VEEP ASSURES OF ZAMBIA'S CONTINUED SUPPORT FOR NAM

(Ahlul Bayt News Agency) - Vice-President Guy Scott has assured the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) of Zambia's continued membership, loyalty and support.

Addressing the 16th Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Movement in the Iranian capital, Tehran, Friday, Dr. Scott said despite the change of government, Zambia remained committed to the promotion of ideals and beliefs of the Movement.

He said Zambia had played host to liberation movements in the southern African region and suffered losses in various aspects, including economic and human life. He also echoed calls by other countries for comprehensive United Nations reforms.

Dr Scott said the UN needed to be reformed to make it more responsive to current global challenges and he appealed to NAM member countries to continue advocating the reformation of the UN so that the world could attain global peace and sustainable development.

Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe meanwhile told the two-day summit which ended Friday that the abuse of the authority of the United Nations by some superpowers must raise concern among all NAM member countries. President said that this has undermined the beliefs and ideals of the UN charter.

He added that it was unacceptable that even after their independence, some countries continued to suffer abuse instigated by some countries in the western world. President Mugabe called on NAM to stand up and defend the sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence of its member countries.

The summit, which was held under the theme "Lasting Peace through Global Governance", attracted some 60 world leaders, including UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon.

Zambia was represented by Vice-President Scott, who was accompanied by Foreign Affairs Minister Given Lubinda.

/129