BEIJING, March 4 (Xinhuanet) -- Secretary-General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Zhang Deguang made a statement here on Saturday against Taiwan leader Chen Shui-bian's declaration to cease the function of "National Unification Council" (NUC) and the guidelines on unification.

    Zhang said in the statement that the SCO adheres to the one-China policy, firmly opposes splittism in any form and support the principle and stand of all member states to safeguard national unification and territorial integrity.

    The SCO will continue to strengthen cooperation in such field, to ensure peace, security and stability in the region, the statement said.

    The "NUC" was set up in 1990 by the Taiwan authorities headed by Lee Teng-hui. A total of 14 meetings were held after its establishment. However, no "NUC" meeting has been held since Chen Shui-bian became Taiwan leader.

    The "National Unification Guidelines" were issued in 1991, saying both the mainland and Taiwan are under the sovereignty of China and the promotion of the state's reunification should be the common task of all Chinese.

    The guidelines also outlined a three-phase goal for the realization of China's reunification.

    Despite strong opposition and repeated warnings from the people across the Taiwan Straits and the international community, Chen still made the declaration. Enditem