While announcing the postponement of the 19th SAARC Summit, Nepal on Sunday stressed that for a meaningful regional cooperation, countries must not allow terrorists to use their soil for cross-border terrorism. Nepal said a new date will be worked out after consulting all member-states.
“Nepal strongly believes that an environment of peace and stability is essential for a meaningful regional cooperation. To achieve peace and stability in the region, SAARC member-states must, among others, ensure that their respective territories are not used by terrorists for cross-border terrorism,” Nepal said in an apparent hint towards Pakistan.
Days after India and four other countries pulled out of the 19th SAARC Summit indirectly blaming Pakistan for creating an atmosphere which was not right for successfully holding the event, the chair of the SAARC said, “Nepal regrets that regional environment is not conducive to host the 19th SAARC Summit scheduled for 9-10 November 2016 in Islamabad.”
Nepal added Pakistan has informed it about the postponement of the Summit after India, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Bhutan pulled out of the meet. According to new rules, even if one country pulls out, the Summit has to be postponed.
“As the current Chair of SAARC, Nepal underscores the need for creating a conducive regional environment for the SAARC Summit. Nepal will initiate necessary consultation on successfully holding the 19th Summit with the participation of all member-states,” Nepal’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
“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 Indian Army base in Uri, Kashmir, on 18 September 2016, that resulted in the loss of life of Indian soldiers,” added Nepal.
As per norms, the SAARC chair was to be shifted to Pakistan after the Summit. However, with the Summit now postponed, Nepal will continue to be the SAARC Chair.
According to a PTI report, Nepal’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Prakash Sharan Mahat, who returned on Saturday after leading the Nepali delegation to the 71st United National General Assembly (UNGA), told reporters in Kathmandu that Nepal will take “necessary steps and hold discussions with member-states to press for holding the summit”.