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Commonwealth leaders urge tough steps against terrorism
From Neville de Silva in London
Commonwealth heads of government are due to reject any attempts to justify acts of terrorism and declare that the deliberate targeting and killing of civilians cannot be legitimised on any grounds.

Commonwealth leaders meeting this week in Malta at their regular summit are to discuss at length the growing menace of international terrorism and urge member states to counter terrorism at local, national and international levels.
The tough Commonwealth stand on terrorism is to be contained in final communiqué which the leaders will consider after their respective foreign ministers have approved it.

In unusually tough language, the Commonwealth heads, while reaffirming their strong condemnation of all acts of terrorism, will say that the targeting and killings of civilians and non-combatants "cannot be justified or legitimised by any cause or grievance."

Commonwealth leaders are also expected to emphasise the need to continue with comprehensive efforts to counter terrorism at all levels, including addressing the roots causes that lead to terrorism and tackle insecurity and conflict.

At the same time member states are urged to refrain from organising, financing, encouraging, providing training or supporting terrorist activities and allowing their soil to be used for terrorism.

While there are several UN resolutions, conventions and other internationally recognised counter-terrorism norms, not all of them have been implemented by member states. Commonwealth leaders would like to see these international norms put into effect and a Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism concluded.

Heads of Governments are also expected to endorse the further strengthening of counter-terrorism co-operation and assistance via bilateral, regional and international mechanisms.

The Commonwealth Secretariat is also expected to receive a pat on the back for helping member countries to adopt and toughen anti-terrorism laws including steps against money laundering that has gone a long way to help terrorism organisations to survive and arm themselves.

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