SCO issues declaration, vowing to protect interests (Xinhua) Updated: 2006-06-15 14:54
The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) members on
Thursday issued a declaration, saying the organization is working on a
multilateral document in a bid to secure lasting friendship and cooperation in
the region.
"The member states will remain friends from generation to
generation and will never be enemies against one another," says the declaration,
which was issued after the SCO members concluded an annual summit in Shanghai.
The members pledged not to join any alliance or international
organization that undermines the sovereignty, security and territorial integrity
of SCO member states, according to the declaration.
The members are also
committed that they do not allow their territories to be used to undermine the
sovereignty, security or territorial integrity of other member states, and they
prohibit activities by organizations or gangs in their territories that are
detrimental to the interests of other member states.
"To this end, SCO
member states will conduct, within the SCO framework, consultation on the
conclusion of a multilateral legal document of long-term good-neighborly
relations, friendship and cooperation," the declaration says.
The
members also emphasized in the declaration that the international community
should show respect and understanding to the unique historical and cultural
traditions of central Asian nations.
"The governments of central Asian
countries should be supported in their efforts to safeguard security and
stability, maintain social and economic development and improve people's
livelihood," the declaration says.
Meanwhile, in case of emergencies
that threaten regional peace, stability and security, the declaration says the
SCO members will study the possibility of establishing a regional conflict
prevention mechanism within the SCO framework. The declaration says SCO
member states will continue to tap the potential of the organization, enhance
its role and work to turn this region into one that is peaceful, coordinated in
development, open, prosperous and harmonious.
They also promised to
strengthen coordination and cooperation in international and regional affairs
and take a common position on matters involving SCO's interests.
"SCO
has the potential to play an independent role in safeguarding stability and
security in this region," the declaration says.
|