Members of CSTO during session (Source: Armenpress)
YEREVAN (Combined Sources)—Members of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) consider fighting against the Islamic State (IS) terrorist organization as a top priority and note growing security threats in Central Asia, according to the joint statement signed after the CSTO summit on December 21.
The session of CSTO that took place in Moscow was chaired by Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan . The negotiations were held first in a narrow format, than in an expanded format with the participation of the Presidents of Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Armenia, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Secretary General of the Organization and delegates of CSTO member states.
“We see as a priority task the decisive fight against the ISIL (Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant — former name of IS) terrorist group that has unleashed cruel bloodshed in many countries and presents a threat to the entire humanity,” the document said.
“We note the growth of security threats in Central Asia connected with activities of ISIL, the Taliban movement, Al-Qaeda and other terrorist organizations on the territory of Afghanistan which leads to escalation of tensions on CSTO’s southern borders, directly threatening with destabilization of the situation in the area of its (CSTO’s) responsibility,” the statement added.
The document noted that CSTO member states call on all countries to strictly comply with requirements of anti-terrorist resolutions of UN Security Council and General Assembly. The leaders of CSTO member countries also called for forming a broad coalition on the basis of UN Charter, norms and principles of international law without politicizing and preconditions.
“We pay much attention to further strengthening the package of measures aimed at fighting against the ideology of international terrorism and religious extremism. We are confident that in order to strengthen civil immunity to the distribution of radical ideas, it is necessary to add to efforts of relevant state authorities the potential of public structures, media and religious confessions,” the statement said.
A number of documents were signed during the plenary session of the Collective Security Council of the CSTO, including the declaration by the heads of the CSTO member states on counter-measuring international terrorism, and decisions on “Secretary General of the Collective Security Treaty Organization” of the CSTO Collective Security Council and “Rotation of officials of permanent working bodies of the Collective Security Treaty Organization”.
Heads of the CSTO member states exchanged ideas over the current global situation and future activities of the Organization.
Sargsyan delivered a speech at the session of the Council.
After the CSTO Collective Security Council session, Sargsyan and the CSTO Secretary General Nikolai Bordyuzha met with the representatives of mass media and briefed on the results of the session. In his speech, Sargsyan stated,
“Good evening, respective representatives of mass media,
We had a saturated day. Session of the CSTO Collective Security Council terminated shortly before. It planned to hold the session of Supreme Eurasian Economic Council.
Our meeting went on under extremely complicated situation explained by the rapidly growing threat of international terrorism challenging the security of the entire international society, states and regions.
The assessments and approaches referring to counter-measuring today’s most important issue, international terrorism, are enshrined in “Declaration on the current situation of the world” adopted at today’s session.
CSTO member states stand for forming a broad anti-terrorism coalition on the basis of the UN charter provisions and norms and principles of international law.
We are convinced that fight against terrorism cannot be waged without effectively preventing and blocking its financial sources.
We discussed the incident of the Russian Su-24 jet that participated in anti-terrorist operations in Syria, which was downed by the Turkish armed forces. I consider that the mentioned action of Turkey does no way foster international consolidation of efforts against terrorism, normalization of situation in Syria, and re-establishment of peace in the region. We, as allies to Russia, express our solidarity and support towards Russia’s stance over this incident.
We had very effective and frank talks in a narrow format, confirmed our readiness to consistently reinforce CSTO’s military potential, enlarged the anti-terrorist component, and increased the combat ability of the rapid reaction joint forces aimed at effectively counter-measuring new threats and challenges.
We talked about the implementation process of the agreements reached at the previous meeting at Dushanbe”, Sargsyan said.
Sargsyan expressed assurance that due to joint and coordinated efforts the mentioned projects will be carried out effectively. The Armenian President also informed the journalists about two cadre decisions on “Secretary General of the Collective Security Treaty Organization” and “Rotation of officials of permanent working bodies of the Collective Security Treaty Organization.
“We came to a joint decision to prolong the tenure of the acting Secretary General Borduzha until January 1, 2017”, Sargsyan said adding that another decision was taken over the cooperation of the Council of Foreign Ministers and Council of Defense Ministers with the Secretary General of the Organization.
The CSTO emphasizes the responsibility of all states in revealing the persons and organizations engaged in economic relations with terrorist organizations and, first of all, with the “Islamic State”.
“We are convinced that it is impossible to effectively fight against terrorism without blocking its financial sources, as required by the resolutions adopted by the UNSC and international standards about money laundering and financing terrorism. In this regard we hail the adoption of 2253 resolution by the UNSC against financing terrorism on December 17, 2015 and the pledge included in it and addressed to all countries calling to take all necessary steps against “ISIS”, “al Qaeda” and people and organizations linked to them”, reads the document.
Source: Asbarez
Link: Sarikisian Chairs Session of CSTO; Issues Statement on Terrorism