SCO will not backtrack on its principles

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) has no plans to set up a military structure of its own, SCO Secretary-General Dmitry Mezentsev said.

"The basic provisions of the SCO Charter, which are immutable and have shown their efficacy throughout the 13 years of the organisation's existence, do not envision any armed units under the auspices of the organisation," he stressed.

The collaboration of the SCO member states' defence ministries and regularly held Peace Mission military drills are needed to combat terrorism, Mr. Mezentsev clarified.