ASEM-8 leaders call for global effort against transnational organized crime

Brussels, Oct.5 (ANI): World leaders at the 8th Asia-Europe Meet (ASEM) on Tuesday deliberated on the need to fight terrorism and combat transnational organized crime while reasserting the United Nation's leading role in the fight against terrorism.

The final day of the ASEM witnessed world leaders focusing their attention on issues of global concerns, as they discussed issues of security, terrorism, piracy and disaster management at length in this Brazilian capital city.

The leaders today reasserted the United Nation's leading role in the fight against terrorism while reaffirming their commitment to undertake tough measures in the fight against terrorism in line with the UN Charter, the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy and the relevant UN Security Council Resolutions.

The leaders underlined the need to adhere to the UN conventions and protocols dealing with terrorism.

The participating nations, at the same time, also underscored the need to observe obligations under international law, including international human rights law, refugee law and humanitarian law.

Requesting specific attention for the victims of acts of terrorism, the leaders sought to urge all member States of the United Nations to move towards the adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT).

Leaders decided that ASEM should continue to disseminate best practices in support of the implementation of the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy through annual ASEM Conferences.

Leaders underscored their deep concerns over the negative effects that transnational organized crime and corruption carry for trade, development, intellectual property rights, peace, security and respect for human rights.

They also expressed their determination to combat the threat to international peace and security coming from illicit drug trafficking.

They expressed particular resolve in combating people smuggling and trafficking in persons and acknowledged the importance of consistent regional approaches in deterring irregular migration.

As this year marks the 10th anniversary of the adoption of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime and its Protocols, the leaders at the ASEM pledged to strengthen their cooperation in the implementation of these commitments as well as of the United Nations Convention against Corruption. By Mrityunjay Singh (ANI)