Russia calls for creation of security, cooperation org in Gulf

Moscow, Jan 29 (UNI) Russia has called for the creation of an organisation for security and cooperation in the Persian Gulf area, enabling it to become the foundation of post-crisis life in West Asia.

''The interested parties should assume a number of obligations that will guarantee stability in the Gulf area,'' Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Saltanov said at the international conference-- Bahrain Civilisation Dialogue-- held in Manama, Bahrain.

''These obligations should include a refusal to use force, respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, and adherence to peaceful conflict settlement,'' Mr Saltanov said, adding, ''It is also important to reach agreements in issues relating to arms control and the fight against international terrorism.'' The conference was held under the aegis of the international forum Civilisation Dialogue on January 27-29.

Mr Saltanov pointed out such ideas ''complete, but do not replace the international efforts aimed at resolving the Iran crisis and other issues.'' ''We could make it a long-term goal to create an organisation on security and cooperation in the Gulf area. We are operating under the assumption that the collective security system can in the future become an integral part of post-crisis life in West Asia,'' Interfax news agency quoted him as saying.

''The establishment of a dialogue with the Arab and Islamic world requires a comprehensive and fair solution to the West Asian conflict on a universally accepted legal basis,'' he added.

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