SCO to discuss fighting terrorism in Tashkent
TASHKENT. April 2. KAZINFORM The Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure of the the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) will hold a meeting in the Uzbek capital, Tashkent, on Friday to discuss stepping up efforts to combat terrorism, the Russian delegation's head has said; Kazinform refers to RIA Novosti.
The meeting would take place just days after deadly terrorist attacks hit the Moscow subway and the town of Kizlyar in Russia's North Caucasus republic of Dagestan.
On Monday, twin blasts at the Lubyanka and Park Kultury stations occurred during the morning rush hour, leaving at least 39 people dead and dozens injured. Two explosions in Kizlyar on Wednesday claimed 12 lives.
Sergei Smirnov said participants in the meeting would discuss the creation of a permanent expert working group, which would coordinate joint efforts by the SCO members aimed at fighting the international extremist organization Hizb ut-Tahrir.
He said SCO representatives would also discuss joint assistance to Russia in assuring security during Victory Day celebrations on May 9.
Cooperation with other regional and international organizations responsible for fighting terrorism and extremism is also expected to be discussed, Smirnov said.
The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation comprises Russia, China, and the ex-Soviet republics of Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tadzhikistan; Kazinform cites RIA Novosti.
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