UK-India to extend anti-terrorism cooperation

Guwahati, May 17 (UNI) The United Kingdom today reiterated its support to India's claim for a permanent representation in the United Nation's Security Council(UNISC) and promised cooperation to combat terrorism.

Inaugurating the British Information Centre here, UK's Minister of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs Kim Howells averred that both the nations were facing terrorism from similar quarters and said, '' We face same problems and challenges and need to exchange information if we want to encounter these with a tough hand. '' Underlining that India has a ''tough neighbourhood'', Dr Howells said, '' India is surrounded with countries having greater problems.

If they transform into failed nations, it would pose a threat not only to India but also to the entire world, '' and added that India had suffered much due to the border confusion with Pakistan.

''India shares border with countries like Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nepal and Bhutan, and it should share any information of suspicious movement in these countries to ensure international security, '' Dr Howells said.

He pointed out that in wake of changed global scenario, India should be made a permanent member of the Security Council.

''The UN should have more representative from the developing nations and not merely from the World War II victors,'' he said.

The Minister further stated that Britain would continue speaking in favour of India as it had been doing in the past.

On the threat the Northeast was facing, the British Minister said, ''Victimising innocent people is not the solution to the problem of terrorism. It is here that Britain and New Delhi think in the same line. '' On the issue of putting international pressure on Myanmar and Bangladesh to flush out the militant camps of NE groups, Dr Howells said the caretaker Bangladesh government had indicated of a positive response.

He said, '' Earlier governments had denied outright the existence of the camps. With the new government, we can hope of positive action against the militants. '' '' Bangladesh needs to combat lawlessness and gangsterism so that it can tackle terrorism better, '' he added.

On Myanmar, Dr Howells, however, said, '' Britain has poor relation with Myanmar due to the tyrannical rule in the country.

They treat their own people in a very brutal manner and Britain can never support it. '' On the terrorist threat Britain was facing, the Minister said, '' Innocent citizens were murdered in London by Islamic fundamentalists. Terror threat has risen in the country. '' He informed that sharing of intelligence had been pursued for long and Britain was also helping train intelligence officers and police officers from India.

He said, '' Sharing of information is the only way to take on terrorism in today's scenario and we hope to extend it with India.

'' UNI