SCO leaders condemn US-Israel strikes on Iran at Bishkek summit
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Leaders of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation signed the Bishkek Declaration condemning US and Israeli military strikes on Iran and Western sanctions on member states. The declaration expressed condolences over the death of Iran's Supreme Leader Seyyed Ali Khamenei and backed Iran's rights under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. The summit concluded after two days of talks in Kyrgyzstan's capital.
Key Facts
- The Bishkek Declaration was signed by Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
- The SCO condemned military strikes on Iran that caused numerous civilian casualties and significant economic damage.
- Member states expressed condolences over the death of Iran's Supreme Leader Seyyed Ali Khamenei.
- The declaration opposed unilateral coercive measures that violate UN and WTO rules and could negatively impact the global economy.
- SCO leaders backed Iran's rights as a member of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, including a peaceful nuclear programme.
The Bishkek Declaration
The joint statement, called the Bishkek Declaration, was signed by leaders of SCO member nations including China, Russia, India, and Pakistan. The SCO consists of Russia, China, India, Pakistan, Iran, Belarus, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and the Kyrgyz Republic. The declaration condemned military strikes on Iran that resulted in numerous civilian casualties and significant damage to the country's economy. It stated that the US-Israel attacks on Iran violate international law and the UN Charter and create serious risks to international peace, security, and stability.
Iran and Nuclear Rights
SCO leaders expressed sincere condolences to the people and government of Iran on the death of Supreme Leader Seyyed Ali Khamenei. Member states reaffirmed support for Iran's sovereignty and territorial integrity and advocated a resolution to the conflict solely through political and diplomatic means. The declaration backed Iran's rights as a member of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, including the right to a peaceful nuclear programme. Apart from the US, Russia, China, the UK, and France, other NPT signatories cannot build nuclear weapons but can build civilian nuclear reactors and use nuclear technology for research and medicine.
Sanctions and Palestine
SCO members opposed any unilateral coercive measures that go against UN and World Trade Organization rules and could have a negative impact on the global economy. The declaration noted that Israel's attacks on Palestine had destabilised West Asia. It stated that the only possible way to ensure peace and stability in the Middle East is a comprehensive and just settlement of the Palestinian question.
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SCO leaders condemn US-Israel strikes on Iran at Bishkek summit
