Putin proposes anti-terror centre in SCO

Beijing, June 7 (IANS/RIA Novosti) Russian President Vladimir Putin Thursday proposed establishing an anti-terrorism centre within the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).

Speaking at a SCO meeting, Putin said all SCO member countries note the need to fight the drug threat.

"We can achieve success in this direction by establishing a universal centre to counter terrorism, drug trafficking and organised crime in the SCO," the Russian president said.

Putin recalled that the SCO already comprises an anti-terror organization.

"The organization could be made universal and charged with coordinating anti-drug work," he said.

The SCO is a regional security grouping that comprises Russia, China, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan. Mongolia, India, Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan have observer status.

--IANS/RIA Novosti

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