SL says atmosphere not conducive to hold SAARC Summit

30 September 2016 03:05 pm - 18 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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In the wake of four member-countries including India pulling out of the 19th SAARC Summit scheduled to be held in Islamabad on November 9 and 10, Sri Lanka said today the atmosphere in the South Asian region was not conducive for the holding of the Summit.

The Foreign Affairs Ministry said in a statement that the General Provisions of the SAARC Charter require that decisions at all levels should be taken on the basis of unanimity and that unanimity also applies to the convening of meetings of Heads of State or Government and of SAARC Member-States as well.

“Peace and security are essential elements for the success of meaningful regional cooperation for the benefit of the people of South Asia. As a founding member of SAARC, committed to regional cooperation, Sri Lanka hopes that the steps required to ensuring our region’s peace and security will be taken to create an environment that is conducive for the pursuit of regional cooperation,” it said.

The Foreign Ministry reiterated that Sri Lanka condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and stressed the need to deal with the issue of terrorism in the region in a decisive manner.

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Comments - 18

SAHAN Friday, 30 September 2016 05:13 PM

Mr. Sanjeew Sri Lanka did not support India instead of she claim the situation in the south Asia is not suitable for the summit. We do not support India.In our war against LTTE India has taken side with Tamil Nadu but Pakistan has supported us even supplied weapons.

PKS Sunday, 02 October 2016 07:49 PM

Countries harbouring terrorism and drugs need to be islolated.

Shakil Khwaja Friday, 30 September 2016 07:47 PM

As a Pakistani, i am heart broken to see Sri Lanka siding with tyrant. The world has turned a blind eye to the Indian attrocities in Kashmir. Pakistan will overcome this difficult situation, but we won't forget the silence of our friends. Next time India bullys Sri Lanka on any issue of conflicting priorities, i hope government of Pakistan remembers this. A very disappointed Pakistani

Sammy Friday, 30 September 2016 07:10 PM

True Pakistan provided support to SL because it is an opportunistic country and it is not bordering Sri Lanka. It used the fact that SL was having issues with India, over the LTTE matter, to its advantage. SL can live without Pakistan but they cannot without India, due to geopolitical realities. Even India provided covert support to SL during the final war vs LTTE.

Sammy Friday, 30 September 2016 07:04 PM

If cricket matches cannot be played in Pakistan, how can SAARC Summit be held? The already tense situation in Pakistan due to terrorism is worsened by the recent escalation of border issues between Pakistan and India.

Lap Friday, 30 September 2016 06:54 PM

With whom are we supposed to hold the summit? Most of the countries aren't coming due to war and terrorism

Arjuna Friday, 30 September 2016 06:32 PM

What is the reason for SAARC's existence? To bring close the member states and help them resolve their issues bilaterally. If 3 countries are ganging up against one and in the process destroying the regional coordination then what is the purpose of such a forum? SAARC countries need to act maturely and not act as side kicks of the biggest country i.e. India. Whatever the differences are between India and Pakistan - regional cooperation should not be made to suffer because of that. Immature leadership and lack of strategic thinking is evident in SAARC

Sujeewa Friday, 30 September 2016 05:34 PM

Hey guys, Did you forget what and how Pakistan has helped us. In 1996, when Aussies and West I' refused to come to SL to play the world cup, it was Paks and Indians came to SL as a joint team to show the world that SL is a safer place to play. With that, without playing, we were granted 8 points (winning points against Aussies and WI) and we became Table Top in Group B. That is what helped us to become World Cup winners. Second, for the war against terrorism, if not for the support - training, ammunition etc what we received from Pakistan, Prabaharan is still alive. Be nice to your friends!

Patriot Friday, 30 September 2016 05:18 PM

India betrayed Sri Lanka in many occasions but Pakistan always support us when we are in need. Poor decision by government.

Wise Donkey Friday, 30 September 2016 03:30 PM

SAARC doesn't serve any purpose at all except quarrel among the member states.

Meera Friday, 30 September 2016 05:09 PM

Better to Pakistan to stop exporting terrorism

BuffaloaCitizen Friday, 30 September 2016 04:58 PM

To join ASEAN the caliber of the countries leaders and citizens need to improve. Nobody wants a country like SL where racism is part of State agenda. Look at Indonesia how they gave Irian Jaya autonomy, that is good governance and exemplary citizens. Can you expect that kind of governance in SL?

BuffaloaCitizen Friday, 30 September 2016 04:53 PM

Our application for ASEAN was rejected. The main resistance was by Singapore Lee Kuan Yew) who was not happy with the caliber of SL politicians, racist tendencies and decision making. Even SL request for observer status in ASEAN (which India received) was rejected.

gobbaya Friday, 30 September 2016 04:39 PM

until the early 90s ASEAN invited SL to be a member.our short sighted foolish politicians chose to cling onto SAARC instead.today where is ASEAN where is SAARC via DM Android App

Ash Friday, 30 September 2016 04:31 PM

Good opportunity to get them to move the summit to SL and be a genuine broker of Peace. via DM Android App

braveheart Friday, 30 September 2016 04:28 PM

why cant we just quite this dead loss saarc and join asean instead? waste of time and money. worthless crap

BuffaloaCitizen Friday, 30 September 2016 04:16 PM

Pakistan should first realize that it is hot bed of terrorism and is one of the most dangerous places to have any form of conference.

Sanjeev Friday, 30 September 2016 04:06 PM

Well, Thanks to Sri Lanka to support India in fight against terrorism. Surely with so good neighbour we will surely win the fight against terrorism and terrorist supporting country

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SL says atmosphere not conducive to hold SAARC Summit

Comments - 18

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