President arrives in Egypt for NAM Summit
President Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday arrived at the Sham El Sheikh
Airport, Egypt at 4.30 p.m. Sri Lanka time to attend the fifteenth
Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Summit meeting.
Egyptian Environment Minister Maged George welcomed the President at
the Airport with full State honour.
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NAM calls for ending
embargo on Cuba
Member states of the Non-Aligned Movement
(NAM) called to the US Government to put an end to its
embargo against Cuba which is causing economic damage to the
Cuban people, a statement issued by NAM summit secretariat
said Monday.
The statement said the economic,
commercial and financial embargo against Cuba, which runs
counter to the UN Charter and international law, is causing
huge human suffering, material losses and economic damage
that have negatively impacted on the welfare of the people
of Cuba.
The NAM further urged the US Government to
immediately fully comply with all the UN resolutions to end
the economic, commercial and financial embargo imposed by
the United States against Cuba, it added. Xinhua
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The Sri Lanka President was accorded the highest guard of honour
given by the Egyptian Armed Forces to any Head of State who visits their
country, a media release issued by the President’s Media Unit said.
The 15th NAM Summit meeting commenced in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt on
July 11 under the theme “ International solidarity and peace for
development.” President Rajapaksa is scheduled to address the summit
which will be held today.
The Sri Lankan delegation led by the President will brief the
international community on the prevailing situation in Sri Lanka after
the eradication of terrorism. Key emphasis will also be laid to seek
assistance towards economic development and to rebuild areas liberated
from the clutches of the terrorists.
The Non Aligned Movement Summit will discuss strategies for achieving
the desired development goals and objectives of member countries within
the next three years.
It will also review the progress achieved on decisions taken at the
14th NAM Summit held in Havana, Cuba in 2006.
The Non Aligned Movement which began with the Bandung Conference held
in Indonesia in 1955 has a membership of 118 countries today in addition
to 17 countries with observer status.
It comprises almost 50 per cent of the total population of the world.
A majority of its members are developing countries.
The President’s delegation to the summit also includes Foreign
Minister Rohitha Bogollagama, Secretary to the President Lalith
Weeratunga and Parliamentarian Wimal Weerawansa.
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