Draft to negotiate on criminal matters at SAARC approved

Thu, Jul 24 05:08 PM

New Delhi, Jul 24 (PTI) India and other SAARC countries are likely to firm up an accord next month in Colombo for mutual cooperation to deal with criminal matters. The External Affairs Ministry was today authorised by the Union Cabinet to negotiate and finalise the text of the Convention for such cooperation so that it can be signed during the SAARC Summit on August two-three to be attended by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

"The Convention would provide a broad framework for SAARC member states to mutually cooperate and assist in the investigation and prosecution of crime and the tracing, restraint and forfeiture of the proceeds and instruments of crime," Information and Broadcasting Minister P R Dasmunsi told reporters here. The Cabinet also gave its nod for signing an agreement for setting up the South Asia Regional Standards Organisation (SARSO) during the Summit.

The proposal, mooted by India, is expected to enhance the level of economic engagement with the SAARC countries by envisaging regional cooperation on standards and quality control. The pact will also promote trade, besides development of quality infrastructure to the entire region, he said.

PTI.

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