India, US agree to coordinate global counter-terrorism efforts

Lalit K Jha

Washington, June 18 (PTI) Stating that terrorism in
any form is unacceptable to them, India and the US have agreed
to coordinate global counter-terrorism efforts and asked the
international community to join hands to combat the menace in
a "long-term, sustained and comprehensive manner".

Recognising terrorism as a major threat to democracy,
international peace and security, the two sides strongly
condemned terrorism in all of its forms and manifestations.

In a joint statement Thursday after the meeting of
the 11th US-India Counter-terrorism Joint Working Group, the
two countries reiterated that there can be no justification
for any act of terrorism on any grounds.

"It is imperative for the international community to
come together to combat terrorism in a long-term, sustained,
and comprehensive manner," the statement said.

It also called upon all states to abide by their
commitments under the UN Global Counter Terrorism Strategy
adopted by the UN General Assembly in September 2006.

Vivek Katju, Special Secretary for International
Organisations, led the Indian delegation at the meeting, while
the US delegation was led by Daniel Benjamin, the US Secretary
of State's Coordinator for Counter-terrorism.

The two countries discussed efforts to coordinate
global counter-terrorism initiatives.

The two delegations also focused on assessing the
global terrorist threat, fighting terrorism through
technological advancements and counter-terrorism cooperation
between India and the US.

Other issues discussed included terrorist finance and
money laundering, capacity building, and expanded information
sharing. Both sides agreed to identify measures to strengthen
institutional linkages leading to closer interaction and
cooperation.

The next meeting of the joint working group is
schedule to take place in India. No date has been announced
yet. PTI LKJ
AM




The information contained in this electronic message and any attachments to this
message are intended for the exclusive
use of the addressee(s) and may contain proprietary, confidential or privileged
information. If you are not the intended
recipient, you should not disseminate, distribute or copy this e-mail. Please
notify the sender immediately and destroy
all copies of this message and any attachments contained in it.