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Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, Oct 26, 2004

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Myanmar to act against anti-India groups

By Our Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI, OCT. 25. India and Myanmar today signed a framework agreement aimed at denying sanctuary to anti-India militant groups operating out of Myanmar.

The point was reiterated at the one-on-one meeting between the visiting Chairman of the Myanmar Peace and Development Council, Than Shwe, and the Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh, with the former holding out the assurance that Myanmar would not permit its territory to be used by groups to harm India's interests. It would take immediate action if New Delhi drew attention to any such activity.

Agreements signed

The memorandum of understanding (MoU) on "cooperation in non-traditional security issues" was among the three agreements signed today. Under the pact, both countries have committed themselves to enhancing cooperation against terrorists. The various facets covered by the MoU include terrorism, arms smuggling, money laundering, drug trafficking, organised crime, international economic crime and cyber crime, according to the External Affairs Ministry spokesperson.

The mechanism of cooperation envisages exchange of information and personnel, law-enforcement cooperation and joint reviews. An expert consultative group, comprising senior officers, will meet annually to monitor and review the progress of the MoU. "There may be exchange of training. What is important is that there is an understanding and clear assurance that Myanmar's territory would not be allowed to be used by groups inimical to India," the spokesperson said.

Asked whether Yangon also sought a reciprocal arrangement, he said: "An MoU is signed after mutual interests are served."

`Question' of democracy

The "general question" of ushering democracy in Myanmar was also discussed with Sr. Gen. Than Shwe conveying the "sincere commitment of the current Government to bring about democracy. They genuinely believe that only democracy can bring peace and prosperity," said the spokesperson.

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