US proposes to set up APEC counter-terrorism fund

cctv.com 10-18-2003 17:48

The United States proposed Saturday to establish a counter-terrorism fund under the framework of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), said a senior official of the Thai Foreign Ministry.

During Saturday's session of the two-day APEC ministerial meeting, US Secretary of States Colin Powell said that Washington has decided to provide 5.4 million US dollars to launch the fund, according to Sihasak Phuangketkeaw, a spokesman for the Thai Foreign Ministry.

The fund will be run by the Asian Development Bank (ADB). Any member of APEC can apply for financial support from the fund for the use of fighting terrorism by submitting a plan to ADB on how to use it, said Sihasak.

So far, there has been no official response from other APEC members. The proposal will be further discussed during the forthcoming APEC Economic Leaders Meeting, scheduled for Oct. 20-21.

The United States also proposed measures to suppress the production, shipment and sale of man-portable air defense systems, at the senior officials' meeting of APEC earlier this week.

The rising threat of terrorism has highlighted the importance, both economically and socially, of ensuring a safe and secure global community.

APEC is responding to the terrorist threat by pursuing several counter-terrorist initiatives that are intended to prevent the movement of funds, goods and people involved in terrorist activities, while at the same time ensuring unimpeded legitimate cross-border movement of goods and people.

An action plan on counter-terrorism, including the assessment of economic impact of terrorism in the region, as well as capacity building to deal with the threat of terrorism, was approved by senior officials from 21 members of the APEC forum and will be submitted to the APEC leaders meeting.

Editor:Zhong  Source:Xinhua News Agency