APEC shows strong support to counter terror

APEC shows strong support to counter terror

Agencies, Shanghai

Pacific Rim economies appear set to issue a strong condemnation of terrorism in support of the United States over the Sept. 11 attacks, despite sharp criticism from Malaysia of U.S.-led strikes on Afghanistan.

Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation ministers in Shanghai, also debating measures to boost the slumping global economy, are expected to urge the launch of new global trade talks, but have shown little sign of breaking any new ground -- even as the World Bank issued a dire forecast on the global outlook.

"I have a very firm sense from this discussion that there's a strong spirit of self-determination to counter the act of terrorism," U.S. Trade Representative Robert Zoellick told reporters on Wednesday.

"There were some very nice statements of support for the United States in terms of the attacks of September 11," he said.

U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell arrived late on Wednesday to seek support for the war on terrorism -- followed by President George W. Bush on Thursday.

The counter terrorism statement would be the first major political declaration in the history of APEC, which represents almost half the world's trade and 60 percent of global output and usually focuses on economic issues.

Malaysian Trade Minister Rafidah Aziz said the roots of terrorism, including the Palestinian question, need to be addressed before the problem can be solved.

"You sort of wipe off one generation of terrorist, a new generation emerges," Rafidah said. "Anybody can become a terrorist if they have enough reason to become suicidal and pursue their aims."

Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad has said previously his nation supports the U.S.-led anti-terrorism coalition, but that the strikes on Afghanistan should stop because they will not destroy the terrorists and will harm innocent people.