G20 condemns terrorism, calls for increasing effectiveness of global cooperation

New Delhi, Sep 9: The powerful G20 grouping under India’s presidency on Saturday condemned terrorism in all its forms and called for strengthening of efforts to increase the effectiveness of international cooperation to deny terrorist groups safe haven, freedom of operations as well as financial, material or political support.
The Declaration, the adoption of which was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the start of the second session of the G20 Leaders’ Summit, said all acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation, wherever, whenever and by whomsoever committed.
They also committed to support the increasing resource needs of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and FATF-style regional bodies.
“We condemn terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, including those on the basis of xenophobia, racism and other forms of intolerance, or in the name of religion or belief, recognizing the commitment of all religions to peace. It constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security,” the G20 New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration said.
The G20 leaders strongly condemned all terrorist acts against critical infrastructure, including critical energy facilities, and against other vulnerable targets.
Effective counterterrorism measures, support for the victims of terrorism and the protection of human rights are not conflicting goals, but complementary and mutually reinforcing, the leaders said.
“A holistic approach on the basis of international law can effectively counter terrorism. Efforts to increase the effectiveness of international cooperation should be strengthened to deny terrorist groups safe haven, freedom of operations, movement and recruitment, as well as financial, material or political support,” the Declaration said.
“We also express concern about illicit trafficking and diversion of small arms and light weapons. International cooperation among states is critical to combat these phenomena, including export, import controls, and tracing,” it said.
Addressing a press briefing on the G20 Summit outcomes, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said the G20 leaders also addressed the subject of countering terrorism and money laundering. The leaders condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and recognised that it constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security, he said.
In the Declaration, the G20 leaders committed to support the increasing resource needs of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and FATF Style Regional Bodies and encourage others to do the same, including for the next round of mutual evaluations. (PTI)