Tags: 15th  analysis  commentary  lanka  SAARC  sinhala  sri  Summit  tamil  The  
Channel: News & Politics
Uploaded: August 3, 2008 at 1:05 pm
Author: SriLankaBeetle
Length: 07:40
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Leaders of the South Asian region have stressed the need to unite to combat terrorism and find successful solutions to the energy crisis and poverty. India Prime Minister Manmohan Singh told the Summit that terrorism continues to raise its ugly head in the region. It remains the single biggest threat to their stability. They cannot afford to lose the battle against the ideologies of hatred, fanaticism and against all those who seek to destroy their social fabric. Dr. Singh said terrorists and extremists know no borders. He referred to the need for joint action with determination to fight against this scourge. He pointed out that construction work on the South Asian University in India will be completed by 2010. Pakistan's Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani in his address said terrorism cannot be defeated by being isolated. Regional unity is necessary. It was destroying social values in Pakistan. Terrorists are engaged in an effort to make a serious challenge to the country's socio economic development. Pakistan was a country severely impacted by terrorism in comparison to other states in the region. The Pakistani Prime Minister said every country should be aware of the responsibility to eliminate terrorism. He recalled the contributions that can be secured through the SAARC Summit to promote regional agriculture and trade.Chief Advisor of Bangladesh Fakhruddin Ahmed said the spread of terrorism was a severe disaster to the region. Drug trafficking, illegal transport of weapons and the transport of goods covertly was a serious issue to the region. He pointed out that all leaders should draw their attention to these issues. All these activities nurtured terrorism. He stressed the need for the unity of regional leaders to crackdown on such rackets.Prime Minister of Bhutan Jigmi Thinley said launching of a SAARC Development Fund was important to strengthen the economy of South Asia. It will help civilians of the region to receive benefits. The SAARC Summit was being held when there were many global challenges. Soaring oil prices is the worst problem. It had impacted the world economy. As a profitable solution, he cited the launching of as SAARC Food Bank. The Bhutanese Prime Minister praised the importance of the Colombo Declaration for food security to confront challenges faced by the people of the region.The Nepalese caretaker Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala in his address said terrorism was seriously impacting peace and coexistence within the region. Mr. Koirala pointed out the need for a socio economic and political development programme based on equality and justice to eliminate terrorism. It is the responsibility of the region to see that terrorism will not raise its head again. An environment for the people of the region to live in peace and coexistence should be created. He also referred to the need to promote trade via SAFTA and launch a programme on behalf of the destitute of the region. President of Maldives Maumoon Abdul Gayoom said climate change is among the worst challenges confronted by the world. Special attention should be directed to economic development in the region at a time when countries are facing an energy dispute and food prices are increasing. He said the SAARC Summit should focus special attention on meeting the basic needs of the regional population which is rising rapidly. Attention should also focused on the setting up of a Food Bank. This will enable to provide all essential commodities to the region.Afghan President Hamid Karzai addressing the inaugural sessions said due attention should be given to terrorism. Many countries in the region are experiencing serious disputes due to terrorist activities in the past few days. Mr. Karzai underlined the need for a concerted effort by all leaders of the region to eliminate terrorism. He also drew attention to the food crisis, climate change and poverty alleviation. The Afghan leader thanked all state leaders for admitting his country to the Organisation.