PM for zero tolerance against terrorism

Helsinki, Oct 13: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today asked the European Union members to work out an international norm of zero tolerance against terrorism that will send the right signal to those countries directly engaged in such acts or which are allowing their territories to be used for terrorist purpose.

In an obvious reference to Pakistan's involvement in the Mumbai and Srinagar bombings, during his opening speech at the seventh India-European Summit here, Dr Singh said such blasts remind us that terrorism remains the most serious threat to democratic, open and pluralistic countries. He said strengthening international cooperation in this critical area is of vital importance to all free and democratic societies.

It was only three days ago in London Prime Minister said during a press conference with his British counterpart Tony Blair that ''credible evidence will be provided to Pakistan on its link in the Mumbai and Kashmir bombings''.

Sharing the platform with Finland Prime Minister Matti Vanhanen, EU President Jose Manuel Barroso and other distinguished leaders, Dr Singh said an international norm of zero tolerance against terrorism will send the right signal to those countries directly engaged in terrorism or which are allowing their territories to be used for terrorist purposes.

India has been asking Pakistan to take steps to stop using its territory for terrorist purposes and President Pervez Musharraf had agreed in 2004 that his government would not allow such activities.

The Prime Minister also used the opportunity to plead with the EU to extened its full support to enhance international cooperation in the successful uses of nuclear energy. ''This will enable countries like India to expand the share of nuclear energy in their national energy baskets.'' Yesterday, Mr Vanhanen after bilateral talks with the Indian leadership, refused to openly support India's nuclear agreement with the United States, saying the EU will take a common approach on the matter.

He said a meeting in Vienna with the NSG yesterday gave India the opportunity to reiterate its firm commitment to non-proliferation objectives while working with like-minded countries in expanding cooperation in the peaceful use of nuclear energy.

The Prime Minister made it amply clear to the EU platform that India strongly believes that a further erosion of the non- proliferation regime is not in India's interests.

Thanking the EU for its support for India joining the International Thermonuclear experimental reactor project as a full partner country, the Prime Minister expressed hope that the European Union would be in a position to conclude early an agreement confirming India's membership of the Galileo Global satellite project.

UNI

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