"The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), which maintained it had no
plans for expansion, is now changing course. Mongolia, Iran, India and
Pakistan, which previously had observer status, will become full members.
SCO's decision to welcome Iran into its fold constitutes a political
statement. Conceivably, SCO would now proceed to adopt a common position
on the Iran nuclear issue at its summit meeting June 15.

"The SCO, an Intergovernmental organization whose working languages are
Chinese and Russian, was founded in Shanghai on June 15, 2001 by China,
Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgystan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. The SCO's change
of heart appears set to involve the organization in Iran's nuclear battle
and other ongoing regional issues with the United States.

"Visiting Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mohammadi told
Itar-TASS in Moscow that the membership expansion 'could make the world
more fair'. And he spoke of building an Iran-Russia 'gas-and-oil arc' by
coordinating their activities as energy producing countries. Mohammadi
also touched on Iran's intention to raise the issue of his country's
nuclear program and its expectations of securing SCO support."

Full story at:
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