(Ahlul Bayt News Agency) - Tehran is hosting the two-day expert-level meeting of the 16th Non-Aligned Movement summit.
In an opening speech, Iran’s foreign minister Ali Akbar Salehi warned against foreign interference in the Middle East and North Africa, saying any efforts to resolve problems in regional countries should be based on dialog and respect.
He further stressed that human rights should not become a tool in the hands of certain powers who themselves have a long record of violating those rights. Elsewhere in his remarks, the Iranian official called for a fundamental reform of the United Nations.
During the two day meeting, senior experts hold special sessions in economic, cultural and social fields and work to prepare a draft document in three chapters and 688 points, which needs to be later endorsed by NAM foreign ministers on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Representatives from more than 100 countries have gathered in Tehran to discuss the new challenges that the world faces today. According to Iran’s foreign ministry spokesman so far the participation of 27 Presidents, two kings, seven prime ministers and two Parliament speakers at the 16th NAM summit due on Thursday and Friday has been confirmed.
The principles 120-member Non-Aligned Movement are solidarity and peaceful resolution of conflicts, though it was founded as a counterweight to the superpowers back in 1961. The movement is publicly committed to sustainable development and the attainment of the Millennium Development Goals, making international financial decision-making more democratic, easing poor countries' debt burden, making trade fair and increasing foreign aid.
The Non Aligned Movement represents nearly two-thirds of the UN members and about 55 percent of the world population.
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In an opening speech, Iran’s foreign minister Ali Akbar Salehi warned against foreign interference in the Middle East and North Africa, saying any efforts to resolve problems in regional countries should be based on dialog and respect.
He further stressed that human rights should not become a tool in the hands of certain powers who themselves have a long record of violating those rights. Elsewhere in his remarks, the Iranian official called for a fundamental reform of the United Nations.
During the two day meeting, senior experts hold special sessions in economic, cultural and social fields and work to prepare a draft document in three chapters and 688 points, which needs to be later endorsed by NAM foreign ministers on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Representatives from more than 100 countries have gathered in Tehran to discuss the new challenges that the world faces today. According to Iran’s foreign ministry spokesman so far the participation of 27 Presidents, two kings, seven prime ministers and two Parliament speakers at the 16th NAM summit due on Thursday and Friday has been confirmed.
The principles 120-member Non-Aligned Movement are solidarity and peaceful resolution of conflicts, though it was founded as a counterweight to the superpowers back in 1961. The movement is publicly committed to sustainable development and the attainment of the Millennium Development Goals, making international financial decision-making more democratic, easing poor countries' debt burden, making trade fair and increasing foreign aid.
The Non Aligned Movement represents nearly two-thirds of the UN members and about 55 percent of the world population.
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