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India to back U.S. entry into SAARC

2006-04-12 New Delhi: India will back U.S. entry into the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation as an observer.

The Hindu newspaper said Wednesday the issue was discussed at a two-day meeting of foreign secretaries of the seven SAARC countries which began in Dhaka Tuesday.

SAARC countries had decided in Dhaka in November 2005 to include China and Japan as observers.

"India would support the United States' participation in the SAARC as an observer," an Indian foreign office spokesman said.

"(SAARC leaders) ... welcomed and agreed in principle with the desire of China and Japan to be associated as observers," said the Dhaka declaration of Nov. 13, 2005 adding, "The council of ministers will decide the modalities in this regard at their 27th meeting in July 2006."

Indian officials have said that with little prospect of any opposition, it is likely that both China and the United States, along with Japan, would be accepted as observers of the grouping by the time India hosts the 14th SAARC summit next year.

"They (SAARC leaders) also acknowledged the renewed interest of other regional and international organizations, bodies and entities to cooperate with SAARC in various collaborative endeavors in accordance with the objectives and priorities of SAARC," the declaration said.

SAARC leaders have also decided to admit Afghanistan as a full member. South Korea has expressed interest in joining the South Asian regional body.

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