Monday, September 11 2006 18:09 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Helsinki: German Chancellor Angela Merkel said terrorism can be defeated by boosting democracy, economic growth and human rights in crisis regions. "These threats can only be dealt with by joint action," said Merkel in remarks at the Asia Europe Meeting (ASEM) here.

The ASEM brings together leaders from all 25 EU countries and 13 leading Asian nations.

Merkel said the foundation of Berlin's anti-terror policy was close cooperation with EU, NATO and UN partners. "Our fight against Islamist motivated terrorism will only be successful if we strengthen democratic and economic developments in crisis regions and create more respect for human rights," said the German leader. Merkel said Afghanistan showed that military force had to be used at times to fight terrorism. But she stressed force had to be used in a way which respected international law and showed tolerance and respect for other cultures.