SAARC needs greater international interactions

recognition has been given. Evidently, the UN closely monitored the SAARC and finally reached the conclusion that it is sparing no efforts to develop effective cooperative mechanism among seven nations in the most densely populated region in the world even though the progress during the two decades of its functioning may not be anything remarkable.

The SAARC is in the threshold of beginning its course in the third decade. It was launched in Dhaka in 1985 and it is through the coming summit in the Bangladesh capital next month the assiduously nurtured regional forum enters a new phase. The SAARC often comes in for criticism for the reason that it has not succeeded in delivering the expected results in twenty years. Then again there are cynics, who believe that the forum has not made any mark at all. However, an overwhelming majority seems to feel that there is no reason whatsoever for being euphoric about the SAARC but they are convinced that it is delivering -- albeit in a sluggish manner. There is hardly any denying that SAARC is often crippled by manifold problems, including political differences, but what is noteworthy is the fact that it's progressing surmounting the obstacles.

When SAARC was launched in Dhaka through the first summit, the most elderly leader -- Sri Lankan president (late) Junius Jayewardene -- cautioned that the new forum faced manifold problems despite potentials but hoped that it would go ahead weathering many a storm. Nearly nineteen years later, president Chandrika Kumaratunga of the same island state told the inaugural session of the 12th SAARC summit in Islamabad that the regional grouping now needs to swing more into effective action oriented welfare programmes. The signing of agreement in south Asian free trade zone (SAFTA) and stronger emphasis on unremitting efforts for poverty alleviation in world's one of the worst poverty-ridden region on one hand reflected the forum's eagerness to tackle critical issues inextricably linked with economic emancipation and protocol on curbing terrorism and, on the other, underlined the willingness to improve overall climate in the area as far as possible. But it is the core economic matters that will help improve the socio-economic conditions of the member countries, particularly the lesser developed ones. It should now catch the imagination of the SAARC leaders in a far bigger way in their future programmes. It is heartening to note that the SAARC is already seeking to turn its main focus on the specific issues that would help achieve this objective.

Islamabad summit had reviewed the progress of the SAARC made so far and succeeded in drawing several programmes on the hand. Despite slow achievements, there can hardly be any denial that seven countries have established cooperation in varied fields through the integrated programmes of actions (IPA) and the technical committees dealing with important areas have also performed reasonably well. But the inherent mistrust in the region, particularly between the two main players of the spectrum -- India and Pakistan -- seems to mar the expected development of the forum. The summits always leave a sobering effect on the political climate of the region. This is the Islamabad summit that produced a breakthrough in the Indo-Pak dialogue as the two nuclear-powered arch rivals broke the near-icy ties and since have held series of talks at various levels including at the summit to improve their relations. Dialogue which was absent between them for a long time no doubt helped clear misunderstanding although settlement of vexed issues is very difficult although not impossible.

Islamabad summit had taken up a series of programmes in the economic, social and other sectors and all these are commendable. It is imperative that the positive spirit is maintained through appropriate and timely follow up actions. SAARC with its resource constraints cannot do much but the achievements are not mean either. A major segment of the vast multitude living in the south Asia is mired in abject poverty and it is a kind of bounden duty for the regional leaders to spare no efforts for their economic welfare. The task is daunting but benefits can be visible even though in a smaller scale provided the forum moves in the desirable direction.

The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) decision to grant "Observer" status to the SAARC has come at a right time -- just before the 13th summit conference of the leaders. This new-find status will enable the SAARC to place its points of view on different socio-economic issues before the word body. The UN agencies can also assist the SAARC in many ways, ranging from financial to technical aspects. It is necessary that the regional body derives maximum benefits -- diplomatic, financial and otherwise from the world body in its quest for further invigorating and embellishing itself. The forum should also establish and widen its links with other effective regional forums and multinational bodies for cooperation since the task before the SAARC is massive and it needs international support and assistance to carry out the planned programmes. The Association on one hand must consolidate the gains and enhance cohesiveness among member nations and on the other widen its international interactions. After all, image in the outside world for a forum like SAARC is important because the region is sadly known more for negative conditions including political differences among the main players of the regional spectrum.

Zaglul Ahmed Chowdhury is a senior journalist.