CSTO may be involved in peacekeeping operations under UN auspices

The UN General Assembly expressed the need to strengthen cooperation between the UN and the CSTO. The resolution which was adopted on March 2nd on the initiative of the CSTO member states – Russia, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan – notes the potential of the Organization in strengthening regional stability and peace-keeping, fight against drugs and other types of organized crime.

The UN General Assembly expressed the need to strengthen cooperation between the UN and the CSTO. The resolution which was adopted on March 2^nd on the initiative of the CSTO member states – Russia, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan – notes the potential of the Organization in strengthening regional stability and peace-keeping, fight against drugs and other types of organized crime.

"The General Assembly acknowledges the activities of the CSTO aimed to promote regional cooperation in such areas as strengthening of regional security and stability, peace-keeping, antiterrorism, fight against illicit trafficking of drugs and weapons, counteraction to transnational organized crime, human trafficking, and fight against natural and man-made disasters, which promote the goals and principles of the UN,” states the resolution adopted.

It also highlights the importance of strengthening dialogue, cooperation and coordination between the UN and the CSTO systems. The resolution suggests that the UN Secretary General should carry out regular consultations with the Secretary General of the CSTO.

The resolution also offers such specialized bodies of the UN system as Political Affairs Department of UN Secretariat, UN Office on Drugs and Crime, Counterterrorism Committee and its Executive Directorate to cooperate and develop direct contacts with the CSTO for joint implementation of the programmes aimed at achieving common goals.

We would remind you that since 2004 the SCTO has had the status of an observer in the General Assembly, and since 16^th, 2009 the Agreement on Peacekeeping Activity of this Organization has come into force.