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Musharraf’s
humanitarian order!
Atal
Bihari Vajpayee
We
are at a critical point in international relations. Perhaps we are
also at a defining moment in the life of this Movement itself. We
are seeking to revitalize its agenda in a global environment
profoundly different from that in which it was created.
The
tectonic shifts in international relations over the last decade have
challenged NAM to adapt itself to effectively tackle the new
contemporary challenges. Even while preserving independence of
judgement and autonomy of action – which are its defining
characteristics – NAM should take a close, hard look at the
realities of today.
India
has participated in the various deliberations within our Movement on
the theme of its revilisation. We believe that certain principles
are fundamental to this process:
One,
NAM should have a clear consensus on key issues of common concern to
all of us. Multilateralism, combating global terrorism and reform of
the UN system would be the political elements of this agenda.
Developmental issues, democratisation of international financial
institutions, constructive North-South engagement and South-South
cooperation would be its main economic planks.
Two,
NAM should concentrate on issues that unite, rather than divide us.
In a movement of one hundred and sixteen members, it is inevitable
that there are some differences or even disputes among us. We would
be losing time, energy and focus if we involved ourselves in these
issues. This principle is accepted in the Charters and practice of
successful organisations like the OIC and ASEAN. NAM’s outlook and
its agenda have to be global.
Three,
in projecting our view on global issues, our tone has to be
objective and pragmatic. We should position NAM as a major pole in a
multi-polar configuration.
Four,
we should use cooperation between ourselves as an effective tool to
promote our national development. South-South cooperation has to
move from the political lectern to the economic marketplace.
Five,
NAM should develop a progressive agenda on the fundamental values of
democracy, human rights and multiculturism. The preservation and
consolidation of democracy throughout our membership is a major
challenge.
The
threat of global terrorism presents our Movement with an immediate
test of its commitment to its core principles. It is imperative that
we take a clear and unequivocal stand on this scourge. There can be
no double standards, no confusion between terrorism and freedom
struggles, and no implicit condoning of terrorism through an
investigation of its ‘root causes’. There can be no
justification for terrorism. No political, ideological, religious or
ethnic grounds can justify the shedding of the blood of innocent
people.
We
should finally conclude the negotiations at the UN on the
Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism. It is a matter
of the greatest shame to all of us that while terrorism continues to
claim its victims with one brutal act after another, we cannot
conclude an international agreement because we cannot find a
universally acceptable definition of terrorism!
The
world’s attention – like that of this Summit – is riveted on
Iraq. Like every other non-aligned country, India fervently wishes
for a peaceful resolution. We also support the multilateral route of
the United Nations to address this issue.
But
objectivity – and not rhetoric – should govern our actions.
Weapons of mass destruction do need to be eliminated. It is
essential that Iraq complies fully with the obligations it has
accepted, including disarmament, and that it cooperates fully in
implementing Security Council Resolution 1441. As a fellow member of
NAM, this is our sincere advice to Iraq. We also expect that if Iraq
fully complies, the sanctions against that country should be lifted.
We
should also not lose sight of the humanitarian dimension of the
suffering of the Iraqi people. Apart from the immediate consequences
of military action there are long-term implications for stability
and security in an already volatile region.
NAM
is at a historic moment in a new century. We need to introspect,
take stock of our achievements as well as our failures and take
concrete steps to revitalise our Movement. India is ready to play
its part in this effort.
I
had never intended to mention such matters at this forum, but I am
constrained to respond to some allegations against India.
President
Musharraf has referred to my country a little while ago. His strange
logic masks Pakistan’s territorial designs on an integral part of
India. He justifies terrorism against India by talking of root
causes.
Does
he go into the root causes of sectarian terrorism in his country? Or
does he take stern action against the perpetrators of that
terrorism? He talks of the "oppressed people of Kashmir".
These same people very recently cast their ballots in an election
universally recognised as free and fair. They defied the bullets of
the terrorists, aided and abetted by Pakistan.
Those
very terrorists assassinated candidates and political activists in
the elections and killed women and children because they refused to
provide them food and shelter. These terrorists continue to
perpetrate violence against innocent civilians every day. Yet
General Musharraf talks of an international humanitarian order!
Abridged
version of the text of the statement made at the XIIIth NAM Summit
in Kuala Lumpur
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