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Commonwealth leaders united on the need to combat terrorism
Monday, 26 November 2007

Heads of Government conferring during the CHOGM in Kampala, Uganda, reaffirmed their strong condemnation of terrorist acts in all their forms and manifestations and recognised that terrorism continues to present a serious challenge to international peace and security.

Badawi gave this assurance when he met President Rajapaksa at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Kampala. The talks focused on bilateral relationship between Sri Lanka and Malaysia. The two leaders discussed greater investment opportunities available for Malaysians in Sri Lanka and other trade-related matters beneficial to both countries.

They also highlighted the nexus between the proliferation of such weapons and terrorism, increased drug trafficking, other criminality and armed violence and voiced concern regarding the threat this posed to national, regional and global peace and security and expressed support for the 2001 UN Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects, and action to identify and trace illicit Small Arms and Light Weapons.

The need to conclude a Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism during the Sixty Second Session of the UN General Assembly was also stressed by the representatives at the meeting.

Most importantly, Heads of Government called all states to accede to and implement the UN Counter Terrorism Conventions and Protocols and relevant Security Council Resolutions, to prevent the use of their territories for the support, incitement or commission of terrorist acts. They also highlighted the need to implement the necessary legal framework to put a stop to terrorist financing. Sri Lanka's offer to host a ministerial meeting next year on the issue was welcomed by the representatives.

Courtesy - Government Information