'India is located in tough neighbourhood'

K Anurag in Guwahati
http://www.rediff.com/news/2007/may/17uk1.htm

May 17, 2007 19:23 IST

The United Kingdom seeks cooperation with India in fighting terrorism even as it reiterated its support to India's claim for a permanent membership in the United Nation's Security Council.

Britain's Minister of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs Kim Howells, who was in Guwahati to inaugurate the British Information Centre for the North East India on Thursday, said, "We are facing with similar problem of terrorism and we will benefit from sustained sharing of information and intelligence in fighting the menace of terrorism."

Howells pointed out that India was located in a 'tough neighbourhood.'

"India is surrounded with countries with great problems. If those states transform into failed nations, it will pose a threat not only for India but the entire world. India has already suffered much due to the confusion in Kashmir, problems in Afghanistan and Taliban movement along the border with Pakistan," he added.

In response to a question whether Britain will put pressure on Bangladesh and Myanmar to respond to India's request for eviction of North East Indian militants' camps in those countries, Howells said the interim government in Bangladesh had shown positive attitude in this respect.

He hoped that the new government that will be installed in Bangladesh after elections will continue with the attitude of the interim government.

Regarding Myanmar, however, Howells said, "Britain has poor relations with Myanmar due to the tyrannical rule in the country. They treat their own people in a very brutal manner and Britain can never support it."

He said killing of innocent people in conflict-ridden North East India should stop and that his government was extending cooperation to New Delhi to tackle the situation.

"India shares borders with countries like Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nepal and Bhutan. It should share any information of suspicious movement of terrorists in those countries in the interest of global security," Howells said.