Apec nations join forces on terrorism

BANGKOK - Pacific Rim nations have agreed to join forces to dismantle terrorist groups that threaten their economies.

In a draft communique obtained by Reuters, Apec members meeting in Bangkok have agreed to crack down on the movement of weapons that could be used by extremists.

The communique is something of a compromise as some of the 21 members of the Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation forum have voiced dismay at a United States drive to push security and the war against terrorism on an equal footing with Apec's original goal of fostering prosperity and free trade.

The chief target at the summit has been regulating shoulder-fired anti-aircraft missiles of the type that narrowly missed an Israeli airliner leaving Mombasa, Kenya, last December.

The leaders agreed to export controls, secure stockpiles, prohibit transfers to illegitimate groups and regulate production to try to ensure small, easily moved and potentially lethal arms do not fall into the hands of extremists.

"We agreed that transnational terrorism and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction pose direct and profound challenges to Apec's vision of free, open and prosperous economies," the final draft said.

The draft, which also addresses trade issues, can still be changed before it is issued today after a two-day summit of members including New Zealand, the US and China.

In the draft, the group recognises that failure to fight terrorism can hurt economic growth, as evidenced in the Bali bombings just over a year ago.

Members agree to "dismantle, fully and without delay, transnational terrorist groups that threaten Apec economies".

Using the forum to tackle terror sparked controversy, even though several members are struggling to contain Islamic militancy within their borders, including Indonesia, the world's most populous Muslim country, Russia and the Philippines.

But United States President George W. Bush intensified his drive to put the war on terror at the heart of the summit.

"This is still a dangerous world," Mr Bush said, using the latest threats on a tape purportedly made by Osama bin Laden to bolster his case for greater co-operation.

The draft declaration calls for increased security co-ordination, tighter controls at ports and a campaign to stop militants moving money around the world.

It says the leaders promise to discuss such issues at future meetings "and to take specific actions".

The draft says the leaders also agree to battle corruption, which hampers many economies of the Pacific Rim, describing it as a "major obstacle to social and economic development".

It says the leaders have also found accord on helping to restart the Doha round of World Trade Organisation talks.

- REUTERS