Wednesday, April 11, 2007

Russia keen on observer status at SAARC

Official sources revealed that Russia is keen to get the status of an observer at the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) in New Delhi Wednesday, according to Indo-Asian News Service.

The news quoted the official sources as saying that Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister Andrei Denisov discussed Moscow's interest in SAARC with Indian Foreign Secretary Shivshanakar Menon Monday.

But Denisov, who ended a three-day visit to India Tuesday, has clarified that Russia's formal application to get SAARC status may take time.

The 14th SAARC summit here this month approved Iran's application for observer status. The 22-year-old regional grouping comprises India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, the Maldives and Afghanistan.

Besides Russia, Myanmar is also keen to come in as observer at SAARC.


Source: Xinhua

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