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SAARC observers’ cooperation in seven fields

Jesmin Papri, Diplomatic Correspondent |
Update: 2014-11-23 09:13:00
SAARC observers’ cooperation in seven fields

FROM HOTEL SALTY (KATMANDU): The observer countries will have opportunities to make their contributions in seven fields of the SAARC countries.

Under the planned cooperation, the observers will get options in providing cooperation in agriculture, energy, connectivity, communication, health, environment and economic fields to at least three member countries of SAARC. Moreover, there is likely to be a decision to include new observers.

Recommendations for preparing a policy also came up in the two day meeting of the standing committee beginning from Sunday for participation of the observers and donors. If this decision gets nod at Katmandu conference, the role of the observers will be widened slightly.

Though there are nine countries and organizations belonging to observer group, their participation was very less significant only to be present at the inaugural day and concluding day. There is little scope for active participation. USA, China, Japan, Australia, Myanmar, Mauritius, South Korea, Iran and European Union are the observers of SAARC.

Present SAARC wants to take this decision to enhance their commitments and widen their role towards this South Asian organization. In the 18th session of SAARC at first the role of the observers came up in the discussion.

A standing committee meeting source told that in case of playing contributory role the intenders shall have to apply to the SAARC secretariat. With the consent of the concerned member country the secretariat would give opportunities to the observers for financing the project.

Speaking to banglanews a member of the standing committee told that in each SAARC meeting at ministerial level the role of the observers is limited in expressing their intentions. The 47th meeting of the program committee has prepared proposals for coordination about the matter taking the mandate of the standing committee.

In the meeting of the current session specific recommendations have come up for cooperation of the observers in at least seven fields. If this is adopted this time then proposals for projects will be sent to the observers. 

One official of the meeting told that all member countries were not of same opinion because of the presence of USA and China. For this reason though the observers were interested but failed to play any active role. They have also many allegations about the matter.

However European Union, Australia, China and Japan are extending cooperation to some projects under the fund. Mauritius, Iran, South Korea and Myanmar so far did not extend any cooperation.

In the meeting of the program committee recommendations also came up to reconsider the decisions of not to induct new observers. In 2008 the decision of inducting new observers was withheld for one year. As a result though Turkey applied for becoming observer of SAARC is still unresolved.

It is learnt that in the current meeting recommendations were made that the intending countries will be given the status of taking part in the dialogue and making them associate members in phases.

Speaking one official of SAARC secretariat told banglanews that the SAARC members want to formulate a participatory policy for the existing observer countries before inducting new observer.

The official further told that we hope in the current conference we will be able to reach a decision to this end. The two day meeting has begun at on Sunday Hotel Salty in the Kalimati area of Katmandu.

In foreign secretary level meeting of the SAARC countries Bangladesh foreign secretary Shahidul Haque is leading the Bangladesh delegation. After the end of the two day meeting on Monday the media will be formally informed about outcome of the meeting.

** SAARC Standing Committee meeting starts

BDST: 2013 HRS, NOV 23, 2014

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