SAARC MPs' Forum kicks off in Shimla on Saturday

Manjula Fernando

INDIA: The SAFMA Parliamentary Forum II, a two day meeting of parliamentarians from the eight SAARC countries will be kicked off in Shimla, India on Saturday (June 2).

The Forum themed 'South Asian Parliament: Towards South Asian Unity', is convened by the South Asian Free Media Association (SAFMA), the SAARC recognised organisation of Journalists.

Among the key topics to be discussed at the meeting is 'conflict resolution and cooperative security', where the issue of regional security is to figure prominently.

Keeping in mind the vision of a South Asian Parliament, the conference will deliberate on steps to be taken for continuous contacts among the Parliamentarians either through a forum or any other self-sustaining mechanism.

This will be the second meeting of its type. The first was held two years ago at Bhurban, Pakistan, attended by 83 parliamentarians from 26 leading political parties and 68 journalists and experts.

This years' event organised in commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the first war of independence in India in 1857, will be inaugurated by Lok Sabha Speaker, Somnath Chatterjee on Saturday at 10 a.m.

The Indian External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee will deliver the keynote address at the opening and former External Affairs Minister and Leader of Bharatiya Janata Party Yashwant Sinha will make the closing day speech on Sunday.

Eighty-Seven delegates from all SAARC member states have confirmed participation in the regional get-together this year.

The Sri Lankan contingent comprises six parliamentarians from SLFP, UNP, SLMC, CWC and TNA including the Speaker W. J. M. Lokubandara.