Friday, November 11 2005 17:04 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Dhaka: Faced with the growing threat of terrorism, the SAARC countries are expected outline a series of steps to collectively combat the scourge, which affects the security, economic stability and development of the region.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and other leaders of the seven-member regional grouping, who meet for the two-day SAARC Summit from tomorrow (Nov 12, 2005), are likely to emphasise that terrorism can be defeated only through a 'sustained, patient and comprehensive' campaign.

A draft Declaration prepared for the Dhaka Summit has specially focussed on the threats posed by terrorism. It reflects the strong condemnation of SAARC leaders of terrorist violence in all its forms and manifestations and the 'ominous challenge' it poses to all states.

It indicated that the leaders would renew their commitment to the SAARC Regional Convention on Suppression of Terrorism and its Additional Protocol, which recognises the seriousness of the problem of terrorism as it 'affects the security, economic stability and social development of the region'.

The leaders are likely to affirm their commitment to reinforce their coordinated efforts at the national, regional and international levels to face this 'virulent challenge', the document indicated.