December 31, 2001

KATHMANDU: SAARC and UNFEM, an United Nations organization working for the welfare and empowerment of women, Monday signed a memorandum of understanding to work for the uplifment of women in seven South Asian nations for the next three years.

Outgoing SAARC Secretary General Nihal Rodrigej and Mrs.Chadani Joshi, the head of the UN organization in the area, signed the memorandum. The level of the organization’s financial commitment was not disclosed.

Seven foreign secretaries of the region continued their discussions terrorism, drugs and narcotics control for the second day Monday, officials said. The diplomats discussed the agenda for the summit to be held from January 4 to 6.

A proposal to eradicate poverty from one of the poorest region in the world was presented to the standing committee of foreign secretaries Monday, an announcement said. Nepal proposed to host the 4th South Asian regional trade fair in the year 2002.

Co-operation and funding for SAARC with other regional groups and international organizations were also discussed at the meet.