India, UAE for adopting policy of zero tolerance towards terrorism

New Delhi (India), Jan. 26 (ANI): Acknowledging the common threat posed by terrorism to peace and security, India and the UAE have reiterated their strong condemnation of and resolute opposition to terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, wherever committed and by whomever, and declared that there could be no justification for terrorism anywhere. A joint statement issued during the state visit of Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, to India, said the two sides condemned efforts, including by States, to use religion to justify, sustain and sponsor terrorism against other countries. "They further deplored efforts by countries to give religious and sectarian colour to political issues and pointed out the responsibility of all States to control the activities of the so-called 'non-state actors'," the joint statement said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the visiting Crown Prince articulated their clear and unequivocal resolve to cooperate on counter-terrorism by adopting a policy of zero tolerance towards the menace of terrorism. "Satisfied at the growing bilateral collaboration on counterterrorism, information sharing and capacity-building, they expressed confidence that these efforts would contribute to regional and global peace and security," the statement read. The two sides agreed to coordinate efforts to counter radicalization and misuse of religion by groups and countries for inciting hatred and perpetrating acts of terrorism. "They emphasized the need to facilitate regular exchanges of religious scholars and intellectuals and to organize conferences and seminars to promote the values of peace, tolerance, inclusiveness and welfare that are inherent in all religions," the statement added. Both leaders emphasized the importance of promoting a culture of inclusiveness, openness and tolerance within and among societies and agreed to work together closely to confront the global ills of extremism, terrorism and religious intolerance. They reiterated that the Indian and the UAE experiences in building inclusive societies should continue to be promoted as effective models in countering extremism and radicalism. Both sides noted the importance of efforts to disrupt terrorist networks, their financing and movement, in accordance with the relevant principles and purposes of the UN Charter and international laws. The two sides deplored the use of double standards in addressing the menace of international terrorism and agreed to strengthen cooperation in combating terrorism both at the bilateral level and within the multilateral system. "In this regard, they called for early conclusion of negotiations on the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism in the United Nations," the statement said. The two leaders expressed their grave concern about the threat posed by terrorism and violent extremism which undermines security and stability. "The two leaders agreed that resolute and credible steps must be taken to eliminate safe havens and sanctuaries that provide shelter to terrorists and their activities," the statement added. The Indian side expressed deep appreciation for the solidarity expressed by the UAE on the terrorist attacks on the Indian Air Force base in Pathankot in January 2016 and on the Army headquarters in Uri in September 2016. The two leaders strongly condemned the terrorist attacks in Kabul and Kandahar on January 10, 2017, and underscored the need to bring the perpetrators of these dastardly and cowardly acts to justice. Prime Minister Modi conveyed his heartfelt condolences on the loss of lives of the UAE and Afghan nationals in these attacks. He wished speedy recovery to the UAE diplomats injured in the attacks. (ANI)