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World's 'Non-Aligned' Nations Asked to Back Document Critical of USA
 Governments ruling more than half of U.N. member states will be asked this weekend to sign a declaration pledging to work to "transform the present unjust international order" dominated by a "hegemonic" power -- a clear reference to the United States.Adoption of the statement, drafted by Cuba's communist regime, is to be a highlight of this week's summit of the 118-member Non-Aligned Movement (NAM). The summit, in Havana, draws together countries ranging from U.S. allies such as Singapore, Pakistan and India, to its harshest critics -- including Iran, North Korea, Venezuela, Syria and Zimbabwe. The grouping was formed during the Cold War, as developing nations sought to steer a "non-aligned" path between the West and the communist bloc. It frequently was derided for failing to achieve that stated goal - Cuba, a Soviet satellite, was a founding NAM member, and communist Vietnam joined during the 1970s. Since the end of the Cold War, NAM has struggled to carve out a role for itself. In its draft text, Cuba, which assumes the chair for the next three years, makes it clear what role Havana and its allies envisage for the movement. "The absence of two conflicting blocs in no way reduces the need to strengthen the NAM as a mechanism for the political coordination of underdeveloped countries," the document says. "Now more than ever it is essential that our nations remain united and steadfast and are increasingly active in order to successfully confront unilateralism and actions by any Power aimed at imposing hegemonic domination." Posted by: mcsegeek1 2006-09-13 |
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