17 June 2004 21:24
Shanghai group leaders stress need to combat terror, drugs at Uzbek summit
The leaders of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) have stressed the need to deal with the problems of
terrorism and drug trafficking to ensure peace and stability in the region. In a news conference broadcast on Uzbek TV
on 17 June, the host of the summit, Uzbek President Islom (Islam) Karimov stressed the importance of the new Regional
Antiterrorism Structure and the role of China and Russia in raising the profile of the SCO. Karimov also said there was
no hurry to expand the membership of the SCO, though he welcomed the award of observer status to Mongolia. Chinese
President Hu Jintao said it was time for SCO to prove itself in practical measures against the "three evils"
of terrorism, extremism and separatism as the guarantor of regional peace and stability. For his part, Russian President
Vladimir Putin highlighted the Chinese initiative to advance a 900m-dollar soft loan to boost regional economic
cooperation, though he also mentioned the issues of drug-trafficking and terrorism. The Afghan president, Hamed Karzai,
attended the summit as a guest. He asked the SCO to join with Afghanistan in the fight against the illegal drugs trade,
which he said went "hand-in-hand" with terrorism and extremism. The following is the text of the report on the
news conference broadcast by Uzbek TV on 17 June; subheadings inserted editorially:
[Presenter] Dear television viewers. The summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization [SCO] member states took
place in Tashkent today. Following the summit the heads of state held a news conference for local and foreign
journalists.
[Uzbek President Islom (Islam) Karimov in Russian] Dear journalists, ladies and gentlemen.
First of all, allow me to welcome those present here and journalists. I would like once again to express gratitude to
you for the interest shown in the Tashkent summit of the SCO. This interest is undoubtedly connected with the
international community's expectations of the activities of the SCO as a new type of institution of multilateral
cooperation.
I would like to inform you, dear friends, with a feeling of great satisfaction, that the Tashkent meeting was open
and constructive, which is traditionally typical for the SCO. The exchange of views took place in an atmosphere of
mutual understanding. It demonstrated the aspirations of our countries and the heads of state to unite efforts to ensure
stability and security in the region, and to further deepen economic cooperation. The heads of state came to a single
conclusion that the period of time between the summits held in Tashkent and Moscow was very important for completing the
institutionalization of the SCO and to give real meaning to the institutions which have already been set up.
New regional antiterror body
The Regional Antiterrorism Structure [RATS] was officially put into operation in Tashkent today. It is a standing
institution of the SCO in the fight against terrorism, extremism, separatism and drug trafficking. We are confident that
RATS will help in the near future to gain access to specific programmes of cooperation with other famous international
and national antiterror structures.
I would like to inform you that these kinds of specific proposals and this kind of interest are already emerging, and
that work is already being done in this field. Ten documents were signed on the results of the Tashkent summit. They
will create a necessary legal base so that the SCO becomes a more efficient instrument for our countries'
cooperation and a real factor in international politics. The Tashkent declaration on the results of the summit was
adopted. It notes the similarity of the SCO member states' stances in solving the issues of stability and security
in the region and the whole world, and international topical issues.
For the first time in the history of the summits, the head of the Transitional Islamic State of Afghanistan, which is
not a member state of the SCO, Hamed Karzai, took part in the summit as a guest. This is a manifestation of the
SCO's growing role as an important structure on the one hand, and of Afghanistan's specific importance for the
region's development and its stability on the whole on the other.
A Mongolian delegation led by Foreign Minister Luvsangiyn Erdenechuluun also took part in the forum. I would like to
inform you, dear friends, that a request was made on the Mongolian president's behalf that Mongolia be accepted as
an observer of the SCO or that observer status be given to Mongolia. I would like to inform you that the heads of state
considered this request and accepted Mongolia as an SCO observer.
Ladies and gentlemen: The SCO has a relatively short history. It is three years old. Despite this, according to my
deep conviction, it has been able to demonstrate its big and creative potential. The most important point is that the
organization already has a special spirit and it is being strengthened. Its characteristic features are trust and mutual
respect for each other and a constructive approach.
Using this opportunity, I would like to repeat what I said at a plenary session: We attach supreme significance to
the participation of the two powers in the SCO which are permanent members of the Security Council. They are Russia and
China. We see in this not only the SCO's reputation but also the success and prospects for the SCO's
activities, as these states are taking an active part in the establishment of the SCO. I am confident that this kind of
accord and mutual understanding will further reign in the SCO. Thank you for your attention. Please, if you have any
questions, be very brief and very attentive. Please, have you any questions?
[Official] First question is by the Chinese international radio, Ms [?Jan Huay]
[Chinese journalist in Chinese with Russian translation overlaid] I am a correspondent from Chinese international
radio, and my question is to Chinese President Hu Jintao. You have said that in the future the Shanghai Cooperation
Organization should focus its attention on cooperation in the fields of security and economy. What do you think, what
measures should be taken for implementation of this practical cooperation? Thank you.
Chinese leader reaffirms need to combat "three evils"
[Hu Jintao in Chinese with Russian translation overlaid] Thank you. The Tashkent declaration, which has just been
signed by the presidents, says that after the completion of the organization 's formative phase the SCO has entered
a new period of its development. This is of great significance for the organization's future work. Only through
carrying out practical cooperation, by securing more real interests and ensuring opportunities for the development for
our countries and our people will the SCO be able to preserve a stable existence and truly become the only instrument
for maintaining peace, stability and development in this region and in all our countries.
In order to fulfil these goals we think that the first task for the present time is the practical implementation of
all the tasks, all the adopted documents and agreements envisaged by the Tashkent declaration.
As regards cooperation in the area of security, we think that the regional antiterrorist structure, which was
officially put into operation today, should fully demonstrate its role and fulfil its functions. In accordance with the
agreement on the fight against the three evils [international terrorism, extremism and separatism], as well as in line
with an agreement signed during the summit on the fight against drugs it is important to prosecute a joint fight against
the three evils, transnational crimes, drug trafficking and new challenges, to curb and root them out.
The most important thing in the economic field is implementing a multilateral programme on economic cooperation. It
is necessary to launch five special working groups in order to create favourable conditions for our cooperation as soon
as possible. I am sure if we make joint efforts we will definitely succeed in our practical cooperation. Thank you for
your attention.
[Aysuluu Sadykova, Kyrgyz national TV and radio company] My question is to Tajik President Emomali Sharipovich
[Rahmonov]. In your opinion, what contribution would the opening of the SCO Regional Antiterrorism Structure [RATS] make
to the stepping up of activities among the organizations' member states? Thank you.
[Rahmonov in Russian] As you all know, we had a grand opening of RATS today. The purpose of RATS is jointly with the
SCO executive committee to ensure the implementation of particular tasks, which are given to them by the heads of state
of the organization's member states.
As to the role of RATS in particular, it has, as is known, its specific tasks. These are, first of all, the carrying
out of the coordination of the activities of appropriate bodies, as well as exchanging information on the fight against
modern threats such as terrorism, extremism, separatism and the illicit drug trade.
All conditions have been put in place within RATS in order to implement these tasks and I hope it will succeed in
accomplishing these tasks. We are relying on its mobility and efficiency, and those factors, that is prevention measures
which [changes tact].
These problems do exist in our region. Especially, ahead of a big political event in Afghanistan. Naturally, one
should expect some serious deterioration. We should not make a secret of it.
In regard to whether why we are expecting efficiency in RATS' activities in our region in particular, it is
because those three problems - extremism, terrorism, separatism and the production of and trade in narcotics - which
were highlighted by the international community, are expanding into our region from Afghanistan.
I will give an example. Following the start of the antiterrorist operation in Afghanistan, the production and the
circulation of drugs have almost tripled. This figure is estimated by the UN and not by Rahmonov. We are suffering.
Tajikistan is suffering. It is not only a problem of Afghanistan. It is not only a problem of Tajikistan or Central
Asia. It is a global problem and the international community should focus on and support [the fight against the drug
trade].
We have a right to expect constant support and assistance [from the international community]. And we must fight very
actively ourselves.
[Galina Topoleva, Kazakh Khabar news agency] My question is addressed to the Uzbek president. Mr president, the
Tashkent summit is remarkable due to the fact that membership of the SCO has expanded. Mongolia joined the organization
as a new observer. In your opinion, what are the prospects for expanding the organization? Is it possible that other
states will soon file requests to join the organization? Thank you.
No hurry to expand SCO - Karimov
[Karimov] To tell the truth, as a matter of fact, you can now put this question to the Kazakh president since he is
now, let's say, as of today, taking on the SCO chairmanship. However, since the question has already been asked I
will try to give an answer. I believe that I am expressing not only my opinion, but also the opinion of such countries
as China and Russia.
As for the issue of involving or admitting new SCO members, as a matter of fact, there is an opinion on these issues
of the SCO's activity that one should not make haste on this until the SCO proves itself as an independent,
international and authoritative organization, or stands well on its own two feet.
I think that requests of many countries - who are already today interested in SCO activities and consider SCO
membership as beneficial and honourable - may be put on the agenda after the world unambiguously recognizes the
SCO's authority as an international organization.
[Sadriddin Shamsiddinov, Tajik TV] My question is to [Kyrgyz President] Askar Akayev. Askar Akayevich, a conference
took place in Kyrgyzstan recently on involving Afghanistan in regional cooperation. How will the Shanghai Cooperation
Organization help Afghanistan's integration into regional cooperation?
[Akayev in Russian] I think that thanks to immense efforts by the world community, the [US-led antiterror]
international coalition and the interim government of Afghanistan, led by Mr Hamed Karzai, very positive changes are
being made in Afghanistan: state institutions are being built and progress is being made in bringing about ethnic
reconciliation and nationwide consolidation.
I think that it is the duty of the neighbouring countries of our region to help Afghanistan in these processes. In
pursuance of this aim, we held a regional international conference [a three-day international conference entitled:
"Afghanistan's Regional Economic Cooperation: Central Asia, Iran and Pakistan"] under the motto "We
will help ourselves by helping Afghanistan" in Bishkek on 10-12 May, with the participation of international
organizations, including international financial organizations and all neighbouring countries. The aim of this
conference was to create favourable conditions for the involvement of Afghanistan in regional trade and economic
cooperation more deeply, to revive it economically and promote the economic revival of Afghanistan. I would like to
congratulate Mr Hamed Karzai on his wise step to take part in today's summit as a guest of the SCO. I think the SCO
may have a key influence on Afghanistan's stable and secure development, as well as on its economic revival.
Along with other neighbouring countries which took part in a conference in Bishkek, two great powers - Russia and
China - may have a decisive influence on the fate of Afghanistan, on its stable and secure development in the future and
on the solving of those problems which are facing Afghanistan today.
Taking this opportunity I would like to wish Hamed Karzai stable and fruitful elections scheduled for September.
Thank you.
Putin stresses economic factor
[Mikhail Petrov, ITAR-TASS] Good day. My question is to the Russian president. Vladimir Vladimirovich [Putin], what
do you think about the future of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization [SCO]? In particular, what is your view on the
organization's influence while making decisions on topical, as it is happening quite often of late, on very
complicated problems of modern life?
[Putin] The Shanghai Cooperation Organization has just been formed as an organization and this is why it is making
its first steps. However, all the preliminary work has been done quite energetically and effectively. The future
influence of the organization will depend on how productive our joint activities in the main directions of cooperation
will be. One of them is cooperation in the economic sphere and here there is vast scope for joint work. We are countries
of the same region, neighbouring countries and we are united by shared problems and shared interests, and also by shared
borders.
Today the People's Republic of China made a serious step to facilitate this cooperation. It set a good example -
it announced the decision by the Chinese government to allocate nearly 1bn dollars for developing trade between our
countries. We have many shared infrastructure interests and problems which we can tackle effectively through joint
efforts.
Last but not the least, the issues of security and the fight against terrorism and drug trafficking are one of the
key topics. All these are the most important issues on the agenda of the entire international community. By uniting
regional efforts, we could achieve major results and respect for the SCO in the world arena will also depend on this.
Thank you.
[Hamid Elmi, Afghan TV] Your excellency, the Afghan president, have you received an official invitation to become a
member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization? What do you expect from these countries?
Karzai asks for help to combat drugs problem
[Karzai in English with Russian translation overlaid] I am very grateful for the invitation by His Excellency,
President Karimov, to attend this summit, and also by the acceptance of the United States [as heard].
Afghanistan is a member of this region and would like to participate actively in the economic and security activities
in this region. Now more attention is being paid to establishing peace and restoring institutions in Afghanistan. It is
a transit route between Afghanistan, the Central Asian states and Eurasia. In this regard, I think Afghanistan can play
an active role in expanding trade in the region, and developing cooperation between the Shanghai Cooperation
Organization's member states. Also much can be achieved by bilateral and multilateral talks. All this will improve
the people's life in our region. Thank you.
[Sevara Tursunova, Uzbek TV Akhborot programme] I have two questions. First to Mr Nazarbayev. It is no secret that a
number of extremist and separatist organizations still exist in some European countries legally. Is it possible to have
a constructive political dialogue with these countries in the future as regards putting an end to the activities of
these organizations by an international law? Second question is to Mr Karzai. Are you satisfied with activities of the
antiterrorist coalition in terms of namely the fight against drug aggression, which is the main financial source of
terrorism? Thank you.
[Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev] It was not by chance that this issue was also on the recent agenda of the
eight major countries [G8]. And the Russian president informed us that there was a united opinion at the G8 summit: free
money that rotates without any control in some countries is the basis for financing terrorists. If terrorists were not
trained and financed by someone, and not provided with weapons, then this evil would not have assumed such proportions.
That is why we would be wrong if we said we are cooperating with these countries [presumably: countries which sponsor
terrorism]. One of the main aims of the SCO is to ensure that terrorists and extremists have no place to hide in our
countries. And this is a good start.
The [SCO] Regional Antiterrorism Centre, a nice building, was opened in Tashkent today. We have determined its staff
and financing. This organization will serve as a data bank of cases in order to work preventatively between our
countries. The second step will be cooperation between the countries' special services and law-enforcement bodies
in order not to allow [terrorism] in this region.
We know that there are representatives of the UN and the OSCE which are interested in our organization. As you said,
it is quite possible to have negotiations with countries in future in order to unite our common efforts in the fight
against this evil both in Asia and Europe.
[Karzai in English with Russian translation overlaid] The combat against terrorism by the international coalition in
Afghanistan led by the international community has succeeded in removing terrorism from Afghanistan, as it was earlier
controlling the government and administration in this country.
So having removed this influence from Afghanistan and defeated it, the establishment of a new order in Afghanistan is
undoubtedly a tremendous success.
But the fight against terrorism is a long-term fight. This is not something we can hope to finish this year or in a
few months. We still have terrorist activities in Afghanistan, we still have terrorist activities which are coming to
Afghanistan from abroad. We still have terrorism affecting Europe, and other countries in the region, the Middle East,
Russia, Pakistan and other countries.
So this is an international fight and international struggle, in which Afghanistan was lucky to get itself freed,
liberated from terrorism. Now Afghanistan is an active participant in the fight against terrorism.
Drug money, poppy cultivation is a complex situation. In Afghanistan it emerged because of the 30 years of war,
instability, destruction of agriculture and of the legitimate economy. It had become a way of life. And we have begun to
combat it together with the international community. And indeed, drug money and terrorism and extremism go
hand-in-hand.
It is our responsibility in Afghanistan and also the responsibility of the international community, especially this
good body of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, to fight drugs together. We in Afghanistan are very, very
determined.
[Karimov] Are there any questions?
[Official] No more questions, thank you very much.
[Karimov] Thank you very much. We wish you all success.
[Presenter] Esteemed television viewers, this was the news conference of the heads of state of SCO member states for
local and foreign journalists.
[Uzbek Television first channel] |
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