KATHMANDU, Oct 2: The government of Nepal has underscored the need for creating conducive regional environment to convene 19th Summit of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC).

“Nepal will initiate necessary consultation on successfully holding the 19th Summit with the participation of all member states,” read a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday.

Nepal, which holds the current chair of SAARC, regretted the fact that the regional environment has become unfavorable for hosting the two-day summit scheduled to start on November 9 in Islamabad.

This statement has come two days after the host country Pakistan informed the Chair of SAARC of the postponement of the event.

Pakistan had announced the postponement of the summit after four of the eight member States--Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan and India--informed about their inability to participate in the summit.

The SAARC Charter has a provision that stated “decisions at all levels shall be taken on the basis of unanimity."

Nepal, in its latest statement, said that to achieve peace and stability in the region, SAARC member states must, among others, ensure that their respective territories aren't used by terrorists for cross-border terrorism.

“Nepal unequivocally condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and expresses its solidarity in the global fight against terrorism,” read the statement. It added that most recently, Nepal has condemned the terrorist attack on Indian army base in Uri, Kashmir on September 18 that resulted in the loss of life of Indian soldiers.

 
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