IF Non-Aligned Movement is to truly succeed in addressing contemporary challenges, it must unambiguously embrace and reinforce its commitment to principled action, particularly with respect to the rule of law at all levels, such as respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Karen Cummings said.
Speaking during the 18th Summit of the Non-Aligned Movement in Baku, Azerbaijan, the Foreign Affairs Minister said all countries big or small, rich or poor, within or outside of the movement must be held to account.

“There can be no double – standards. We cannot be critical of those without and look askance at violations by members. Nothing but a principled approach will suffice – whether in relation to the defence of the legitimate rights and expectations of the Palestinian people, the reform of the United Nations Security Council, efforts to counter terrorism, the fight against climate change, irregular migration, unilateral measures or the defence of the territorial integrity of Guyana,” Minister Cummings told the world leaders.
Singling out Palestine, the Foreign Minister said the Movement cannot but be disappointed at the limited progress and some reversals towards the objective of securing a two-state solution that would allow the people of Palestine to live in dignity in their own State, free from the burden of foreign occupation.

“The Non-Aligned Movement has a key role to assure the defence of the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people. It is a matter of principle and conscience – verily the anti-Apartheid fight of our times. We must not be found wanting in this duty,” Minister Cummings said.
Added to that, the Foreign Minister said the United Nations Security Council, which has been accorded a pivotal role in the maintenance of international peace and security globally in accordance with the UN Charter, must be urgently reformed. She said reformation is necessary to keep pace with a vastly changed security situation, actors and security challenges. “A continued responsibility devolves on the NAM to contribute to the successful conclusion of the intergovernmental negotiations on Security Council reform in order to ensure greater effectiveness, representation and legitimacy,” she posited.

On that note, Minister Cummings pointed to the repeated violations of the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Guyana by Venezuela as well as its flagrant disregard of the authority of the United Nations and the International Court of Justice in adjudicating its spurious claim to Guyana’s territory. She posited that such actions disparage the Movement and continuously undermine its effectiveness.

The Foreign Minister also used the platform to reaffirm Guyana’s commitment to advancing the historical objectives, values and high ideals of the Non-Aligned Movement as a credible, viable and relevant force for good in the world based on the Bandung Principles. “Historically, the Bandung Principles provided the platform for the NAM to successfully counter imperialism, colonialism, foreign occupation and domination, interference and hegemony as well as great power politics. Today, the NAM is called upon to renew, revitalize and reinvent itself to adequately and effectively address the complex developments and issues of our day that constrain global peace, security and development,” Minister Cummings explained.

She noted that the creation of peaceful, inclusive and prosperous societies is an imperative for the Non-Aligned Movement. “For Guyana, this imperative has been pursued through efforts to deepen democratic norms and to strengthen the realisation of sustainable development.  These commitments have been encapsulated within the framework of a Green State Development Strategy that aligns with the SDGs and provides a blueprint for cohesive and inclusive national growth and green development in the medium term,” she explained.

The Foreign Minister also used the platform to bring further attention to the issue of nuclear proliferation which, she said, represents a clear and present danger. While disarmament and arms control have long engaged the interest of the Non-Aligned Movement, Minister Cummings said the Movement must rise to the occasion and raise a strong, unanimous and credible voice in opposition to the worrying trend. “At the same time, the NAM must also address the often seemingly subtler impacts of the increasing prevalence of small arms and light weapons, the illicit trade in arms and illicit drugs and the culture of violence of all types that are no less detrimental, especially to small vulnerable states, such those of the Caribbean,” she added.
The 18th Summit of the Non-Aligned Movement in Baku, Azerbaijan was held from October 25-26, 2019.