Posted on: Wednesday, January 9, 2002

U.S. vows support for Asia-Pacific forum

By Ron Staton
Associated Press

U.S. Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle told leaders from the Asia-Pacific region yesterday that the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks only strengthened America's commitment to the goals of freedom, democracy and open markets in Asia.

"Many thought that the U.S. would withdraw from the world scene," the South Dakota Democrat told the Asia-Pacific Parliamentary Forum in Honolulu.

"But history taught us we cannot withdraw," he said. "We must remain active in this and other world organizations."

In the 10 years since the organization was formed, much has changed, he said.

"But what has not changed is our commitment to this region and this vital organization," Daschle said.

He praised the forum for "discussing diligently" the issue of global terrorism.

Countering international terrorism has been the priority in the United States, but the events of Sept. 11 also accelerated security cooperation among Asia-Pacific nations and their armed forces, said Adm. Dennis Blair, commander in chief of U.S. forces in the Pacific.

"We know that international cooperation is vital to long-term victory over international terrorism," he said.

The coalition of Asia-Pacific nations that has come together to fight terrorism has been strong, providing diplomatic support, military forces, and access to airspace for U.S. forces moving to South Asia and the Middle East, Blair said.

"All our governments oppose international terrorism," he said. But a sustained regional campaign is needed as al-Qaida and other terrorist networks seek to expand in Asia and the Pacific.

"Our common goal is to destroy international terrorism and its support structure in our part of the world, and to ensure that outside groups do not move in and take root here," he said.

Operations have defeated al-Qaida forces in Afghanistan and their Taliban supporters, he said, adding that the next phase of the campaign against international terrorism will be different.

He did not elaborate and sidestepped questions from Canadian delegates on whether the war on terrorism would be expanded to Iraq.

"That's not my area and it's not my decision," he said.

Delegates from the 25 member nations participating in the forum yesterday approved a resolution condemning the terrorist attacks, calling them "an unforgivable assault on all humanity."

The resolution also calls upon all countries to work together to bring to justice the perpetrators, organizers and sponsors of the attacks.

The forum also called for all countries to seek solutions to a wide variety of political, economic and social problems, including poverty and regional conflicts, which terrorists could take advantage of to justify their attacks.