Putin calls for financial security zones around Afghan borders

Moscow, Aug 16 (UNI) Stressing the need for holding a special security conference on Afghanistan, Russian President Vladimir Putin today called for setting up financial security zones on the border of the embattled country in order to further strengthen anti-drug security belts.

"It is important to continue creating anti-drug security belts along Afghanistan's borders, Mr Putin said while addressing the summit of the leaders of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan.

Financial security zones could be added to them. The financial monitoring services of the SCO member-countries could help fulfill this task, he added.

"It will help increase the efficiency of the fight against drug-trafficking and money- laundering," the Russian Prsident said.

He said the measures to counter drug-trafficking in all SCO member-countries were highly important, noting joint operations, personnel training and analysis of certain national laws, in this regard.

"We expect heads of anti-drug structures to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the situation and to put forth suggestions on ways to conduct systematic work in this area," he said.

"We hope, the observer-countries with the SCO, primarily the Afghan authorities, the UN and the international community as a whole, will closely cooperate with us to stem drug- trafficking," Mr Putin said.

The SCO comprises Russia, China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. India, Pakistan, Iran and Mongolia have observer status.

On the fight against international terrorism, he said it was among the key challenges facing the SCO.

"Of course, bolstering security in SCO member-countries and, primarily, neutralizing all the threats posed by terrorism, separatism and extremism remain our central task. That is why it is absolutely important to expand consultations and joint measures in the anti-terror sphere," Interfax news agency quoted Mr Putin as saying.

He also proposed to hold regular counter-terrorism exercises, similar to the manoeuvres currently being held in Russia.

The six countries' armed forces have been taking part in the Peace Mission 2007 exercises in Russia's south Urals since August 9.

Leaders of the SCO member-states were expected to attend the final day of the exercises tomorrow.

The SCO leaders signed a treaty on long-term good neighbuorly relations, friendship and cooperation, a Bishkek declaration and a joint communique at their summit.

UNI