DUSHANBE, August 18, 2008, Asia-Plus  -- Iran’s admission into the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) will strengthen the organization, Foreign Minister Hamrokhon Zarifi said in an interview with Tajik national news agency Khovar on August 16.  

According to him, discussion and specification of a mechanism of admission of new member nations into the organization have assumed a special significance.  

 The minister noted that it cannot be ruled that increasing prestige o the CO on international arena, international tense situation and the necessity of solving the burning issues will induce more countries to apply for admission into the SCO.   “Therefore, the final decision on this issue will be made at a meeting of the SCO heads of state,” Zarifi said.     

He also noted that Tajikistan’s position on Iran’s admission into the organization is clear.  “This country holds a worthy place in the region and the world as whole,” said the minister, “Iran’s admission into the SCO will undoubtedly strengthen the organization.  However, support of only Tajikistan or several countries will not settle the issue in favor of Iran.  Support of all member nations of the SCO is needed for admission into the organization, besides, it is necessary to establish certain criteria for admission of new members.  In other words, it is necessary to settle the issue related to admission of new members, first of all, within the organization.”    

 “Meanwhile, until clarification of this issue, like other countries having a status of observer, Iran may take an active part in different programs, meetings and forums of the organization.”  

He also noted that heads of India, Iran, Mongolia, and Pakistan that have a status of observer at the SCO will attend the 8th SCO summit in Dushanbe.  The president of Afghanistan will attend the session as guest.

In the meantime, Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf, facing impeachment by parliament, announced today that he is resigning, and Pakistan is expected to be represented by Prime Minister Shawkat Aziz.