India, Russia focus on UN’s draft Comprehensive Convention to fight terrorism
By ANITuesday, December 21, 2010
NEW DELHI - Reaffirming that international terrorism is a threat to global peace and security, India and Russia on Tuesday called for the early completion of negotiations on the United Nation’s draft Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism.
In a joint communiqui issued after bilateral discussions at Hyderabad House here, both sides reaffirmed the central role of the United Nations in combatting international terrorism.
Recalling the bilateral Moscow Declaration on International Terrorism signed on November 6, 2001 in Moscow, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev strongly condemned those who supported terrorism noting that states that aid, abet or shelter terrorists are as guilty of acts of terrorism, as their actual perpetrators.
Both sides also agreed that there is no justification whatsoever for any act of terrorism, and that multi-ethnic democratic countries like India and Russia were especially vulnerable to acts of terrorism which are attacks against the values and freedoms enshrined in their societies.
Both sides reaffirmed the need for all states to combine efforts to vanquish this evil.
They called upon Pakistan to expeditiously bring all the perpetrators, authors and accomplices of the November 2008 Mumbai attacks to justice.
India expressed sympathy for the victims of the terrorist attacks in the Moscow metro stations in March 2010, and expressed support for the Government of the Russian Federation’s efforts to eliminate terrorism from Russian soil.
They also expressed concern at the deteriorating security situation in Afghanistan, where successful stabilization will be possible only after the elimination of safe havens and infrastructure for terrorism and violent extremism that are present in Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Both sides also underscored the importance of stepped up action by the International Security Assistance Force in combating production and trafficking of illegal narcotics in Afghanistan.
They welcomed the Afghan Government’s policy of reintegrating those individuals who agree to give up violence, adhere to the Afghan constitution and do not have ties with al Qaeda and other terrorist groups.
Both sides highlighted the need for strict observance of the sanctions regime against persons and entities listed by the UNSCR 1267 Sanctions Committee.
Backing India’s candidature at the UNSC, President Medvedev said: “Russia considers India to be strong and deserving candidate in UNSC Permanent Seat if decision to expand this organ is taken.”(ANI)
