New Delhi: In a final diplomatic nail in Islamabad’s coffin in South Asia, current Saarc chair Nepal — in a veiled warning to Pakistan — has said, “Saarc members must ensure that their respective territories are not used by terrorists for cross-border terrorism”.
In what is being seen as an expression of solidarity with New Delhi, Kathmandu said it has condemned the terrorist attack in Uri. Nepal also said Pakistan had informed it of the postponement of the Islamabad Saarc summit.
Kathmandu said it would work towards holding the Saarc summit successfully in the future. Maldives had also raised the issue of terrorism on Saturday. With this, Pakistan has been completely isolated in the Saarc as all other nations in the association backing India.
Nepal to initiate fresh talkson summit
Kathmandu said, “Nepal regrets that the regional environment is not conducive to host the 19th Saarc summit scheduled for November 9 and 10 in Islamabad. The host country Pakistan has informed the chair of Saarc (Nepal) of the postponement of the 19th Saarc summit... Nepal will initiate the necessary consultations for successfully holding the 19th Summit with the participation of all member states... To achieve peace and security in the region, Saarc members states must, among others, ensure that their respective territories are not used by terrorists for cross-border terrorism.”
Kathmandu further added, “Nepal unequivocally condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and expresses its solidarity in the global fight against terrorism. Nepal has always condemned all acts of terrorism in our own region. Most recently, Nepal has condemned the terrorist attack on an Indian Army base in Uri, Kashmir, on September 18.”
