News
Sunday, June 27, 2010
G-8 applauds Pakistan’s efforts against terrorism* Calls for support for economic and political reforms
* Welcomes improvement in Pakistan, India tiesWASHINGTON/NEW YORK: Applauding Pakistan's continued anti-terrorism efforts along the Afghan border, the G-8 nations meeting in Canada on Saturday called for international support for the key South Asian country's economic and political reforms.
The leaders of eight influential industrialised countries also welcomed moves by South Asian regional powers Pakistan and India towards improving their bilateral relationship. "We welcome and encourage Pakistan's efforts to root out violent extremists, especially in its border areas with Afghanistan," the group said in a communiqué, released by the Canadian Press from Muskoka, where the leaders met over the last two days.
Stressing on world backing for Islamabad's resolve, the communiqué noted it was essential that Pakistan be supported by the international community as it addresses its political, economic and social reforms. "We welcome and encourage the recent steps taken by the governments of Pakistan and India to advance their bilateral relationship, and urge all countries of the region to work together actively in the interests of regional peace and stability," the group said.
The group also underscored the need for a broad regional approach to countering violent extremism. The group was also pleased that progress was being made, in association with multilateral donors, on two key projects under the G8 Afghanistan Pakistan Border Region Prosperity Initiative, a Peshawar-Jalalabad expressway and a feasibility study for a Peshawar-Jalalabad rail link.
"We are confident that these projects and others - realised with the efforts of the governments of Pakistan and Afghanistan - will deliver tangible benefits to the Afghan and Pakistani people and help to foster regional stability," it said. Continuing in the regional perspective, the group said the upcoming Kabul conference will be an important opportunity for the government of Afghanistan to present its detailed plans and show tangible progress in implementing the commitments made in the January 2010 London Conference.
Through a communiqué, the conference made it clear to Afghan government that it must show commitment including measures to combat corruption, address illicit drug production and trafficking, improve human rights, improve provision of basic services and governance, make concrete progress to reinforce the formal justice system and expand the capacity of the Afghan national security forces to assume increasing responsibility for security within five years.
To that end, the leaders voiced full support for the transition strategy adopted by the International Security Assistance Force contributors in April, as well as the on-going efforts to establish an Afghan-led national reconciliation and reintegration process.
In this respect, the June Peace Jirga was an important milestone. Clear steps by Afghanistan towards more credible, inclusive and transparent parliamentary elections in September will be an important step forward in the country's maturing democracy. app
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk