Raul Castro to Non-aligned nations:

'Unite to fight for better and just world'

CUBA: Acting Cuban leader Raul Castro met in Havana with leaders of the Group of 15 developing countries including Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

"Our countries have no option but to unite," Raul Castro, dressed in a dark suit and tie, said in the meeting. We must "fight for a better and more just world," he said.

The G-15, which includes India, Indonesia, Venezuela and Iran, now has a total 18 members.

Ahmadinejad lamented that "some countries are putting hurdles" in the way of progress to keep developing countries dependent and "exert political pressure."

It was the first time the acting Cuban leader spoke at a working meeting, on the sidelines of the Non-Aligned Movement summit of 118 countries hosted by Cuba.

Castro, 75, replaced his brother Fidel Castro, 80, at the helm of Cuba after Fidel underwent intestinal surgery in late July and ceded power temporarily for the first time in almost 48 years.

Meanwhile Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez pledged that Venezuela will support Iran if it is invaded as a result of the Middle Eastern nation's high-stakes nuclear standoff with the U.N. Security Council.

"Iran is under threat; there are plans to invade Iran, hopefully it won't happen, but we are with you," Chavez told Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad at a meeting of the Group of 15 developing nations. Chavez said Venezuela stands with Iran in this time of crisis, just as it has with Cuba.

"Under any scenario we are with you just like we are with Cuba," Chavez said. "If the United States invades Cuba, blood will run... We will not have our arms crossed while bombs are falling in Havana or they carry Raul off in a plane."

Ahmadinejad gave a relatively mild speech, urging his fellow leaders to work together to help the G-15 nations achieve their full potential. Then Chavez took over, saying he didn't want to leave Havana without a statement reflecting resounding support for the Iranian, Cuban and Palestinian people.

Leaders of the NAM countries were expected to adopt a statement which stresses Iran's right to acquire and use nuclear energy and technology for peaceful means. Ahmadinejad told his counterparts that "some countries are putting hurdles" in the way of progress in order to keep developing countries dependent and "exert political pressure" - a thinly-veiled reference to US-led efforts to get Iran to stop producing enriched uranium.

The meeting was a milestone for Cuba - the first time Raul Castro represented his nation at an international summit as acting president. But Chavez stole the show - saying Fidel Castro had given him permission to speak longer because Raul wouldn't talk much. Raul Castro seemed to take the jab in good spirits, giving Chavez a bear hug after the meeting.

Chavez also suggested that Raul's role wouldn't last for long - he said Fidel Castro was walking and singing on Thursday, and was "almost well enough to play baseball."

The G-15 organization, formed to foster cooperation with international groups such as the World Trade Organization, met on the sidelines of the Nonaligned Movement, which was formed with a very different mission: to establish a neutral third path in a world divided by allegiances to the United States and the Soviet Union.

The movement has grown to 118 members with the addition of Haiti and St. Kitts, and now features an array of U.S. critics.

Havana, Friday, AFP, AP