Middle East peace tops NAM agenda

The Israeli-Palestinian conflict as one of the main obstacles in the Middle East peace process and the challenges facing Iran’s nuclear program highlighted the discussions in a pre-session ministerial meeting of Non-Aligned Movement (NAM).

The 15th summit of 114-member group being held in Iranian capital is to review the possible solutions for the main regional and international problems both politically and economically.

At the sidelines of the meeting Palestinians’ deputy in the United Nations, Riadh al-Mansour told Al-Alam correspondent that like previous meetings, Palestinian issue has been given high priority among other regional and international issues in this summit.

Iran’s deputy foreign minister also informed of formation of a special committee in charge of reviewing Iran’s nuclear program. “NAM states have long supported Iran’s right to develop civilian nuclear technology which Iran is determined to pursue,” Mohammad Ali Hosseini told an Al-Alam correspondent.

Hosseini said the attendants in the conference will support Iran’s stance in the latest nuclear talks with great powers earlier this month.

The Non-Aligned Movement is a major supporter of Iran’s efforts to access peaceful nuclear technology and have issued several statements concerning the issue at international venues, most notably at IAEA Board of Governors’ meetings.

NAM has drawn international attention to Iran’s voluntary cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency and the Islamic republic’s efforts to gain the trust of the international community. Iran has repeatedly said that the country is entitled to have enrichment program as a signatory to the Non-Proliferation Treaty.

NAM represents nearly two-thirds of United Nations’ members and comprises 55 percent of the world population, mostly in developing countries.

It includes India, Ghana, Pakistan, Algeria, Libya, Sri Lanka, Egypt, Indonesia, Cuba, Colombia, Venezuela, post-1994 South Africa, Iran, and Malaysia.

Brazil has not been a formal member of the movement, but shares many of the aims of NAM and frequently sends observers to the Non-Aligned Movement’s summits.

Iran’s deputy foreign minister, Mohammad Ali Hosseini is seen talking to Al-Alam correspondent at the side lines of the 15th summit of Non-Aligned Movement states in Tehran, Monday, July 28, 2008.

Al Alam