “Dhaka Declaration” to be adopted by the summit leaders, said the Prime Minister and other SAARC leaders would emphasise that terrorism could only be defeated through a “sustained, patient and comprehensive” campaign.
The declaration prepared has specially focused on the threats posed by terrorism. It emphasises the condemnation by the SAARC leaders of terrorist violence in all its forms and manifestations and the “ominous challenge” it poses to all member-states.
— UNI
