India tells ASEAN Regional Forum to fight terror

Manila, Aug 2: Strongly condemning the execution of two South Korean nationals by the Taliban in Afghanistan, India today called upon member nations of the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) to abide by their commitment made in the Global Counter- Terrorism Strategy and ensure that their territories were not used for terror acts against other sovereign States.

It also drew a parallel between non-proliferation and disarmament saying the two were ''mutually reinforcing and go hand-in-hand,'' and also asked all the ARF member states to ''explore innovative approaches for civilian nuclear energy cooperation.'' External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee, in his intervention at the 14th ARF meeting here today, emphasised that all countries should contribute ''with sincerity'' to peace and development in Afghanitan and the region.

''All states must abide by the commitments they have made in the Global Counter Terrorism Strategy, adopted by the UN General Assembly last September by consensus, and take practical measures to ensure that their territories are not used for terrorist installations or training camps or for preparation or organisation of terrorist acts against other states or their citizens,'' he said.

Condemning the killing of two South Korean hostages by the Taliban, he outlined India's perspective on developments in Afghanistan and said Indians engaged in humanitarian and reconstruction activity in the war-torn country too had fallen victim to Taliban's violent and destructive agenda.

The ARF brings together the ten ASEAN countries, their ten Dialogue Partners like India, China, the United States, EU and Russia, as well as seven other countries including the latest entrant Sri Lanka.

The meeting, chaired by Philippines Foreign Minister, Secretary Romulo, discussed the regional and international security situation as well as the future programme and direction of ARF activities.

Mr Mukherjee, who led the Indian delegation at the Meet, expressed satisfaction at the ARF is helping consolidate efforts to address issues including terrorism, trans-national organised crime, maritime security, natural disaster management, peace-keeping and energy security while continuing its basic task of promoting confidence building and mutual trust in the Asia-Pacific region.

He announced that India would be designing and conducting a training module on maritime security, specifically for ARF Member States, with the themes of anti-piracy, search and rescue, offshore and port security, anti-smuggling and narcotics control and anti-poaching operation.

India would also conduct a regular training programme on UN Peace-keeping, specifically for ARF Member States, he said.

On non-proliferation issues, Mr Mukherjee said India has a long-standing commitment to the objective of non-proliferation and believes that all States should transparently live up to the non-proliferation commitments that they have undertaken voluntarily.

''India is also of the view that disarmament and non-proliferation are mutually reinforcing and go hand in hand,'' he added.

Recalling the emerging importance of energy security for the ARF region, he said ARF could explore cooperative approaches to energy security. ARF efforts could cover technology cooperation both for renewable energy and efficient utilisation of energy.

He pointed out that a renaissance in nuclear energy, a clean and sustainable source of energy, is underway. Innovative approaches to civil nuclear energy cooperation should, therefore, also be explored.

On the future direction of ARF, Mr Mukherjee welcomed the growing focus on non-traditional security threats which help smoothen transition from the stage of confidence building to preventive diplomacy.

He hoped that the decisions taken at the 14th ARF on mechanisms to strengthen the institution of the ARF Chair, would lead to a more efficient ARF that delivers value to all the participants.

''The ARF has come to occupy a unique position as a forum which brings together partners in the Asia-pacific region and beyond for a broad-based and useful dialogue on political and security issues.

ARF has made significant contribution to promoting dialogue and forging cooperation in the region on issues of peace and security.

For its part, India will continue to contribute to efforts to build peace, security and prosperity in the ARF region,'' the Minister said.

UNI