NEW DELHI: Wherever terrorism may occur, for whatever reason, in whatever form, it is against humanity and the need is to be uncompromising when dealing with such a situation. It was a clear message delivered by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the perpetrators of terror.
The Prime Minister also underlined how the International Convention on Combating Terrorism is waiting for a consensus in the United Nations. He drew attention of the participants at the ninth G20 Parliamentary Speakers’ Summit (P20) to the global aspect where no consensus regarding the definition of terrorism is achieved.
He stressed that the enemies of humanity are taking advantage of this attitude and urged the parliaments and their representatives around the world to come up with ways of working together in this fight against terrorism.
Canada stays away
The PM delivered his inaugural address at the P20 at Yashobhoomi in New Delhi, on October 13. The summit was hosted by the Parliament of India under the broader framework of India’s G20 presidency with the theme of ‘Parliaments for One Earth, One Family, One Future’. Incidentally, Canadian Senate Speaker Raymonde Gagné stayed away, though Ottawa had earlier confirmed it would attend the meet.
This came amid a diplomatic row following PM Justin Trudeau’s accusation that Indian agents were linked to the killing of Khalistani leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Despite India’s repeated requests, no substantive evidence has yet been provided by Canada.
Meanwhile, the P20 Summit unanimously adopted a joint statement under the chairmanship of Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla. The presiding officers welcomed the comprehensive and constructive dialogue held during the G20 Leaders’ Summit and India’s G20 presidency.
P20 joint statement
Joint statement
“In view of the constructive discussions held during the ninth P20 and experience gained at the previous P20s, we reaffirm our commitment to continue our joint work to make an effective and meaningful parliamentary contribution to the G20 process, as appreciated by the G20 Leaders”, the joint statement stated.
The parliaments will continue to engage in parliamentary diplomacy and dialogue in relevant fora as a catalyst for promoting international peace, prosperity and harmony, including supporting the peaceful resolution of conflicts and disputes, the statement added.
Addressing the media later, Speaker Om Birla said apart from the G20 countries, 10 other countries were invited to the conference, in which all but one (Canada) participated.
The New Delhi P20 conference had the highest participation ever, shared Speaker Birla, adding that the Pan-African Parliament participated in the P20 Summit for the first time. The African Union was admitted as a member of the G20 in the New Delhi Summit earlier.
Altogether, 436 delegates, including 48 Members of Parliament in addition to the Speakers and Deputy Speakers of the Parliaments of the G20 and invited countries, participated in the summit.
