Moscow esteems collective security treaty highly

Joint action within the framework of the international anti-terrorism coalition and a coordinated line of handling Afghan settlement issues testify to efficiency of the Collective Security Treaty, Igor Ivanov, Russia's Minister of Foreign Affairs, said in opening remarks at a meeting of the Collective Security Council Monday. The anti-terror operation in Afghanistan required an "adequate and coordinated reaction" from the countries on the Treaty, according to Mr Ivanov. "Afghanistan's instability potential is still great," remarked the minister. It is not that Taliban and Al-Qaeda forces have not been defeated completely, but unceasing tension in relations between different military and political forces of the country that causes concern, according to Mr Ivanov. It is in the signatory countries' national interests to keep an eye on further Afghan developments, believes Igor Ivanov. Russia is actively engaged in the settlement and revival efforts in Afghanistan, emphasized the foreign minister. A recent Moscow visit by Khamid Karzai, Afghanistan's interim Prime Minister, brought forth nearly 20 bilateral agreements on cooperation in various areas.