Editor in Chief: Moh. Reza Huwaida Friday, March 29th, 2024

14 Nations Adopt Heart of Asia Declaration

14 Nations Adopt Heart  of Asia Declaration

NEW DELHI - Following the one-day Heart of Asia ministerial conference in Amritsar, India, 14 countries in the region adopted a declaration and called for an immediate end to all forms of terrorism and to the financing of the problem.
The declaration stated that what was of concern was the "gravity of the security situation in Afghanistan in particular and the region and the high level of violence caused by the Taliban, terrorist groups including Daesh and its affiliates, the Haqqani Network, al-Qaeda, Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan, East Turkistan Islamic Movement, Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammad, TTP, Jamaat-ul-Ahrar, Jundullah and other foreign terrorist fighters.
"We demand an immediate end to all forms of terrorism, as well as all support to it, including financing of terrorism. We recognize that terrorism is the biggest threat to peace, stability and cooperation in our region. We encourage the international community to continue to assist the Government of Afghanistan.
"We strongly call for concerted regional and international cooperation to ensure elimination of terrorism, in all its forms and manifestations, including dismantling of terrorist sanctuaries and safe havens in the Heart of Asia region, as well as disrupting all financial, tactical and logistical support for terrorism.
"In this regard, we call upon all states to take action against these terrorist entities in accordance with their respective national counter terrorism policies, their international obligations and the UN Global Counter Terrorism Strategy 2006. Furthermore, we encourage early finalization of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism with consensus."
The declaration also called on the international community to further strengthen international and regional cooperation towards sustained efforts for a secure, stable and prosperous Afghanistan.
In addition the declaration commended countries in the region in particular Iran and Pakistan for hosting millions of Afghan refugees.
"We call on all these countries to continue hosting the Afghan refugees until their sustainable repatriation and reintegration in Afghanistan can take place in a voluntary, safe, gradual and dignified fashion, in accordance with the Solutions Strategy for Afghan Refugees to Support Voluntary Repatriation, Sustainable Reintegration and Assistance to Host Communities."
It stated there was concern for the recent spike of Afghan refugee returns and the challenges that this sudden influx brought with it.
"We therefore urge the international community to provide generous support and targeted assistance for Afghan refugees, returnees and host communities in the region, with emphasis on youth, education and livelihoods."
The declaration also stated that the concerned nations welcome and support Afghanistan's initiative in taking the lead in exploring a regional counter-terror strategy, in accordance with the established principles of the UN charter, which was agreed as necessary in Islamabad in December 2015.
It also stated the region was concerned about the increase in production and cultivation of opium in Afghanistan, the volume of drug trafficking and demand in the HoA region and beyond.
The declaration stipulated that this issue requires further eradication efforts and poses a threat to the socio-economic development, security and stability not only in Afghanistan, but also in the surrounding region and the world as a whole.
On the issue of peace in Afghanistan, the declaration stated that "we recognize that a politically negotiated settlement remains important for durable peace in Afghanistan. We reiterate our support to the government of Afghanistan in its efforts to advance an Afghan-led Afghan-owned peace process. We urge all Afghan Taliban groups and all other armed groups to enter into peace talks with the government of Afghanistan."
On connectivity, it stipulated that the delegates "acknowledge the crucial role of Afghanistan as a natural land bridge in promoting regional connectivity and economic integration in the Heart of Asia region, and we reiterate our strong support for Afghanistan's efforts to use its geographic location to enhance wider regional economic cooperation."
The declaration was adopted in Amritsar, India following Sunday's successful 6th Heart of Asia ministerial conference. The declaration was signed by 14 regional countries, including Afghanistan, India, China, Pakistan, Iran, Russia and Saudi Arabia among others.
In addition, the United Nations also adopted the declaration, which in turn was supported by numerous foreign countries and international organizations including NATO. (Tolonews)