Thu, August 28, 2008
China and four Central Asian nations voiced support Thursday for Russia's "active role" in resolving the conflict in Georgia, as Moscow moved to deflect criticism from the West.
China and the others "support the active role of Russia in assisting in peace and cooperation in the region," the six countries said in a statement at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation regional summit.
"The SCO member states express their deep concern over the recent tensions surrounding the South Ossetia question and call for the sides to peacefully resolve existing problems through dialogue," said the statement signed by the presidents in the Tajik capital of Dushanbe.
Russia is facing a wave of condemnation from the West over its decision to recognise the independence of two Georgian secessionist regions at the heart of the conflict that erupted this month.
The Kremlin has reacted angrily to the criticism, arguing the West fails to recognise that Russia used military force only in response to a Georgian attack against South Ossetia, where tens of thousands of Russian citizens live.
Medvedev described the "united position" of the SCO members as a "serious signal" to the West.
"I am sure that the united position of the SCO member states will have international resonance," Medvedev said. "And I hope it will serve as a serious signal to those who try to turn black into white and justify this aggression."
In the joint declaration, the six countries called for respect for the concept of "territorial integrity" -- although they did not specifically refer to Georgia.
The West accuses Russia of violating Georgia's territorial integrity in recognizing the independence of South Ossetia and Abkhazia.
"The presidents confirmed their commitment to the principle of respecting the historical and cultural traditions of each country and efforts aimed at maintaining the unity of states and their territorial integrity."
Medvedev met Chinese President Hu Jintao in Dushanbe on the eve of the summit and informed him of the situation in Georgia.
China on Wednesday said it was "concerned" and called for "dialogue and consultation" to resolve the issue.
The leaders of China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan set up the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation in 2001 to counter NATO influence in the strategic Central Asia region.
(Agencies)
