Fwd: SCO bloc to include Iran

[Guest guest]

" The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), which maintained it had no

plans for expansion, is now changing course. Mongolia, Iran, India and

Pakistan, which previously had observer status, will become full members.

SCO's decision to welcome Iran into its fold constitutes a political

statement. Conceivably, SCO would now proceed to adopt a common position

on the Iran nuclear issue at its summit meeting June 15.

 

" The SCO, an Intergovernmental organization whose working languages are

Chinese and Russian, was founded in Shanghai on June 15, 2001 by China,

Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgystan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. The SCO's change

of heart appears set to involve the organization in Iran's nuclear battle

and other ongoing regional issues with the United States.

 

" Visiting Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mohammadi told

Itar-TASS in Moscow that the membership expansion 'could make the world

more fair'. And he spoke of building an Iran-Russia 'gas-and-oil arc' by

coordinating their activities as energy producing countries. Mohammadi

also touched on Iran's intention to raise the issue of his country's

nuclear program and its expectations of securing SCO support. "

 

Full story at:

http://www.atimes.com/atimes/China/HD18Ad02.html