Izvestia: "Shanghai Cooperation Organisation ready to include Iran"
On November 7, St Petersburg played host to a meeting of SCO prime ministers on the club's expansion. A number of observer states, including Iran, have long been interested in taking part. Prime Minister Vladimir Putin expressed his interest in expanding the SCO, while Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi declared Iran's willingness to cooperate in SCO countries' projects.
"As for expanding the SCO's area of responsibility, Russia would welcome the approval of applications filed by states seeking participation in our organisation. This will only enhance its prestige," Putin said.
Putin's Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov explained to Izvestia that Iran's entry into the SCO has not been discussed in practical terms at this point because "the member countries have varying opinions on Iran's accession." Nonetheless, Russia welcomes the advent of new members.
Like Iran, Mongolia, India and Pakistan are also interested in joining the SCO. At the council's expanded meeting, a spokesman for Iran expressed strong interest in more practical projects with the SCO, such as the construction of railways. In turn, Putin expressed his solidarity with Tehran on international issues.
The Iranian foreign minister resented the allegations of U.S. officials about Iran's involvement in acts of terror and their appeal to hold an international inquiry. Salehi said that, in Iran's opinion, recent events in the region including the riots were triggered by the support given to unpopular regimes by arrogant global powers.
Putin liked the adjective used by the Iranian foreign minister. "These arrogant global powers also backed the previous regimes in Northern Africa. However, they also supported the revolutions that toppled these regimes. This is what happens in the world, and this is an interesting fact," he said.
Alexei Golenishchev, Anastasia Novikova
