India, China and Russia stress on proliferation of weapons to fight terrorism

WUHAN - India, China and Russia on Monday stressed that proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and its association with international terrorism poses a grave threat to international peace and security and represents a cause for deep concern.

In the Joint Statement issued at 10th RIC Ministerial Meeting here, External Affairs Minster S.M Krishna and his Chinese and Russian counterparts Yang Jeichi and Sergei Lavrov reiterated their strong condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and stressed that there could be no justification for any act of terrorism anywhere.

The Ministers agreed that dialogue over the problems of preventing risks and threats to the global non-proliferation regime must be built on the basis stipulated by the international obligations of states.

“The prospects for the non-proliferation regime to a large extent depend on ensuring the security of all states, as well as states’ ability to establish an effective export control system and to secure sensitive materials,” they added.

They further emphasized the need for full international cooperation in counter-terrorism efforts, particularly within the framework of the United Nations, to prevent terrorist attacks and to prosecute terrorists and their supporters.

In this context, the Ministers urged all UN member states to urgently conclude and adopt the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism.

They also exhorted the UN Member States to implement relevant resolutions of the UN General Assembly and the UN Security Council, particularly UNSC Resolution 1267, 1373, 1540 and 1624 and international conventions and protocols against terrorism as well as to contribute to implementation of the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy.

They also emphasized the importance of joint efforts to counter the use of information and communication technologies for terrorist and criminal purposes.

They also underscored the importance of joint efforts in countering the financing of terrorism.

The Ministers emphasized the imperative for the international community to maintain its commitment to render assistance to the Government and people of Afghanistan in ensuring security and development and to make concerted efforts to restore peace and stability in Afghanistan.

They expressed concern at the deteriorating security situation and underlined the need for adequate development of the Afghan National Security Forces to enable Afghanistan to defend its sovereignty and independence.

Reaffirming their long term commitment to a peaceful, stable and prosperous Afghanistan, they expressed their support to the transition to increasing Afghan responsibility on national security, and to the Afghan Government’s Peace and Reintegration Program.

They also stressed the importance of cooperation among three countries on the issue of Afghanistan within current mechanisms.

The Ministers of China and India expressed support to Russia’s policy to protect its core interests, and to contribute to regional peace and stability in the Caucasus region. (ANI)