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India, Iran condemn international terrorism

In an obvious reference to Pakistan and Afghanistan, India and Iran condemned states that aid, abet and directly support international terrorism and have sought the intensification of efforts by the international community to combat the menace.

Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who is on a four-day visit to Iran, and Iranian President Syed Mohammad Khatami also emphasised the need to conclude a multilaterally negotiated agreement on the complete elimination of nuclear weapons within a specific time frame.

The 'path-breaking' Tehran Declaration signed by Vajpayee and Khatami on Tuesday night said, "Both sides condemn terrorism in all its forms. They recognise the serious threat posed to nation states and international peace and security by the growing threat of international terrorism and extremism."

Giving details of the declaration, an Indian official said on Wednesday that New Delhi and Tehran had resolved to work to strengthen international consensus and legal regimes against terrorism, including early finalisation of a Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism.

On the nuclear front, Vajpayee and Khatami declared their commitment to the goal of achieving general and complete disarmament under effective international control.

Vajpayee, who arrived in Tehran on Tuesday, is the first Indian prime minister to pay a visit to this oil-rich Gulf state in eight years, the last being P V Narasimha Rao.

India and Iran also signed five agreements, including memoranda of understanding on information technology and energy co-operation.

Vajpayee and Khatami, in their declaration, observed that a military resolution to the 'civil conflict' in Afghanistan was not possible.

They also expressed deep concern over the growth of extremism and the threat of terrorism and illegal trade in narcotics emanating from areas sheltering extremists.

Iran has already taken exception to Pakistan's support to the Taleban in Afghanistan. Two visits of Pakistan's military ruler, General Pervez Musharraf, to Tehran have failed to resolve these issues.

On the bilateral front, the two leaders decided to launch a new phase of "constructive and mutually" beneficial co-operation covering, in particular, the areas of energy, transit and transport, industry, agriculture and service sectors.

Iran, which has huge oil and natural gas reserves, is the second largest producer of crude in the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries. India is a major importer of Iranian oil.

"The geographical situation of Iran and its abundant energy resources and the rapidly expanding Indian economy and energy market create a unique complementarity which the sides agree to harness for mutual benefit," they said.

In this context, they agreed to accelerate the process of working out an appropriate scheme for pipeline options and finalizing the accord reached on liquefied natural gas.

The two leaders referred to the inter-governmental agreement of international north-south corridor among Iran, India and Russia and the agreement on international transit of goods among Iran, India and Turkmenistan and agreed to encourage traders from India and Iran to use them better.

Vajpayee and Khatami also decided to promote scientific and technological co-operation, including joint research projects.

PTI

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