SCO declaration: Double standards in fight against terror unacceptable, Pg8

Key Highlights:

• The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) adopted the Bishkek Declaration on Tuesday, condemning "double standards" in the fight against terrorism.
• The declaration called for international cooperation to combat terrorism, including the cross-border movement of terrorists, with the UN playing a central role.
• SCO member states expressed deep concern over developments in the Middle East and condemned military strikes on the territory of Iran.
• The declaration reaffirmed commitment to the UN Charter and international law, advocating for a representative, democratic, and equitable multipolar world order.
• India's initiatives, such as strengthening scientific, technical, and innovative cooperation through the SCO Young Scientists Forum, were accepted.

Detailed Insights:

• The Bishkek Declaration was adopted by India, Pakistan, Iran, Russia, China, and Central Asian countries.
• It emphasized the inadmissibility of attempts to exploit terrorist, separatist, and extremist groups for selfish purposes.
• Member states highlighted the leading role of sovereign states and their competent authorities in countering terrorist and extremist threats.
• The declaration called for the full implementation of relevant UN Security Council resolutions and the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy.
• SCO members expressed condolences to the people and Government of Iran on the tragic death of Supreme Leader Seyyed Ali Khamenei.
• They reaffirmed support for Iran's sovereignty and territorial integrity, advocating for a resolution to the conflict solely through political and diplomatic means.
• The declaration noted that the world has entered an era of profound geopolitical, socioeconomic, and technological change, with ongoing conflicts and global instability.
• It opposed the application of "double standards" in human rights matters and interference in the internal affairs of sovereign states.
• The declaration reaffirmed the relevance of the "One Earth, One Family, One Future" idea, which was a catchphrase during the 2023 G20 Summit in Delhi.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO): An intergovernmental organization focused on security, economic, and political cooperation in Eurasia.
• Bishkek Declaration: A joint statement adopted by SCO member states outlining their common positions on regional and international issues.
• UN Charter: The foundational treaty of the United Nations, establishing its purposes, principles, and organizational structure.
• Double Standards in Terrorism: Applying different criteria or expectations to different actors or situations in the fight against terrorism.