Indian FM calls for "zero tolerance" toward terrorism

Indian Foreign Minister S.M. Krishna on Monday described terrorism as "the most potent threats to international peace and security" and called for "zero tolerance" toward terrorism in waging global anti-terror war. "Terrorism remains one of the most potent threats to international peace and security," the foreign minister made the statement at the General Debate of the 67th session of the UN General Assembly, which is scheduled to conclude later on Monday. "Threats emanating from terrorism, maritime piracy, drug trafficking and proliferation of weapons of mass destruction continue to multiply," he said. "These challenges demand that we act to work for solutions in a concerted and coordinated manner. This is the only path to success." "The international community must adopt a 'zero tolerance' approach towards terrorism and focus on efforts to dismantle the infrastructure of terrorism including its invidious network of epicenters, training facilities and financing," the minister said. "It is high time we demonstrated the necessary political will and agreed on a Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism to strengthen the normative framework against the increasingly sophisticated and globalized terrorist challenge," he said. The minister said, "India continues to be gravely concerned by the menace of piracy and armed robbery at sea." "Apart from major economic and commercial consequences of this scourge, it has serious humanitarian implications for the large number of seafarers held hostage by the pirates," the minister said. "The need of the hour is once again concerted international action, under the UN auspices, with special attention being paid to address the welfare of seafarers and their families."