The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) is a major regional initiative by the South Asian states to evolve cooperation through multilateral means. Which among the following statements is/are correct in this regard?

1. SAARC was comparatively successful in most of the arenas inspite of the political differences between the member countries.

2. External influence of non-regional players is a major bone of contention which prevents attainment of full potential of SAARC.