SCO warns unprecedented threats, challenges facing int'l system -- initiative

ASTANA, July 4 (Xinhua) -- The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) said here Thursday that the international system with the United Nations at its core is facing multiple threats and challenges unprecedented in modern history.

The existing international peace and security architecture, international relations and the global trading system are gradually disintegrating, and geopolitical rivalries and arms races are intensifying, according to an initiative calling for solidarity among countries to promote world justice, harmony and development issued as the 24th Meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the SCO is underway in Astana.

The UN charter and the universally recognized basic principles and norms governing international law have been systematically undermined, it cautioned.

It also warned that geopolitical rivalry has intensified, unilateral sanctions violate international law and harm the interests of developing countries, adding that trading systems and supply chains built up over decades are being damaged.

The SCO members called on UN member states to conduct general and complete disarmament under effective international control, consolidate global nuclear non-proliferation regime and oppose an arms race in outer space.

It also said that climate agenda should not be used as an excuse to restrict trade, investment and technical cooperation.