JAKARTA, Nov 5 (IslamOnline) - The ten leaders participating in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) meeting in Brunei Monday endorsed their organization's Declaration On Joint Action To Counter Terrorism.
The regional body also made an urgent appeal to the United Nations (U.N.) to play a major role in combating terrorism.
During the two-day summit, the leaders also expressed great concern for the death of civilians and victims of the U.S. military campaign in Afghanistan.
The ASEAN anti-terror declaration stopped short of making any reference to the ongoing United States-led strikes in Afghanistan, which have been condemned by member countries like Malaysia and Indonesia.
Malaysia has expressed strong reservations on the efficiency and relevancy of the bombing campaign in Afghanistan. Kuala Lumpur also says the U.S.-led military offensive should end before the start of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.
Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad has consistently said that while Malaysia was against any form of terrorism, using military strikes to counter terrorism would not solve the problem because it would further deteriorate conditions for civilians.
After chairing the annual meeting, Brunei's Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah said that the ASEAN countries expressed concern over the heavy civilian casualties resulting from U.S. military strikes on Afghanistan.
The leaders "expressed their concern for the welfare of innocent people" as a result of the military action on Afghanistan," the sultan told a news conference.
The U.S. launched the strikes following the deadly September 11 attacks on the United States, which Washington claims were masterminded by Saudi-born dissident Osama bin Laden - who is reported to be hiding in Afghanistan.
Both the Taliban regime and Osama bin Laden have denied any involvement in the attacks.
"We raised many ideas on how to address the issue," Brunei's Sultan Hassanal said of the meeting. He did not elaborate on the differing views on the U.S. air strikes.
