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the world stage.

The constitution foresees simpler voting rules to end decision gridlocks.

The EU constitution does not interfere in the foreign and defence policy, social security,
taxation or cultural matter of member States.

To come into force the EU constitution has to be ratified by the member-States within a
three-year time-table. The EU constitution must be backed by either a majority vote in the
parliament or a referendum. It will not come into force even if one of the member-States

fails to ratify.

France and Netherlands rejected the EU constitution treaty in referendums held in May and
June 2005 respectively.

South Asian Association for Regional
Cooperation (SAARC)

The member countries of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) are called
the seven sisters of South Asia because of their geographical proximity and relations based on
th
culture, ethnicity and economics. SAARC represents 1.4 billion people – 1/5 of the world’s
th
population. It is also home to 1/5 of the world’s consumers with an average yearly income of $ 450.
The SAARC region with a total market size of 1½ billion people has enormous potential for intra-
regional trade and cross-border investment. The SAARC region is among the poorest regions of the
world. The region has 44 per cent of the world’s poor. According to a World Bank report, more than
500 million people in South Asian region live below poverty line. The South Asian region has more
than 50 per cent of the total world population of child workers.

Background

SAARC came into existence in December 1985, at Dhaka, Bangladesh. The members are India,
Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Maldives and Afghanistan. The secretariat is located
at Kathmandu.

Main Objectives Laid Down By The SAARC Charter

To improve quality of life and promote welfare of the peoples of South Asia.

To accelerate economic growth, social and cultural development in the region.

To promote self-reliance among the countries of South Asian Region.