Leaders attending the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in the Tajik capital issued a joint declaration on Thursday on security, energy and several other issues.

The declaration was signed by Chinese President Hu Jintao, his Russian counterpart Dmitry Medvedev, Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev, Kyrgyz President Kurmanbek Bakiyev, Tajik President Emomali Rakhmon and his Uzbek counterpart Islam Karimov.

On use of force

The leaders agreed that any attempt to solve problems by merely resorting to force could not work and would only hinder a comprehensive settlement of local conflicts, the declaration said.

A comprehensive solution to existing problems can be found only by taking into account the interests of all parties involved and including them all in the negotiation process rather than isolating any of them, said the declaration.

Any attempt to strengthen a country's own security at the expense of that of others is detrimental to maintaining global security and stability, it said.

On the issue of South Ossetia, the SCO members expressed their deep concerns over the tension triggered by the South Ossetia conflict, and called on relevant parties to solve existing problems peacefully through dialogue, strive for reconciliation and push for negotiations.

On security cooperation within SCO

The member states of the organization were satisfied with increased cooperation within the SCO framework in their fight against terrorism, separatism and extremism, the declaration said.

The SCO members reiterated their efforts to maintain the central coordinating role of the United Nations in the global fight against terrorism, and to steadfastly implement the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy and to finalize a comprehensive convention on fighting global terrorism at an early date.

The leaders also pledged to establish a mechanism of joint assessment, prevention and response to external threats and challenges to regional security.

On the issue related to the creation of a global anti-missile defense system, they stressed that the establishment of such a system will not help in maintaining a strategic balance, runs counter to international efforts towards arms control and nuclear non-proliferation, and is not conducive to enhancing trust among countries and regional stability.

On energy & environment

Against the backdrop of global climate change, it is of special significance for the SCO members to forge close cooperation in developing new energy technology, the declaration said.

Therefore, the SCO members should strive to seek a common position to address the negative impacts of climate change and develop environment-friendly clean energy.

The leaders pledged to seek global common development through bridging the technology gap between countries and eliminating poverty under the premises of ensuring all the countries to equally enjoy the benefits of globalization.

They agreed that it was of special significance to implement responsible fiscal and financial policies, monitor capital flows, and ensure food and energy security amid a world economic slowdown.

On the issue of water resources, they said it was of vital importance for the SCO members to conduct dialogue on the efficient use of water resources.

They also promised to strengthen consultation and cooperation in the field of human rights within the UN framework and cooperate with other regional organizations and integration mechanisms on cultural cooperation and promotion and guarantee of human rights.

(Xinhua News Agency August 29, 2008)