The President Mrs. Pratibha Devisingh Patil has said that India has taken a number of measures to deal with the problem of corruption. She said, the Lokpal Bill is before Parliament and there is no doubt that the government is very sincere in passing it and bringing it into force.

Mrs Patil was talking to the media on board the special aircraft bringing her back home after her eight day visit to Austria and Switzerland. On the issue of Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement, she asked the Swiss Government to ensure that the protocol is entered into force expeditiously.

She said, India is actively considering becoming a member of the International Anti Corruption agency which started functioning in Vienna from March this year.

Mrs. Patil said both Switzerland and Austria share India’s view that there is an urgent need for reforms in The United Nations.

Pointing out that the menace of terrorism is an issue of concern to all, the President said it poses a serious threat to world peace and security. She said the entire international community must be together to deal with this problem effectively.