After India and three other nations decided pull out of the 19th SAARC Summit in Islamabad, Nepal on Sunday said the regional environment is not conducive for the summit, as it also announced the postponement of the 19th SAARC Summit.
After 20 Indian soldiers were killed in the terror attack in Uri, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had decided not to attend the SAARC Summit. India’s decision was followed by Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka skipping the SAARC Summit.
“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 terror in our own region,” the release said.
Nepal, which is the current chair of SAARC, expressed regret over the fact that regional environment is not conducive to host the 19th SAARC Summit as of now. The summit was to be held in Islamabad in the month of November. “Nepal will initiate necessary consultation on successfully holding the summit with the participation of all member states,” the country’s foreign ministry said in a press statement.
Reminding that an environment of peace and stability was essential for meaningful regional cooperation, Nepal said SAARC nations, among others, should ensure that their respective territories are not used by terrorists for cross-border terrorism.
The general provisions of the SAARC Charter require that decisions at all levels shall be taken on the basis of unanimity, and this applies to the convening of meetings of heads of state or government of SAARC member states as well.
Founded in 1985, South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) currently has Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka as its members.
