Russia proposes to set up SCO centre in Asia

Moscow, Nov 22 (UNI) Russia today proposed to set up a united centre of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in Asia to deal with disasters.

''Such a structure must facilitate mobilisation of resources in case of various crises,'' Itar-Tass news agency quoted Russian Emergency Situations Minister Shoigu as saying.

Russia was ready to present concrete proposals in the near future, and the experience of formation and functioning of other SCO organisations should be taken into consideration, Mr Shoigu said.

He added it should be decided what forces and means from member-countries will participate in joint operations to deal with disasters in territories of SCO member-countries.

SCO includes Russia, China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan as members. Last year, India, Iran and Pakistan joined the regional grouping as observers.

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