Tehran, Aug 30: A host of key issues like the worsening situation in Syria, Iran’s nuclear programme and other matters of global concern are set to dominate the agenda of the Non-Aligned Movement’s Summit which opened in Tehran on Thursday.
The two-day meet of the 120-nation grouping, which began with the national anthem of Iran followed by the recitation of the verses from the Quran, was inaugurated by Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei at the leaders’ Summit hall in Northern Tehran.
Coming in the midst of reservations expressed by the US and some other western countries, Tehran is projecting the 16th NAM Summit as a big diplomatic victory, notwithstanding the sanctions and other financial restrictions imposed on it. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is leading the Indian delegation to the Summit, which is being attended by over 30 Heads of State and Government.
The Summit is being held after a two-day experts’ meeting and a conference of the Foreign Ministers of the NAM member states which also lasted for two days.
The guest list includes UN Secretary—General Ban-Ki-Moon and new Egyptian President Muhammed Morsi, the first Egyptian President to visit Iran since its Islamic revolution in 1979.
The Summit opened with Iran assuming the Chair from Egypt for the next three years.
Important leaders attending the summit included Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari, Afghan President Hamid Karzai, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Benin President Thomas Boni Yayi, Bhutanese Prime Minister Jigmi Thinley and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen.
The US and Western countries have accused Iran of pursuing a clandestine and dangerous nuclear weapons programme.
Iran says its nuclear programme is a peaceful drive to produce electricity so that the world’s fourth—largest crude oil exporter can sell more of its oil and gas abroad.
The Non-Aligned Movement, the rotating presidency of which was conferred to Iran on August 26, comprises two—third of the UN member states and was established in 1961 in Belgrade.

REFORM GLOBAL GOVERNANCE: MANMOHAN
Speaking at the summit Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh while admitting to deficits in global governance, called on NAM to “take the lead" in reforming international institutions like the UN, even as it urged member states to tackle problems by “developing solutions that are best suited to our own circumstances".
Dr Singh also sought immediate steps to reduce tensions in global hotspots like West Asia and North Africa.
According to Manmohan Singh, “the deficit in global governance is perhaps most stark in the sphere of international peace and security and in restoring just and fair economic mechanisms".
“Our movement should take the lead in building global governance structures that are representative, credible and effective," he said, adding it was his “sincere hope" there can be agreement "on action to reform institutions such as the United Nations Security Council, the World Bank and the IMF".
“Existing problems cannot be solved effectively without a greater voice for developing countries on issues such as global trade, finance and investment," Manmohan Singh said.
Noting in this context that developing countries can be “drivers of global growth”, he said that international financial institutions should be encouraged to fund infrastructure development in the developing world "in innovative ways”.
“We should also urge that the current economic crisis should not lead to a dilution of development assistance flows from the developed world,” Manmohan Singh cautioned.
Pointing to the other tasks ahead for NAM members, the prime minister urged them to collaborate “in tackling problems and developing solutions that are best suited to our own circumstances”.
“We can learn from each other in this effort,” the prime minister added.

WITH INPUTS FROM IANS

Lastupdate on : Thu, 30 Aug 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Thu, 30 Aug 2012 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Fri, 31 Aug 2012 00:00:00 IST