Asian MPs vow to combat terrorism, urge peaceful talks to disputes

Asian Members of Parliaments (MPs) vowed on Friday to combat terrorism and urged countries to settle their differences through peaceful negotiations, according to a joint declaration.

The Phnom Penh Declaration was released at the end of the 8th Asian Parliamentary Assembly (APA), which was attended by MPs from 22 countries.

"Violent extremism, which can be conducive to terrorism, should not be associated with any culture, civilization, religion or ethnicity and should be neither tolerated nor condoned," the declaration said.

It said the settlement of issues through radicalization, violent extremism, terrorism, or war causes great hardship, and breeds even more violence.

"We combat all forms of terrorism," it said.

They also denounced the use of violence, force and war in the settlement of differences and disputes in international relations.

"We uphold the principles of peaceful coexistence and negotiations in solving international disputes," it said.

The declaration added that countries in disputes should adhere to the relevant principles of international law enshrined in the United Nations Charter, instruments and other conventions pertaining to the solution of international conflicts.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of the assembly, Cambodia's National Assembly President Heng Samrin said that regional and global peace is a key factor and prerequisite for each country's development.

"As leaders of Parliaments, representing the will of people in the region, we have a moral obligation and deep responsibility to ensure security and prosperity for our nations," he said. Enditem