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Today
we need the Non-Aligned Movement more than ever
Remarks by Dr.
Fidel Castro Ruz, President of the Republic of Cuba,
at the closing session of the XIII Conference of the
Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), Kuala Lumpur, February
25, 2003.
(Transcription
of the typescript version of the Council of State)
Esteemed
Dr. Mahathir bin Mohamad, Chairman of the
Non-Aligned Movement;
Heads
of State and Government;
Delegates
and guests:
On
behalf of the Government and the people of Cuba, I
would like to express my appreciation to the
participants in this gathering for the confidence
showed in designating my country to host the next
Summit Conference of the Non-Aligned Movement. It is
a great honor, far greater than our modest
contribution to the common cause, and we will not
fail you.
We
firmly believe that the necessary process toward the
revitalization of our Movement that we are all set
to undertake, will enable us to recover the dynamism
and strength required to take up the challenges and
dangers of today’s world. The Non-Aligned shall
claim back its role in the international arena as
its work is stepped up by Dr. Mahatir bin Mohamad,
the talented and resourceful Prime Minister of
Malaysia, a well known, respected and admired
leader.
Dr.
Mahattir’s glory and prestige were enhanced when
in the face of the grave crisis that hit Southeast
Asia, he envisioned new avenues and audaciously
challenged hateful procedures and fearsome
institutions. Today, largely thanks to his
creativity, his character and his most able
leadership, Malaysia is perceived by all as an
admirable nation.
As for
Cuba, we are willing to work with all of you for the
consolidation of NAM’s actions both inside and
outside the United Nations mechanisms, and to strive
for peace, justice, equal opportunities and respect
for the principles consecrated in International Law,
which have always been the basis of the Non-Aligned
Movement. Together we shall strive for development
and against an international financial and economic
order heedless of our needs that submits us all to
increasing poverty and dependence.
In the
pursuit of such goals, Cuba is committed to promote
cooperation and coordinate efforts with all nations
and it will not fail to offer its selfless and
altruistic solidarity to other peoples that have
suffered under colonialism and the most ruthless
exploitation.
Our
next conference in Havana, in the year 2006, shall
prove that NAM has again become an effective force
in the international arena. Today, NAM is more
necessary than ever. If in the past, when there was
a struggle between two superpowers, we fought to
occupy a worthy place in the world, today we should
fight off the risk of unipolar hegemony and work for
the only viable, endurable and acceptable way to
survive, that is, for a multilateral world to
prevail where peace, freedom, development and
progress can be realized by all.
Our
peoples need it and we cannot fail them. Finally, I
would like to reassure all participants in the XIII
Summit Conference of the Non-Aligned Movement of
Cuba’s gratitude and unrestrained commitment.
Thank
you, very much.
TRANSLATED BY
ESTI
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