M A I N   N E W S

Time to review NAM role
Rajeev Sharma
Tribune News Service

New Delhi, February 25
The Kuala Lumpur Declaration of the 13th Non-Aligned Summit today underlined the need for multilaterism for promoting and preserving world peace “through dialogue, diplomacy and avoidance of the use of force to resolve conflicts.”

The Declaration adopted at the conclusion of the two-day summit after wrangling and heated debate behind the scenes here emphasised that multilaterism should be an “indispensable vehicle in safeguarding the interests of Members States as well as those of the United Nations.”

NAM must defend the interests of the developing countries and prevent their marginalisation in world affairs, the Declaration observed.

On the relevance of NAM in today’s global environment, the Declaration said it is timely and appropriate to comprehensively review the role, structure and work methods of the 116-member movement in keeping with the times and new realities. The Movement must continue to remain strong, cohesive and resilient and be in a position to adapt to changes.

It called for democratisation of the system of governance to increase the participation of developing countries in international decision making. The Declaration said NAM must uphold and adhere to the UN Charter for preserving and promoting world peace.

In a marked shift from its approach in the past, NAM will strive to be “pro-active, rather than reactive to international developments, especially those that impact on the Movement through the establishment of “appropriate mechanisms.”

Taking note of imparting a greater push to economic cooperative endeavours, the Declaration called for coordination, cooperation and formulation of common strategies on “socio-economic and development related issues with the Group of 77.”

Vajpayee returns

New Delhi, February 25 
Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee arrived here tonight after a four-day visit to Malaysia during which he addressed the 13th NAM summit in Kuala Lumpur. UNI