DHAKA: Home Ministers of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) countries have resolved to fight terrorism and drug trafficking by bolstering the existing mechanisms and sharing information and experiences.

In their first-ever meeting, which ended here on Thursday, the Ministers pledged to work together to bring peace and stability to the region by fighting terrorism, which was causing damage to the lives and livelihood of the people and affecting the economic stability and prosperity of the region. They also decided to work more closely with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime.

At a post-conference briefing, Bangladesh State Minister for Home Lutfozzaman Babar said: "Our greatest achievement is that the Home Ministers expressed their vows to strongly combat terrorism in their respective countries to ensure the overall economic prosperity of South Asia." He termed the meeting "very fruitful," and said decisions had been taken to increase the effectiveness of the Colombo-based desk responsible for checking drug abuse.

The conference also discussed issues such as money laundering, terrorist financing and laws. On drug smuggling, it decided that Pakistan would work out specific steps to stop the spread of synthetic drugs in South Asia and finalise the structure of a computer-based emergency response team.

SAARCpol not for now

The Home Ministers decided to share the experience of their law enforcement agencies. Bangladesh, India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka proposed training programmes for police personnel. However, the Ministers could not decide on the formation of SAARCpol, an idea endorsed by the Home Secretaries. They referred the proposal of forming the regional law enforcement agency to the member states for study before the next Home Ministers' meet in India next year. It was decided to form an association of SAARC police chiefs to enhance the implementation and evaluation of decisions taken at the Home Ministers' meeting. Another decision was that the police chiefs would meet twice a year.

SAARC Secretary-General Chenkyab Dorji said: "Our leaders condemned all forms and manifestations of terrorism. All want to curb this menace to bring peace and stability; we all are united to tackle the issue."

List of criminals

Mr. Babar said he had discussions with Home Minister Shivraj Patil on a number of bilateral issues, including Bangladeshi criminals staying in India. The Bangladesh Rifles had already handed over a list of criminals to the Border Security Force.

The meet, inaugurated by Bangladesh Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, discussed steps taken for the implementation of two regional conventions and the additional protocol against terrorism.

Ms. Zia stressed the need for understanding and cooperation in the area of counter-terrorism. "In this era of globalisation, terrorism and trans-national crimes have become increasingly global, and we need to ensure understanding and cooperation in the area of counter-terrorism for mutual benefit."

Ms. Zia, who is SAARC chairperson now, reiterated that Bangladesh was fully committed to ensuring a peaceful South Asia.

Mr. Patil, Pakistan Home Minister Aftab Ahmed Khan Sherpaw, Bhutan Minister for Home and Cultural Affairs Lyonpo Ssigmi Thenley, and Home Minister of the Maldives Ahmed Taslim Ali expressed concern over arms and human trafficking in the region.

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