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.