Adpot zero tolerance for terrorism anywhere : PM to ask G8

New Delhi, July 16 (UNI) Prime Minister Manmoham Singh today left for Saint Petersburg to attend an ''outreach meeting'' with the G8 countries, stating that India would impress upon the G8 summit to adopt an approach of ''zero tolerance for terrorism anywhere''.

''The international community must isolate and condemn terrorists wherever they attack, whatever their cause and whichever country or group provides them sustenance and support,'' Dr Singh said in his departure statement.

Terrorism was a scourge that continued to afflict different parts of the world. The tragic human cost entailed by this was brought forth once again by the recent attacks in Mumbai and Srinagar, the Prime Minister said.

''It is our expectation that the St Petersburg summit will also provide a useful opportunity for discussions between the industrialised countries and major economies of the world on issues such as security, world trade and globalisation,'' he said.

The Prime Minister said he looked forward to meeting world leaders, including Presidents Vladimir Putin of Russia, George W Bush of US, Hu Jin Tao of China, and Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva of Brazil, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi.

Dr Singh said he would also participate in the first trilateral meeting at the summit level with the Presidents of Russia and China at St Pertersburg.

The ''outreach session'' of the G8 summit would be held tomorrow.

''We welcome the initiative of President Vladimir Putin, the host of the G8 summit, to extend an invitation to India. Brazil, China, Mexico and South Africa, Congo and Kazakhstan would also participate in the ''outreach session.'' The main issues on the agenda include global energy security, education, and fight against infectious diseases --all issues of vital importance to the global community, he said.

UNI SN SB HT1055