PM to call for 'zero tolerance' against terrorism at G-8

New Delhi, July 16 (UNI) Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today said he would impress upon world leaders at the G-8 Summit in Saint Petersburg tomorrow, the need for 'zero tolerance' against terrorism anywhere including isolation of terrorists by the international community.

The Prime Minister, in a statement before his departure to attend the outreach session with the G-8 Summit, said he would also call upon the world leaders to impress upon the international community that they must isolate and condemn terrorists wherever they attack, whatever their cause and whichever country or group provides them sustenance and support.

''Terrorism is a scourge that continues to afflict different parts of the world. The tragic human cost that this entails was brought forth once again by the recent attacks in Mumbai and Srinagar. We will impress upon the leaders gathered at the G-8 Summit that the international community must 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,'' the Prime Minister said in his departure statement.

Welcoming the initiative of Russian President Vladimir Putin, the Host of the G-8 Summit to extend an invitation to India, Dr Singh said Brazil, China, Mexico, 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.'' The Prime MInister hoped that the St Petersburg Summit would also provide a useful opportunity for discussions between the industrialised countries and major emerging economies of the world on issues such as security, world trade, terrorism and globalisation.

He said that during his stay in St Petersburg, he looked forward to meeting world leaders present there including US President George Bush, President Putin, Chinese President Hu Jintao, President Lula da Silva of Brazil, Chancellor Merkel of Germany 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 in St Petersburg.

UNI SN/RB SB HT1350