Dear Editor,

THE People’s Progressive Party (PPP) joins with the rest of the world in the observance of the 55th anniversary of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM). The Movement was founded in 1961 under the leadership of Josip Tito of Yugoslavia , Gamal Abdel Nasser of Egypt, Jawaharlal Nehru of India and Kwame Nkrumah of Ghana. Guyana, under the PPP/C government had always supported the principle of non-alignment and played an active role in the Movement.
This is indeed a significant milestone, since the creation of the Movement which brings together 120 countries from all continents, the majority of whom are at varying stages of their political life, had to struggle against colonialism, neo-colonialism and imperialism.

The NAM has over the years taken progressive positions on behalf of its member states which struggled to maintain their independence and sovereignty against the major powers. It played a major role in the decolonisation processes when several countries, especially from Afro-Asia and the Caribbean had recently gained political independence from the metropolitan powers.

Despite significant changes at the global level following the end of the Cold War, the Movement continues to advocate for international cooperation , multilateralism, disarmament, national determination and for a more equitable and humane global order. The PPP has taken note of the fact that the next meeting of the 17th Summit of the Non-Aligned Movement is scheduled be held in neighboring Venezuela, which from September will assume the presidency of the Movement. The PPP takes this opportunity to wish the NAM every success as it prepares for its next Summit this year.

Regards
People’s Progressive Party