India, Africa condemn terrorism, piracy

The Addis Ababa Declaration, which was adopted at the end of the second Africa-India Forum Summit, called on all countries to ensure that acts of cross-border terrorism do not occur and their territories are not made a base for terrorists.
Both India and Africa condemned piracy and terrorism in all forms and called for active prosecution of persons who subscribe to such heinous crimes.

"We unequivocally condemn terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. An act of terrorism anywhere is a threat to the entire international community," stated the declaration.

"We recognise the need to further strengthen international cooperation to combat global terrorism and for compliance of all member states with all international terrorism conventions and related protocols and United Nations Security Council's resolution on counter-terrorism," the declaration stated.

Further the declaration also called on all states to cooperate with each other in order to prosecute, render legal assistance and extradite in connection with matters pertaining to international terrorism.

On the issue of piracy which has become a major menace, the declaration condemned such acts.

The leaders at the summit condemned kidnapping, the practice of taking hostages, demanding ransom and also the political concessions in such cases. "We express serious concern at the increase in such incidents," the declaration said.

During the summit, India voiced serious concerns regarding the threats posed by Somali pirates.

Nearly 11 per cent of sea farers are Indian nationals and some of them have been taken hostage too. There have been over 200 attacks, including nearly 70 successful hijackings, and ransoms have been paid to pirates for securing the release of hostages and ships.

India also took note of the African position, which condemns the practice of paying ransom to terror outfits.

The declaration also mentioned the ongoing crisis in Libya, stating, "We take note of the United Nations Security Council resolutions of 1970 and 1973 on Libya and stress that efforts to implement them should be within the letter and spirit of those resolutions. We call for immediate cessation of hostilities in Libya and urge the parties in conflict to strive towards political solution through peaceful means".

In the declaration, India supported Africa's claims for permanent membership of the Security Council. On its part, Africa backed India's claim to a permanent seat with full rights in an expanded security council, stated the declaration.