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A Joint Statement Released During the Visit of Russian President,
H. E. Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin to Inida

A joint statement was released during the visit of Russian President, H. E. Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin to India.In the statement, the two countries recognised the danger of terrorism and religious fundamentalism in the South and Central Asian region. We reproduce below relevant excerpts of his address to the joint session of India's Parliament on October 4, 2000 The full text is available with the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India

October 5, 2000

The President of the Russian Federation, His Excellency Mr. Vladimir Putin paid a State Visit to India from October 2-5, 2000.

The two sides consider the growing menace of international terrorism, extremism, ethnic separatism, trans-border organised crime and drug trafficking as a significant threat to international peace and stability. They condemn terrorism and extremism in all its forms, irrespective of political, philosophical, ideological, religious, ethnic, racial or any other consideration that may be invoked to justify them. The sides condemn States that aid, abet and directly support cross-border and international terrorism. Both sides underlined the importance of joint efforts for establishing solid international legal basis for cooperation in combating international terrorism including through the adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism and the Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism.

The two sides expressed deep concern over the situation prevailing in Afghanistan. They noted that the Taliban controlled areas had become the breeding ground for religious extremism and international terrorism, posing a serious threat to regional and international security. They reiterated their conviction that the situation in Afghanistan cannot be resolved by force and urged the Taliban and its external patrons, especially States extending direct military support to them, to return to the path of peaceful negotiations, so that a broad-based government, representative of all the ethnic groups, could be established. They called for further measures against the Taliban unless they cease support to international terrorism, drug trafficking and conform to international norms of human rights and international humanitarian law. The two sides decided to establish a Joint Working Group on Afghanistan.

The two sides consider security and stability in Central Asia as of vital interest to them. They strongly condemn terrorist activities on the territory of the Central Asian States, which are directly supported from outside and aimed at challenging the secular and democratic way of life chosen by them. They recognise the Central Asian States' rights to take all necessary measures to safeguard these values.

The two sides noted with concern the growth of the forces of religious extremism in their neighbourhood and the objective of these forces, with official support, to destablise the entire region. They called upon these authorities to contain and eliminate these forces and return to the path of peace and moderation.

The Russian side, while reaffirming its support for India's efforts to normalise its relations with Pakistan on the basis of the 1972 Shimla Agreement, appreciated the position of India that the composite dialogue as a part of the Lahore process could be resumed only when necessary measures are taken for cessation of support for cross-border terrorism and for respect of the Line of Control.

The Russian Federation appreciated the measures taken by India for combating terrorism and ushering in normalcy in the State of Jammu and Kashmir.

India expressed its support to the steps taken by the Russian Federation in the Republic of Chechnya in the protection of its territorial integrity and Constitutional order.

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New Delhi

October 5, 2000

 

 

 

 

 
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