17 January 2005	Monday	06 Zilhaj 1425

ISLAMABAD Jan 16: Durable peace and a climate of trust in South Asia are needed to intensify efforts against Auto-Immune Deficiency Syndrome (Aids), says Premier Shaukat Aziz.

He was speaking at a dinner hosted by him for delegates attending the International Conference against HIV/Aids at the Prime Minister's House on Saturday night.

Prime Minister Aziz called for intensifying collaborative effort to contain and control AIDS and stressed the need for greater cooperation to stem the deadly disease in the world, especially South Asia.

He said that the commitment to control Aids must be backed with action to neutralise the threat. He said that South Asia was home to one-fifth of the world's population and as such there was a greater need for preventive action required to make it safer for the future generations.

Prime Minister Aziz stressed the need for eliminating HIV/Aids from South Asia by creating greater public awareness. He said that the awareness campaign should be followed by appropriate preventive measures.

Mr Aziz expressed optimism to note that the parliamentarians of so many countries have taken up this cause "So far South Asia is concerned we feel there is a need to work together by joining hands against the menace the premier remarked.

He said Economic prosperity, durable peace, sincerity, flexibility and magnanimity would provide an appropriate climate to mount a struggle against the fatal disease.

Peace and tranquillity and mutual trust in South Asia would not only pave the way for economic cooperation to stamp out Aids form the region, Prime Minister Aziz said. "Battle against Aids will have to be fought with all the tenacity and it has to be wand there is no other choice," he further stated.

The prime minister also lauded efforts of Dr Nafis Sadik, UN adviser on HIV/Aids in South Asia, and Senator Dr Noor Jehan Panezai with regard to creation of public awareness about the epidemic.