India asks Pak not to allow territory under its control to spread terrorism

UNITED NATIONS - India on Wednesday asked Pakistan to fulfill its solemn commitment of not allowing territory under its control for perpetrating terrorism.

Addressing the United Nations’ General Assembly, External Affairs Minister S.M.Krishna today asserted that Pakistan should not teach lessons to India on democracy and human rights.

” Pakistan cannot impart lessons to us on democracy and human rights. If, however, Pakistan were to live up to its commitment not to allow use of its soil by terrorists acting against India would significantly help reduce the trust deficit that impedes the development of better bilateral relations between our two countries this, he said and added: “We are neighbours, and as neighbours, we have an obligation to work together.”

Stating that it is well known that many countries have deep-rooted concerns about the growth and consolidation of militancy and terrorism in Pakistan, Krishna said, “India shared these concerns, particularly because Jammu and Kashmir, which is an integral part of India, is the target of such Pakistan-sponsored militancy and terrorism.”

“Pakistan must fulfill its solemn commitment of not allowing territory under its control to be used for terrorism directed against India. Credible and firm action by Pakistan against terrorist groups operating from its soil is in the interest of the region as it is in Pakistan’s own interest,” said Krishna.

Krishna reminded the UN General Assembly that India is a party to all major international conventions against terrorism and fully supports implementation of the UN Global Counter-Terrorism strategy.

“However, there remain considerable gaps in the international legal framework against terrorism,” he said.

“The Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism is designed to fill these gaps. We urge Member States to display the necessary political will to finalise and adopt the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism,” Krishna said.

Mentionting that as peace and stability in South Asia is one of our highest priorities, Krishna said: “We are committed to good neighbourly relations with all our neighbours, including Pakistan. It is in this spirit of solidarity with the people of Pakistan in their hour of need, that we pledged US dollar 25 million aid which is being channeled through the UN for flood relief efforts in that country.”

Krishna underlined that “As a neighbour we wished to provide succor and relief in a timely manner to the victims of this natural disaster. We are saddened by the loss of life and property that Pakistan has suffered as a result of these unprecedented floods.”

Stating that “the peoples of South Asia share a common destiny,” Krishna said, “my government has consistently stressed that we will work together with our South Asian brothers and sisters to build a future that brings prosperity and development through strengthened dialogue and cooperation.”

On Afghanistan, Krishna said that it has recently successfully concluded parliamentary elections. “We believe the international community needs to be steadfast in its engagement with Afghanistan to ensure the success of its reconstruction efforts and its emergence as a democratic, pluralistic and prosperous society,” he said.

“The continuing existence of safe havens and sanctuaries for terrorists beyond Afghanistan’s borders is the major impediment to the restoration of peace and security in Afghanistan. This should be a primary focus of the international community,” Krishna added. (ANI)