SAARC-CHIDAMBARAM 2LST

Interior/Home ministers of SAARC countries have a
major responsibility in ensuring that regional cooperation in
meeting the challenges posed by terrorism, arms smuggling,
face currency, drug and human trafficking would create an
environment conducive to greater connectivity, accelerated
progress and development in the region, Chidambaram said.
He also urged the meeting to begin the implementation
of SAARC Convention on Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters
signed in August 2008 and called for its ratification.
The convention, he said, will facilitate evidence
sharing among member states and the seizure and confiscation
of funds meant for criminal and terrorist activities.
"Its implementation will not only contribute to the
creation of a more secure environment in the region, it would
also represent a concrete manifestation of the region's
determination to address the common and pressing security
concerns before it," Chidambaram said.
He also pressed for the early conclusion of the UN
Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism.
At the conference, Chidambaram also announced that
India would be hosting a meeting of High Level Group of
Eminent Experts to Strengthen SAARC Anti-Terrorism Mechanism
as recommended by the grouping.
The meeting is proposed to be held in New Delhi in
January 2011.
Chidambaram said India is committed to discharging its
responsibilities within SAARC in a non-reciprocal manner and
will continue to offer assistance to member states in the
areas of criminal investigation, narcotic drugs and
psychotropic substances, cyber crime, economic offences and
bank fraud cases.
"I have no doubt that cooperative action among member
states in all areas of common interests and concern will be
critical in supporting our individual and collective actions
intended to provide a more secure and peaceful environment to
the people of our countries and the region," he added. PTI