Inaugural sessions of South Asian Parliamentary Consortium

by Mahinda Abeysundera from Islamabad

THE inaugural sessions of the South Asian Parliamentary Consortium was held at the Marriot Hotel in Islamabad yesterday (May 15). The main aim of the event is to establish closer ties among South Asian countries, especially among India and Pakistan.

The consortium held for the first time was organised by the South Asian Free Media Forum, and representatives of several political parties of SAARC countries other than Nepal and Maldives participated.

The sessions will be held for six days from May 15 at Garbaan about 35 km away from Islamabad. Media personalities of SAARC countries are also participating.

The chief guest of the conference, Speaker of the Pakistan Parliament Choudri Ameer Hussain said that the South Asian Free Media Forum has fulfilled a timely need, which is highly appreciated by Pakistan President Pervez Mushraff and other Pakistan leaders. He said Pakistan would extend the fullest cooperation to the Free Media Forum in its effort in keeping peace in the region.

Speaking at the conference several MPs of SAARC countries stressed the need to strengthen the friendship and cooperation among them.

Youth Affairs Deputy Minister Sripathi Sooriyarachchi, MPs M. H. M. Aleem and Nadarajah Raviraj addressed the sessions representing Sri Lanka.

Deputy Minister Rohana Dissanayaka, UNP MPs Gayantha Karunathileka, Akila Viraj Kariyawasam and S. Nasurdeen are also participating in the conference.