| The members of Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) on Thursday
issued a declaration, pledging to make constructive contribution
to new global security structure.
"The SCO will make constructive contribution to the establishment
of a new global security architecture of mutual trust, mutual
benefit, equality and mutual respect," says the declaration,
which was signed at the SCO summit Thursday.
Established in June 2001, the regional organization comprises
China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.
All presidents of the SCO members attended the summit meeting
in China's largest city, celebrating the fifth anniversary of
the SCO's founding.
"Based on the widely recognized principles of international
law,such a security architecture discards 'double standards' and
seeks to settle disputes through negotiation on the basis of mutual
understanding," the declaration says.
Such a security architecture respects the rights of all countries
to safeguard national unity and their national interests,pursue
particular models of development and formulate domestic and foreign
policies independently and participate in international affairs
on an equal basis, it says.
Diversity of civilization and model of development must be respected
and upheld, the declaration says.
Differences in cultural traditions, political and social systems,
values and model of development formed in the course of history
should not be taken as pretexts to interfere in other countries'internal
affairs, it says, stressing model of social development should
not be "exported".
The declaration maintains that the differences in civilizations
should be respected, and exchanges among civilizations should
be conducted on an equal basis to draw on each other's strengths
and enhance harmonious development.
Threats and challenges can be effectively met only when there
is broad cooperation among all countries and international organizations
concerned. What specific means and mechanism should be adopted
to safeguard security of the region is the right and responsibility
of countries in the region.
The SCO is committed to enhancing strategic stability, strengthening
the international regime of non-proliferation of weapons of mass
destruction and upholding order in international law, and will
contribute its share to accomplishing these important missions,
the declaration says. |