SCO against interventionism, says Chinese president

Beijing, June 6 (IANS) The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) follows "new trends" in security and development to increase regional cooperation and fight interventionism, Chinese President Hu Jintao has said.

The SCO conforms to the current trends of peace and development and the common aspirations of all people in the region, Hu told reporters from six SCO member states ahead of its two-day summit starting Wednesday here. Hu will chair the meeting.

Hu said the SCO has advocated a new security concept that allows its member states to firmly maintain their interests, explore development paths that are suited to their individual conditions and fight against "interventionism."

The SCO will strengthen consultation and communication on issues related to the core interests of its member states and enhance coordination and cooperation on major international and regional issues, Xinhua quoted Hu as saying.

India Tuesday renewed its pitch for full membership of the SCO and backed the grouping's role in stabilizing Afghanistan.

"Indeed, we are looking for full membership. India has conveyed its desire and earnestness in becoming a member of the SCO. We have made our intent known," India's External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna said.

Krishna arrived in Beijing Tuesday night and will represent Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh at the summit.

Founded in 2001, the SCO includes China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.