Germany supports Indian initiative on International Terrorism

New Delhi, Oct.18 (ANI): Germany today extended support to Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT), which was proposed by India in the United Nations.

German Foreign minister Guido Westerwelle, while addressing the reporters in New Delhi, said the comprehensive proposed by India was important in the fight against terrorism.

He said : "I think global terrorism and violent extremism are serious threats not only to the region but, from our point of view, also to the international peace and security."

"Therefore, India and Germany closely work together and are ready to exchange information. We are ready for close cooperation in the fight against terrorism and India's initiative for a Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism is important and we support that, " he added.

The proposal for a convention on terrorism has been stuck in the limbo because of differences among countries over aspects like definition of terrorism. The proposal wants UN member countries to establish as criminal offences under their domestic law offences like steps to create terror, fear or insecurity and make them punishable by appropriate penalties.

The global treaty aims to address 'gaps' in sectoral conventions on terror such as those relating to hijacking and to clear the ambiguity over definitions of terrorism.

India, which is among the initiators of the treaty, believes there are few hold ups but the momentum is in favor of the implementation of the convention.

It is widely believed that only a small minority of 15-20 countries, mostly from the Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC), who continue to express reservations about some aspects of the convention due to its feared fallout on the Palestinians' quest for a homeland.

Germany's support will be shot in the arm for India's initiative on an all-inclusive pact on terrorism.

Germany's Minister for Foreign Affairs and Vice Chancellor Dr. Guido Westerwelle is visiting India from October 17 to October 19. Dr. Westerwelle assumed office in October 2009 and is on his first visit to New Delhi.

The Minister's visit comes close on the heels of the election of Germany and India as non-permanent members to the United Nations Security Council.

German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle met Prime Minister Singh, earlier in the day.

Moreover, Germany also came forward today in supporting a free trade agreement between India and the European Union.

German Foreign Minister Westerwelle said, "We will support free trade agreement between India and the European Union. We think this is a chance for India and European Union. We will support all those politicians in this discussion who want to come as far as possible to do this agreement."

It may be noted that European Union -India trade talks began in June, 2007. European Union is India's largest trade partner and is an important provider and buyer of services and Foreign Direct nvestment. By Naveen Kapoor (ANI)