Non-aligned countries propose to change world order

CUBA: The Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), which will hold its 14th Summit soon in the Cuban capital, is defending a plan of action capable of guiding its efforts to transform the unjust international order.

The 116 member states of NAM are currently discussing a draft final declaration presented by Cuba, as the host of the conference of heads of state and government that will take place in Havana from September 11 to 16.

The movement's actions should be guided by a plan of action, according to what was approved in the final document of the 13th summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, in February 2003, the draft declaration states.

That plan, according to the text handed in to the NAM Coordination Bureau in New York, "should be continually monitored, with the goal of evaluating its implementation and of taking the corresponding measures for its improvement and updating."

The combination of purposes and principles of this Third World organization, in line with its foundational principles in Belgrade (1961), will allow it to effectively deal with problems like poverty, the unjust economic order, terrorism and unipolarism.

For the same reason, the draft final declaration advocates "concentrating the Movement's pronouncements, statements and actions into central issues identified as priorities." Regarding such issues, the NAM members share values, defend common interests and can demonstrate a position of unity and solidarity.

In that context, the main priorities are the defense of multilateralism and rejection of unilateralism and attempts to impose a unipolar world, as well as defense of and respect for the principles of international law and the UN Charter.

The Plan of Action will make it possible to work in a coordinated manner in diverse forums and venues to condemn the imposition of unilateral coercive measures that violate international law, such as the U.S. blockade of Cuba.

It will also define a strategy of bringing pressure to achieve "general and complete disarmament under strict and effective international control, placing maximum priority on nuclear disarmament."

In addition, it will help the NAM in its reiterated goal of driving forward the democratization of the current international economic, commercial and financial order and the reform and democratization of the UN, including the Security Council.

The economic and social development of the countries of the South in the context of international cooperation, together with the promotion and strengthening of South-South cooperation, are part of the group's permanent challenges.

At this current juncture, another key task is to strengthen international cooperation in the human rights area, to support the Palestinian cause, and seek just and lasting solutions in terms of the Middle East peace process. (PL)

- GRANMA