Renewed SAARC political commitment must to fight terror - FM

SAARC countries need to strengthen domestic legal infrastructure to give effect to the obligations undertaken under the various international and regional conventions on suppression of terrorism, Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama said yesterday.

Addressing the SAARC Council of Ministers meeting in New Delhi, Minister Bogollagama said it was essential that each one SAARC country has in place a comprehensive legislative package to give full effect to the obligations they have voluntarily undertaken under these instruments.

“Drug trafficking, money laundering, the illicit arms trade and human smuggling are an interrelated phenomena that sustain the financing of terrorist activity,” the Minister said.

He stressed the need for a renewed political commitment to implement all instruments on combating terrorism and to move beyond declaratory statements, for evolving comprehensive practical measures to strengthen security for our countries.

“Special attention needs to be given to the practical measures of cooperation envisaged under these instruments. Exchange of information and intelligence among the relevant agencies of member states needs particular emphasis in the context of combating terrorism related fundraising,” he added.

In this regard the SAARC Drug Offences and Terrorist Offences Monitoring Desks need to be revitalized for the ensuring greater flow of information. These mechanisms could only be revitalized through the political will of the member states, he noted.

“Sri Lanka attaches great importance to the SAARC process and we will extend our fullest support to carry forward the agreed Agenda to realize the goals we have all shared for regional cooperation.

This Council Session will be able to give further impetus to the SAARC process and for realizing all the potential of our united South Asian society enjoying peace, and social and economic prosperity.”

Lanka to host 15th SAARC summit

The 14th summit of SAARC council of Ministers agreed at their 29th session in New Delhi on a proposal by Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama to host the 15th SAARC summit in 2008 in Sri Lanka.

He stressed the importance of this event for Sri Lanka coinciding with the 60th Independence anniversary in 2008.

The awarding of the SAARC Heads of Government summit to coincide with the 60th independence anniversary is a reflection of the confidence that SAARC leaders have reposed on Sri Lanka.

The 16th summit will be hosted by Maldives in 2009.

The Sri Lankan delegation to the 29th session of the council of Ministers was led by Foreign Minister Bogollagama. Foreign Secretary Dr Palitha Kohona, High commissioner in New Delhi Romesh Jayasinghe, legal advisor Dr Rohan Perera, Director General Grace Asirwatham and Deputy High Commissioner A.S. Khan were present.