Editor in Chief: Moh. Reza Huwaida Thursday, March 28th, 2024

Russia Fears Regional Instability After NATO Exit

Russia Fears Regional Instability After NATO Exit

KABUL - Russia fears another round of regional instability as NATO prepares to withdraw from Afghanistan by 2014 -- a move that could open the floodgates for potential rivalries among its not-so-friendly neighbors.
In an interview with a Chinese newspaper, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov warned that regional countries could face numerous problems after the withdrawal of foreign troops from Afghanistan.

Without explaining the nature of the problems, Lavrov voiced Russia's security concerns ahead of the 12th Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Beijing, slated for June 6-7.
Leaders from regional countries, including Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Iran and Central Asia, are in Beijing to attend the crucial meeting.

"Important decisions on security, terrorism, drugs and regional economic development will be taken at the summit," Lavrov told the daily.
He said SCO should be expanded, with Pakistan and India possibly given membership of the organization -- both nations are currently enjoying observer status.

Lavrof stressed the need for joint efforts to root out terrorism from the region. The Russian minister said SCO members had long assisted Afghanistan in various spheres and could play a key role in resolving the conflict, stemming terrorism and drug trafficking. (PAN)