04 January 2004	Sunday	11 Ziqa'ad 1424

ISLAMABAD, Jan 3: The representative assembly of civil society organizations and networks of the South Asian countries have asked the Saarc leaders to focus on the peace keeping activities in the region.

This was stated in a draft declaration released by the South Asian People's summit at a press conference here on Saturday.

The representatives of civil societies from Pakistan, Nepal and Sri Lanka jointly demanded the Saarc leaders to enter into collective 'No War Pact' and work on declaring South Asia a nuclear weapon free zone.

SAP (Sri Lanka) Executive Director Padma Rathnayeka said to maintain peace level in the region, the country leaders should reduce the existing military expenditure, diverting the savings for the creation of social security funds. The additional protocol to Saarc Convention on Suppression of Terrorism, 1987, should include a clause on non-proliferation of small arms and light weapons, she said.

The representatives asked the member countries to desist from implementing anti-poor conditionalities, such as withdrawal of subsidies imposed by international financial institutions and other lenders.

They said the subsidies should be restored in agriculture, water, food security and on delivery of essential social services.

The group of opinion leaders demanded the ratification of 9th Saarc Convention.

SAP (Nepal) Executive Director Dr James Arputhraj said Saarc member countries should recognize the core labour rights of workers.-APP