China backs Russia’s efforts in Georgia

[XXPANTHAXX]

DUSHANBE. China and Central Asian states yesterday voiced support for Russia’s "active role" in trying to end the Georgia conflict, but failed to follow Moscow’s lead on recognising the independence of two rebel regions.

Leaders of the six-nation Shanghai Co-operation Organisation called on all sides to "peacefully resolve" the conflict through dialogue at a summit in the Tajik capital, Dushanbe.

Expressing "deep concern" over tensions in the Caucasus, leaders said they welcomed the ceasefire deal brokered by France and "support the active role of Russia in assisting peace and co-operation in the region."

The joint declaration by the leaders of China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan called for respect for the concept of "territorial integrity" — although they did not specifically refer to Georgia.

Russia sent forces into Georgia in response to Tbilisi’s offensive to retake South Ossetia, and hundreds of troops remain as part of what Moscow has called a "peacekeeping force."

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said the "united position" of the summit should send a message to the West, which has fiercely criticised Moscow for its military campaign and recognition of South Ossetia and Abkhazia.

"I am sure that the united position of the SCO member states will have international resonance," Medvedev said.

"And I hope it will serve as a serious signal to those who try to turn black into white and justify this aggression," he said.

But the SCO statement did not mention recognition of South Ossetia and Abkhazia and China reiterated in a statement that it was "concerned" by the situation.

Beijing called for "dialogue and consultation" to resolve the issue. Russia is facing an avalanche of condemnation from the West over its recognition of the independence of the two Georgian regions.

The Kremlin has reacted angrily to the criticism, arguing that Russia used military force only in response to a Georgian attack against South Ossetia, where tens of thousands of Russian citizens live.

Addressing leaders at the summit, Medvedev condemned Georgia’s "aggression" against South Ossetia, which prompted the Russian offensive on August 8.

The Russian president implicitly called on the United States to halt its support for Georgia, which is seeking to join NATO and whose troops received US training.

"It’s well known who helped Georgian authorities and even encouraged them in pursuit of their own aims. This is unacceptable and must end," he said.

Medvedev met Chinese President Hu Jintao in Dushanbe on the eve of the summit and discussed Georgia.

The six leaders met as the Shanghai Co-operation Organisation, a regional group set up in 2001 to counter NATO influence in the strategic Central Asia region.

Medvedev said the group was committed to bolstering security and stability, a goal that the Kremlin leader stressed could only be achieved "through a rejection of confrontational thinking."

Afghan President Hamid Karzai and Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad also attended the talks in Dushanbe. The countries have observer status in the SCO.

Leaders were also due to discuss the possibility of Iran joining as a full-fledged member. The leaders of Afghanistan, Iran and Tajikistan will meet later yesterday for a meeting of Persian-speaking countries.