BRUSSELS, Oct 3 � As the leaders of Asia and Europe gather on Monday for the Eighth Asia-Europe (ASEM - 8) Summit, the threats from global terrorism are likely to be yet again raised by India, with Vice President, Hamid Ansari re-emphasising the need for a comprehensive convention on terrorism.
The Vice President, who is participating in the two-day ASEM - 8 that gets under way tomorrow, told accompanying newsmen that terrorism is high on India�s agenda, as it is with other countries. �Things are very clear, we have made concerted efforts, which has made considerable progress. �We basically want to push the idea which we have been propagating for many years that there should be a comprehensive global convention on terrorism,� he observed.
At the last ASEM Summit attended by the Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh at Beijing, both the EU and India expressed their committed to respect, protect and promote human rights, fundamental freedoms, and the rule of law.
India and the EU had resolved to stand united in combating the challenge of terrorism, which constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security.
India�s reiteration of stand on terrorism emanates from its apprehension of Pakistan, yet again raking up the Kashmir issue at the international Summit being attended by heads of States and top leaders of 48 Asian and European countries.
Pakistan is being represented by its Foreign Minister, Shah Mehmood Qureshi. India is wary that Islamabad might try to repeat what it did in the UN General Assembly meeting at New York last week, when it�s Prime Minister, Yosuf Raza Gilani talked about the recent incidents of violence in Kashmir Valley, trying to draw the attention the world community.
The Vice President, when asked about the possibility of meeting with the Pakistan Foreign Minister ruled out the possibility by saying that there was no such request from the Pakistani side.
At an earlier briefing, Secretary (East) Latha Reddy replying to a question about the possibility of Pakistan raising the issue, side stepped the question by maintaining, �We will cross the bridge, when we come to it.�
Meanwhile, besides terrorism, the Summit is also likely to be dominated by discussions the growing menace of piracy on the Arabian Sea and the coast of Somalia, extending down to portion of Indian Ocean.
This is a subject on which, there has been global concern and concerted global action, in which navies of several countries including Indian Navy has been playing an active role. Indian Navy has been very active in the Western Arabian Seas and even further. �We want to protect not only our sea lanes but take part in global effort in protecting the sea lanes,� he added.
European and Asian businesses have been sharply affected by the surge in piracy off the Horn of Africa, which lies on the shortest sea route between their ports. Many states have sent naval missions to the region, but they have been hampered by difficult conditions and a lack of clear laws for prosecuting suspects taken on the high seas.
When asked to comment on the Ayodha judgement, Ansari replied that the Prime Minister�s statement is the position and I think it sets out very clearly and emphatically.
The Eight ASEM Summit will review the results of the Beijing Summit and discuss a wide range of international and global issues and developments in Asia and Europe, in particular finance, global economic governance, sustainable development, global and regional issues and Asia-Europe people-to-people relations, said Secretary (East) Latha Reddy, briefing newsmen.
