United Nations A/60/1002­S/2006/718 Distr.: General 7 September 2006 Original: English General Assembly Security Council General Assembly Sixtieth session Agenda items 9, 10, 12, 14, 15, 17, 26, 29, 30, 31, 32, 36, 38, 41, 42, 43, 44, 52, 54, 55, 57, 64, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 73, 74, 81, 82, 83, 84, 87, 90, 91, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 100, 101, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 115, 116, 117, 118, 119, 123, 124, 126 and 136 Report of the Security Council Support by the United Nations system of the efforts of Governments to promote and consolidate new or restored democracies Prevention of armed conflict The situation in the Middle East Question of Palestine The situation in Afghanistan and its implications for international peace and security Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples International cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East Report of the Special Committee to Investigate Israeli Practices Affecting the Human Rights of the Palestinian People and Other Arabs of the Occupied Territories Comprehensive review of the whole question of peacekeeping operations in all their aspects Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples by the specialized agencies and the international institutions associated with the United Nations Security Council Sixty-first year 06-49404 (E) 111006 *0649404* A/60/1002 S/2006/718 Permanent sovereignty of the Palestinian people in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and of the Arab population in the occupied Syrian Golan over their natural resources Report of the Economic and Social Council Global Agenda for Dialogue among Civilizations Culture of peace Follow-up to the outcome of the special session on children Sustainable development Globalization and interdependence Groups of countries in special situations Operational activities for development Advancement of women New Partnership for Africa's Development: progress in implementation and international support Promotion and protection of the rights of children Indigenous issues Elimination of racism and racial discrimination Right of peoples to self-determination Human rights questions Strengthening of the coordination of humanitarian and disaster relief assistance of the United Nations, including special economic assistance Report of the International Court of Justice Report of the International Criminal Court Report of the Special Committee on the Charter of the United Nations and on the Strengthening of the Role of the Organization Scope of legal protection under the Convention on the Safety of United Nations and Associated Personnel Report of the International Atomic Energy Agency Prohibition of the development and manufacture of new types of weapons of mass destruction and new systems of such weapons: report of the Conference on Disarmament African Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone Treaty Consolidation of the regime established by the Treaty for the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons in Latin America and the Caribbean (Treaty of Tlatelolco) 2 06-49404 A/60/1002 S/2006/718 Establishment of a nuclear-weapon-free zone in the region of the Middle East Conclusion of effective international arrangements to assure non-nuclear-weapon States against the use or threat of use of nuclear weapons Prevention of an arms race in outer space General and complete disarmament Review and implementation of the Concluding Document of the Twelfth Special Session of the General Assembly Review of the implementation of the recommendations and decisions adopted by the General Assembly at its tenth special session The risk of nuclear proliferation in the Middle East Convention on Prohibitions or Restrictions on the Use of Certain Conventional Weapons Which May Be Deemed to Be Excessively Injurious or to Have Indiscriminate Effects Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production and Stockpiling of Bacteriological (Biological) and Toxin Weapons and on Their Destruction Review of the implementation of the Declaration on the Strengthening of International Security Crime prevention and criminal justice International drug control Implementation of the resolutions of the United Nations Revitalization of the work of the General Assembly Question of equitable representation on and increase in the membership of the Security Council and related matters United Nations reform: measures and proposals Strengthening of the United Nations system Programme budget for the biennium 2004-2005 Programme budget for the biennium 2006-2007 Improving the financial situation of the United Nations Administrative and budgetary aspects of the financing of the United Nations peacekeeping operations 06-49404 3 A/60/1002 S/2006/718 Letter dated 1 August 2006 from the Permanent Representative of Malaysia to the United Nations addressed to the Secretary-General I have the honour, in Malaysia's capacity as Chair of the Non-Aligned Movement, to transmit herewith the text of the Final Document (annex I), the Declaration on Palestine (annex II), the statement on the Islamic Republic of Iran's nuclear issue (annex III), the statement on the earthquake in Indonesia (annex IV) and the Putrajaya Declaration (annex V), adopted by the Coordinating Bureau of the Non-Aligned Movement at its Ministerial Meeting, held in Putrajaya, Malaysia, from 27 to 30 May 2006. I should be grateful if you would arrange to have the text of the present letter and its annexes circulated as a document of the General Assembly, under agenda items 9, 10, 12, 14, 15, 17, 26, 29, 30, 31, 32, 36, 38, 41, 42, 43, 44, 52, 54, 55, 57, 64, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 73, 74, 81, 82, 83, 84, 87, 90, 91, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 100, 101, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 115, 116, 117, 118, 119, 123, 124, 126 and 136, and of the Security Council. (Signed) Hamidon Ali Ambassador Permanent Representative of Malaysia to the United Nations 4 06-49404 A/60/1002 S/2006/718 Annex I MINISTERIAL MEETING OF THE COORDINATING BUREAU OF THE NON-ALIGNED MOVEMENT PUTRAJAYA, MALAYSIA, 27-30 MAY 2006 FINAL DOCUMENT TABLE OF CONTENTS Page INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CHAPTER I: GLOBAL ISSUES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . · Review of the International Situation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . · Non-Aligned Movement: Role and Methods of Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . · International Law . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . · Promotion and Preservation of Multilateralism . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . · Peaceful Settlement of Disputes, and Non-Use or Threat of Use of Force . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . · Culture of Peace, and Dialogue among Civilisations, Religions and Cultures . . . . . . . . . . . . · Defamation of Religions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . · Right to Self-Determination and Decolonisation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . · United Nations: Follow-up to the 2005 World Summit Outcome, the Millennium Declaration and the Outcome of Major United Nations Summits and Conferences. . . . . . . · United Nations: Institutional Reform . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A. Reform of the United Nations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B. Relationship among the Principal Organs of the United Nations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C. Revitalisation of the Work of the General Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D. Question of Equitable Representation and Increase in the Membership of the Security Council, and Other Matters Related to the Security Council . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E. Strengthening of the Economic and Social Council . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F. Operationalisation of the Human Rights Council . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . G. Post-conflict Peacebuilding Activities and the Operationalisation of the Peacebuilding Commission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . H. Review of Mandates of United Nations Programmes and Activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . I. Appointment of the Secretary-General of the United Nations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . J. United Nations Secretariat and Management Reform . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . · United Nations: Financial Situation and Arrangement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . · United Nations: Peacekeeping Operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . · Disarmament and International Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . · Terrorism . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . · Democracy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . · North-South Dialogue and Cooperation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . · Role of Regional Organisations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 9 9 10 12 14 15 17 18 18 19 21 21 23 24 25 28 28 29 30 30 30 31 32 34 41 44 45 46 06-49404 5 A/60/1002 S/2006/718 CHAPTER II: REGIONAL AND SUB-REGIONAL POLITICAL ISSUES. . . . . . . . . . . . Middle East . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . · Peace Process. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . · Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . · Occupied Syrian Golan. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . · Remaining Occupied Lands in Southern Lebanon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Africa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . · Angola . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . · Chagos Archipelago . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . · Libyan Arab Jamahiriya. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . · Somalia. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . · The Sudan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . · Western Sahara . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Asia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . · Afghanistan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . · Iraq and Kuwait . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . · Iraq . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . · Korean Peninsula . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . · Southeast Asia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . · Syrian Arab Republic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Latin America and the Caribbean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . · Belize and Guatemala. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . · Cuba . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . · Venezuela . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CHAPTER III: DEVELOPMENT, SOCIAL AND HUMAN RIGHTS ISSUES . . . . . . . . · Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . · Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . · Trade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . · South-South Cooperation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . · International Migration and Development. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . · Water . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . · The Dead Sea . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . · The Caribbean Sea . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . · Energy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . · Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . · Racism and Racial Discrimination, Slavery and Trafficking in Persons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . · International Humanitarian Law . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . · Humanitarian Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . · Information and Communication Technology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . · Advancement of Women . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . · Indigenous People . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . · Illiteracy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . · Transnational Organised Crime . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 47 47 47 49 49 50 50 50 50 50 51 51 52 52 53 53 54 54 54 55 55 55 55 56 56 57 57 58 59 59 60 60 60 61 64 65 66 66 67 67 68 68 6 06-49404 A/60/1002 S/2006/718 · · Drug trafficking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Corruption . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69 69 70 71 72 Annex I: List of Member Countries of the Non-Aligned Movement (as of 30 May 2006) . . Annex II: The Founding Principles of the Non-Aligned Movement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Annex III: List of Ministerial Conferences and Meetings of the Non-Aligned Movement held during the Chairmanship of Malaysia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 06-49404 7 A/60/1002 S/2006/718 INTRODUCTION 1. The Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the Movement of Non-Aligned Countries 1 met, under the Chairmanship of the Hon. Syed Hamid Albar, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Malaysia, in Putrajaya, Malaysia on 29 and 30 May 2006 2 with the primary objective of reviewing the preparations for the forthcoming XIV Conference of Heads of State or Government of the Movement, which would be held in Havana, Cuba on 15 and 16 September 2006. 3 Towards this end, they deliberated in an extensive manner on the theme "Towards a more Dynamic and Cohesive Non-Aligned Movement: Challenges of the 21st Century", which entail addressing the existing, new and emerging global issues of collective concern and interest to the Movement, with a view to generating the necessary responses and initiatives thereof. In this regard, they reaffirmed and underscored the Movement's abiding faith in and strong commitment to its Founding Principles, 4 ideals and purposes, particularly in establishing a peaceful and prosperous world as well as a just and equitable world order. 2. The Ministers affirmed the continued relevance and validity of all principled positions and decisions of the Movement as contained in the substantive outcome documents of the XIII Conference of Heads of State or Government of the NAM 5 held in Kuala Lumpur on 24 and 25 February 2003 and the preceding twelve Summit Conferences 6 of the Movement, as well as all preceding Ministerial Conferences or Meetings 7 of the Movement. The list of NAM Member Countries appears in Annex I. The Ministerial Meeting of the NAM Coordinating Bureau was preceded by the Preparatory Senior Officials Meeting, in Putrajaya on 27 and 28 May 2006. 3 The XIV NAM Summit in Havana on 15 and 16 September 2006 will be preceded by the Preparatory Ministerial Meeting on 13 and 14 September 2006 and the Preparatory Senior Officials Meeting on 11 and 12 September 2006. 4 The ten Founding Principles of NAM appear in Annex II. 5 The substantive outcome documents of the XIII NAM Summit are the Final Document, the Kuala Lumpur Declaration on Continuing the Revitalisation of the Non-Aligned Movement, the Declaration concerning Iraq, the Declaration on Palestine, which can be downloaded at www.e-nam.org.my. 6 The preceding twelve NAM Summit Conferences were held in Belgrade, Yugoslavia in 1961; Cairo, United Arab Republic in 1964; Lusaka, Zambia in 1970; Algiers, Algeria in 1973; Colombo, Sri Lanka in 1976; Havana, Cuba in 1979; New Delhi, India in 1983; Harare, Zimbabwe in 1986; Belgrade, Yugoslavia in 1989; Jakarta, Indonesia in 1992; Cartagena de Indias, Colombia in 1995, and Durban, South Africa in 1998. Some of the substantive outcome documents of these Summit Conferences can be downloaded at www.e-nam.org.my and www.nam.gov.za. 7 The list of preceding NAM Ministerial Conferences and Meetings held during the Chairmanship of Malaysia appears in Annex III. 1 2 8 06-49404 A/60/1002 S/2006/718 CHAPTER I: GLOBAL ISSUES Review of the International Situation 3. The Ministers emphasised that the present global scenario presents great challenges in the areas of peace and security, economic development and social progress, human rights and the rule of law to Non-Aligned Countries. They affirmed that many new areas of concern and challenges have emerged which warrant the renewal of commitment by the international community to uphold and defend the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations (UN) and the principles of international law. In taking stock of developments at the international level since the XIII Conference of Heads of State or Government of the Movement, they noted that the collective desire of the Movement to establish a peaceful and prosperous world as well as a just and equitable world order remains encumbered by fundamental impediments. These impediments are in the form of, inter alia, the continuing lack of resources and underdevelopment of the majority of the developing world, on the one hand, and in the form of, inter alia, the continuing lack of cooperation of and coercive and unilateral measures imposed by some developed countries, on the other. The rich and powerful countries continue to exercise an inordinate influence in determining the nature and direction of international relations, including economic and trade relations, as well as the rules governing these relations, many of which are at the expense of developing countries. 4. The Ministers reaffirmed that the Movement will remain guided in its endeavours by its Founding Principles and decisions, the UN Charter and international law. To this end, the Movement will continue to uphold the principles of sovereignty and the sovereign equality of States, territorial integrity and nonintervention in the internal affairs of any State; take effective measures for the suppression of acts of aggression or other breaches of peace and encourage the settlement of international disputes by peaceful means in such a manner that international peace and security, and justice, are not endangered; refrain in international relations from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any State or in any other means inconsistent with the purposes and principles of the UN; develop friendly relations based on respect for the principle of equal rights and the self-determination of peoples in their struggle against foreign occupation; achieve international cooperation in solving international problems of an economic, social, cultural or humanitarian character; and promote and encourage the respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms for all without distinction as to race, sex, language or religion. 5. The Ministers noted that the existing, new and emerging threats and challenges continue to impede efforts by States to attain greater economic development and social progress, peace and security, and enjoyment of human rights and the rule of law. Global peace and security continue to elude humankind as a result of, inter alia, increasing tendency by certain States to resort to unilateralism and unilaterally imposed measures, non-fulfilment of the commitments and obligations assumed under the relevant international legally binding instruments especially on weapons of mass destruction and conventional weapons treaties, terrorism, conflicts, violations of human rights and international humanitarian law, the use of double standards in international relations, and the failure by developed countries to fulfil their commitments in the economic and social fields. They underscored the need for the international community to collectively redress these situations in accordance with the UN Charter and the principles of international law. 6. Globalisation presents opportunities, challenges and risks to the future and viability of developing countries. The process of globalisation and trade liberalisation has produced uneven benefits among and within States and that the global economy has been characterised by slow and lopsided growth and instability. In its present form, globalisation perpetuates or even increases the marginalisation of developing countries. Therefore, globalisation must be transformed into a positive force for change for all peoples, benefiting the largest number of countries, and prospering and empowering of developing countries, not their continued impoverishment and dependence on the developed world. In addition, greater efforts must be made to generate a global strategy to prioritise the development dimension into global processes in order to enable developing countries to benefit from the opportunities offered by globalisation and trade liberalisation, including through the creation of an enabling external economic environment for development which requires greater coherence 06-49404 9 A/60/1002 S/2006/718 between the international trading, monetary and financial systems that should be open, equitable, rule-based, predictable and non-discriminatory. 7. The revolution in information and communication technologies continue to change the world at a rapid speed and in a fundamental way, and has created a vast and widening digital divide between the developed and developing countries, which must be bridged if the latter are to benefit from the globalisation process. These new technological innovations must be made more easily available to developing countries in their efforts to modernise and revitalise their economies in pursuit of their developmental goals and well-being of their populations. In this context, the achievement of these goals requires an enabling international environment and the honouring of commitments and pledges made by States, in particular the developed world. 8. The future could present as many challenges and opportunities as the past and the Movement must continue to remain strong, cohesive and resilient in order to address them. The continued relevance and validity of the Movement will depend, in large measure, on the unity and solidarity of each of its Member Countries as well as their ability to adapt to these changes. In this regard, the process of the revitalisation of the Movement, begun at its previous Summit Conferences, must be given further impetus. 9. The Ministers recalled the decision of the Summit of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), held in Algiers in July 1999, calling for the restoration of constitutional legality in States whose governments had come to power through unconstitutional means, and in this context, encouraged the Non-Aligned Countries to continue to uphold the democratic ideals consistent with the Founding Principles of the Movement. Non-Aligned Movement: Role and Methods of Work 10. Recognising the aspirations of their peoples, the Ministers reaffirmed the Movement's irrevocable political and moral commitment and determination to and full respect for its Founding Principles and the UN Charter as well as for their preservation and promotion, with a view to further consolidate and enhance the Movement's role and position as the principal political platform representing the developing world in multilateral forums, in particular the UN. In this context, they stressed that achieving the principles, ideals and purposes of the Movement hinges upon the unity, solidarity and cohesion among its membership, firmly rooted on mutual respect, respect for diversity and tolerance. 11. The Ministers recalled that the Movement has been playing an active and central role, over the years, on issues of concern and vital importance to its members, such as decolonisation, apartheid, the situation in the Middle East including the question of Palestine, the maintenance of international peace and security, and disarmament. After almost half of a century of its existence, and having undergone many challenges and vicissitudes, it is timely and appropriate to continue to comprehensively review the role, structure, methodology and methods of work of the Movement with the aim of sustaining the process of strengthening and revitalising the Movement. In the context of persistent and new threats and challenges, it is imperative for the Movement to promote multilateralism, especially by strengthening the central role of the UN, defending the interests of developing countries and preventing their marginalisation. 12. The Ministers expressed their satisfaction at the performance and achievement of the Movement over the past forty-five years in preserving and promoting its ideals, principles and purposes as well as in pursuing the collective concerns and interests of its membership. They recalled the historic circumstances leading to the establishment of the Movement whose early decades of existence, characterised by Eastern and Western bloc confrontation, were devoted primarily to liberating countries of the South from the yoke of colonisation, alien domination or foreign occupation, generating economic development and social progress, and eliminating racism and racial discrimination. In recognition of the wisdom and far-sightedness of the Founding Fathers8, 8 The Founding Fathers of the NAM were President Kwame Nkrumah of Ghana, President Achmad Soekarno of Indonesia, President Gamal Abdul Nasser of the United Arab Republic, President Josip Broz Tito of Yugoslavia and Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru of India. 10 06-49404 A/60/1002 S/2006/718 leaders of the Founding Countries 9 and other past leaders of the Movement, they reaffirmed the Movement's commitment to safeguard, uphold and further consolidate its principles, ideals and purposes. 13. In rededicating the Movement to its principles, ideals and purposes, and consistent with the aforementioned principled positions, which should be defended, preserved and promoted through greater efforts by the Movement and the existing mechanisms and arrangements of the Movement, the Ministers agreed to undertake the following measures, among others: 13.1. Commemorate the forty-fifth anniversary of the founding of the Movement, which falls on 1 September 2006 (Day of the Non-Aligned Movement), 10 in a manner deemed most fitting and appropriate by the Non-Aligned Countries, bearing in mind that it will be an historic event of great significance to the Movement and demonstrate its continued relevance and validity; 13.2. Initiate further efforts to achieve the goals and concrete measures outlined in the Kuala Lumpur Declaration on Continuing the Revitalisation of the Non-Aligned Movement, 11 and identify further concrete actions, such as the preparation of a Plan of Action, to be carried out by the Movement in order to pursue its aims and objectives in all fields; 13.3. Strengthen and manifest the unity and solidarity among the membership of the Movement, particularly to those Non-Aligned Countries which are experiencing external threats of use of force, acts of aggression or unilateral coercive measures, whose peoples are living under colonial or alien domination or foreign occupation, living in abject poverty or suffering ill-health, and victims of natural disasters, bearing in mind that the Movement cannot afford lack of unity and solidarity under those circumstances; 13.4. Sustain the process of reviewing, analysing and strengthening the positions of the Movement on international issues, with a view to further ensure the adherence to and promotion of its Founding Principles and further consolidate the common denominators among its membership; 13.5. Review and redefine the role of the Movement in the context of current realities and improve its structure and methods of work, including through strengthening existing mechanisms and arrangements 12 and creating new ones, as appropriate, and utilising them to the fullest, convening of regular meetings of such mechanisms and arrangements, generating a more focused and concise documentation, strengthening the role of the Chair as spokesperson of the Movement through the establishment of an appropriate mechanism as part of the necessary back-up system to assist the Chair, with the aim of engendering a more coordinated, effective and efficient Movement capable of responding in a timely manner to international developments affecting it and its Member Countries; The 25 Founding Countries of the Movement are Afghanistan, Algeria, Arab Republic of Yemen, Burma (now Myanmar), Cambodia, Ceylon (now Sri Lanka), Congo, Cuba, Cyprus, Ethiopia, Ghana, Guinea, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Lebanon, Mali, Morocco, Nepal, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Tunisia, United Arab Republic (now Egypt and Syrian Arab Republic) and Yugoslavia. 10 In accordance with the decision of the Commemorative Session of the 20 th Anniversary of the 1 st NAM Summit (Belgrade, Yugoslavia; September 1961) held in New Delhi, India on 11 February 1981, 1 September of every year is proclaimed as the Day of Non-Aligned Movement. 11 The Kuala Lumpur Declaration on Continuing the Revitalisation of the Non-Aligned Movement was adopted by the XIII NAM Summit, held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia from 20 to 25 February 2003. 12 The existing mechanisms and arrangements include the Former Chair Countries and Troika (at the Summit, Ministerial and Ambassadorial levels); the Committee on Palestine (at the Ministerial and Ambassadorial level); the Coordinating Bureau in New York and its subsidiary bodies (Working Groups on Disarmament, Human Rights, Legal Matters, Peacekeeping Operations, Reform of the UN and GA Revitalisation, Reform of the Security Council, Review of Mandates of the UN programmes and activities); the Chapters in Geneva, The Hague and Vienna; and the Caucus in the Security Council. 9 06-49404 11 A/60/1002 S/2006/718 13.6. Coordinate the work of the existing mechanisms of the Movement in New York, Geneva, Nairobi, Vienna and The Hague in the work of the relevant UN organs and agencies, upon identifying their respective priority areas of concern and competence, bearing in mind the position of the Coordinating Bureau in New York as the focal point for coordination of the Movement; 13.7. Expand and reinforce the ability and capacity of the Movement for initiative, representation and negotiation, as well as its ethical, political and moral strength and influence; 13.8. Strengthen the coordination and cooperation as well as formulation of common strategies on economic development and social progress issues with the Group of 77 and China (G-77) through the Joint Coordinating Committee of the G-77 and NAM (JCC) 13 in advancing the collective concerns and interests of developing countries at the relevant international forums particularly in the context of UN reform, and in expanding and deepening South-South cooperation; 13.9. Expedite its decision-making, in conformity with the relevant provisions of the Cartagena Document on Methodology of the Movement, 14 through determined and timely action in order to contribute more effectively in the multilateral process, with the aim of enhancing its role and stature as a leading global force; 13.10. Be more proactive in addressing international developments which could adversely impact on the Movement and its Member Countries; 13.11. Encourage the interaction of the Ministers responsible for portfolios of relevance to the Movement, such as culture, education, health, human resources, information and communications, science and technology, social progress, women and children, with the aim of enhancing the effectiveness of the Movement and increasing the cooperation among its Member Countries in these areas; 13.12. Expand and deepen its interaction and cooperation with parliamentarians, civil society and nongovernmental organisations, and the private sector of Non-Aligned Counties on the recognition that they can perform a constructive role towards the attainment of the principles, ideals and purposes of the Movement; and 13.13. Support, as a further manifestation of solidarity of the Movement, the candidatures of Non-Aligned Countries, whenever possible, to the Security Council and Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), and all subsidiary bodies of the General Assembly and the ECOSOC, bearing in mind the ensuing obligation of such Countries whose candidatures are successful owing to such support, to defend, preserve and promote the concerns and interests of the Movement in those organs and bodies, without prejudice to their sovereign rights. International Law 14. The Ministers reaffirmed and underscored the continued relevance and validity of the Movement's principled positions concerning international law, as follows: 13 The JCC of the G-77 and NAM was established in 1994 with the primary objective to enhance collaboration, avoid duplication of efforts and provide greater efficiency in the attainment of the common goals of the developing countries, as well as to harmonise and coordinate the activities of both groupings in the economic and social fields within the context of South-South and North-South cooperation. 14 The Cartagena Document on Methodology of the Movement was adopted by the Ministerial Meeting of the NAM Committee on Methodology, held in Cartagena de Indias, Colombia from 14 to 16 May 1996. Subsequently, it was endorsed by the Heads of State or Government of the Movement during their XII Summit, held in Durban, South Africa from 29 August to 3 September 1998. 12 06-49404 A/60/1002 S/2006/718 14.1. The Ministers reemphasised that the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and the principles of international law are indispensable in preserving and promoting economic development and social progress, peace and security, and human rights for all and the rule of law. In this context, UN Member States should renew their commitment to defend, preserve and promote the UN Charter and international law, with the aim of making further progress to achieving full respect for international law; and 14.2. The Ministers remained concern at the unilateral exercise of extra-territorial criminal and civil jurisdiction of national courts not emanating from international treaties and other obligations arising from international law, including international humanitarian law. In this regard, they condemned the enactment of politically motivated laws at the national level, and stressed the negative impact of such measures on the rule of international law as well as on international relations, and called for the cessation of all such measures. 15. Recognising the serious danger and threats posed by the actions and measures which seek to undermine international law and international legal instruments, as well as consistent with and guided by the Movement's principled positions thereof, the Ministers agreed to undertake the following measures, among others: 15.1. Identify and pursue measures that may contribute towards achieving a peaceful and prosperous world as well as a just and equitable world order based on the UN Charter and international law; 15.2. Conduct external relations based on the ideals, principles and purposes of the Movement, the UN Charter and international law, as well as the "Declaration on Principles of International Law concerning Friendly Relations and Cooperation among States in accordance with the Charter of the UN", the "Declaration on the Strengthening of International Security", and the "Declaration on the Enhancement of Effectiveness of the Principles of Refraining from the Threat or Use of Force in International Relations"; 15.3. Firmly oppose the unilateral evaluation and certification of the conduct of States as a means of exerting pressure on Non-Aligned Countries and other developing countries; 15.4. Refrain from recognising, adopting or implementing extra-territorial or unilateral coercive measures or laws, including unilateral economic sanctions, other intimidating measures, and arbitrary travel restrictions, that seek to exert pressure on Non-Aligned Countries ­ threatening their sovereignty and independence, and their freedom of trade and investment ­ and prevent them from exercising their right to decide, by their own free will, their own political, economic and social systems, where they constitute flagrant violations of the UN Charter, international law, the multilateral trading system as well as the norms and principles governing friendly relations among States; 15 and in this regard, oppose and condemn these measures or laws and their continued application, persevere with efforts to effectively reverse them and urge other States to do likewise, as called for by the General Assembly and other UN organs; and request States applying these measures or laws to revoke them fully and immediately; 15.5. Oppose, while reiterating the utmost importance of preserving the delicate balance of rights and obligations of States as stipulated in the various international legally binding instruments to which they are party, the actions by a certain group of States to unilaterally reinterpret, redefine or redraft the provisions of these instruments to conform with their own views and interests and which might affect the rights of their States Parties as defined therein, and in this context, work towards ensuring that the integrity of these instruments is preserved by their States Parties; 15 These include the "Declaration on Principles of International Law Concerning Friendly Relations and Cooperation among States in Accordance with the Charter of the United Nations" adopted by the General Assembly on 24 October 1970. 06-49404 13 A/60/1002 S/2006/718 15.6. Oppose all attempts to introduce new concepts of international law aimed at internationalising certain elements contained in the so-called extra-territorial laws of certain States through multilateral agreements; 15.7. Endeavour to generate further progress to achieve full respect for international law and, in this regard, commend the role of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in promoting the peaceful settlement of international disputes, in accordance with the UN Charter and the Statute of the ICJ; 15.8. Urge the Security Council to make greater use of the ICJ, the principal judicial organ of the UN, as a source of advisory opinions and interpretation of relevant norms of international law, and on controversial issues, further urge the Council to use the ICJ as a source of interpreting relevant international law, and also urge the Council to consider its decisions be reviewed by the ICJ, bearing in mind the need to ensure their adherence to the UN Charter, and international law; 15.9. The Non-Aligned States Parties to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC) shall continue to preserve the integrity of the Statute and ensure that the ICC remains impartial and fully independent of political organs of the UN, which should not instruct or impede the functions of the ICC, bearing in mind the relevant provisions of the Rome Statute; 15.10. The Non-Aligned States Parties to the Rome Statute of the ICC call upon those States, which have not yet done so, to consider to sign, accede or ratify the Rome Statute of the ICC; 15.11. Participate actively and consistently in the work of the special working group of the Assembly of States Parties of the ICC on the crime of aggression, with a view to achieving an agreed provision thereof for inclusion in the Statute by 2009; 15.12. Oppose all actions, in particular through the Security Council, aimed at establishing a process to grant immunity to the staff members of UN peacekeeping operations, which violate the relevant provisions of the Rome Statute of the ICC and damage the credibility and independence of the ICC; and 15.13. Call upon the Non-Aligned States Parties to the relevant treaties to work collectively to increase and enhance their representation and coordination in the bodies established through those treaties, and support the candidatures of their experts as a further manifestation of solidarity among them. Promotion and Preservation of Multilateralism 16. The Ministers reaffirmed and underscored the validity and relevance of the Movement's principled positions concerning the promotion and preservation of multilateralism and the multilateral process, as follows: 16.1. The Movement reaffirmed that the UN, its Charter, and international law remain indispensable tools and central in the preservation and maintenance of international peace and security and the strengthening of international cooperation. While acknowledging its limitations, the UN, which represents near universal membership and a well-founded international legitimacy, and through it, multilateralism, remains the central multilateral forum for addressing the pressing global issues and challenges presently confronting all States. The responsibility for managing and achieving worldwide economic development and social progress as well as responding to threats to international peace and security must be shared among all States and exercised multilaterally through the UN, which must play the central role thereof; and 16.2. The Movement reiterated its strong concern at the growing resort to unilateralism and unilaterally imposed measures that undermine the UN Charter and international law, and further reiterated its commitment to promoting, preserving and strengthening multilateralism and the multilateral decision 14 06-49404 A/60/1002 S/2006/718 making process through the UN, by strictly adhering to its Charter and international law, with the aim of creating a just and equitable world order and global democratic governance, and not one based on monopoly by the powerful few. 17. The Ministers affirmed the role of South-South cooperation in the overall context of multilateralism and that it is a continuing process, which is vital to confront the threats and challenges facing developing countries in advancing economic development and social progress, promoting and preserving peace and security, and promoting and protecting human rights and the rule of law. 18. Consistent with and guided by the afore-mentioned principled positions and affirming the need to promote, defend and preserve these positions, the Ministers agreed to undertake the following measures, among others: 18.1. Promote and work towards creating a multi-polar world through the strengthening of multilateralism through the UN and the multilateral processes, which are indispensable in promoting and preserving the interests of Non-Aligned Countries; 18.2. Initiate further vigorous initiatives to achieve the realisation of multilateral cooperation in the areas of economic development and social progress, peace and security, and human rights for all and the rule of law, including through enhancing the Movement's unity, solidarity and cohesiveness on issues of collective concern and interests with the aim of shaping the multilateral agenda to embrace development as a priority, which should take into account the need for the developing and developed countries, and international institutions to intensify partnerships and coordinate their resources to effectively address all imbalances in the global agenda; 18.3. Work towards achieving a universal, rule-based, open, non-discriminatory and equitable multilateral trading system, stressing the value of multilateralism to achieve a balanced, development oriented and successful conclusion of the Doha round of negotiations, and urge all States to fulfil their commitments to shape globalisation as a positive force and that its benefits are shared evenly by all; 18.4. Strengthen the comparative advantages of existing multilateral arrangements and institutions without compromising the principle of equitable geographical representation and equal partnerships, and promote the democratisation of the system of international governance in order to increase the participation of Non-Aligned Countries in international decision making; 18.5. Oppose unilateralism and unilaterally imposed measures by certain States ­ which can lead to the erosion and violation of the UN Charter and international law, the use and threat of use of force, and pressure and coercive measures ­ as a means to achieving their national policy objectives; and 18.6. Strengthen South-South cooperation, including through enhancing the capacities of relevant institutions and mechanisms, as indispensable means to promote and preserve multilateralism and the multilateral process. Peaceful Settlement of Disputes, and Non-Use or Threat of Use of Force 19. The Ministers reaffirmed and underscored the Movement's principled positions concerning peaceful settlement of disputes, and non-use or threat of use of force, as follows: 19.1. It is incumbent upon all States to defend, preserve and promote the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and the principles of international law, in particular pacific settlement of disputes and the non-use or threat of use of force; and 06-49404 15 A/60/1002 S/2006/718 19.2. The Movement reiterated the basic principle of the UN Charter that all States shall refrain in their international relations from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any State, or in any other manner inconsistent with the purposes of the UN. The Movement stressed that the UN Charter contains sufficient provisions regarding the use of force to maintain and preserve international peace and security, and that achieving this goal by the Security Council should be strictly done in full conformity with the relevant Charter provisions. Resorting to Chapter VII of the Charter as an umbrella for addressing issues that do not pose a threat to international peace and security must be avoided and in this regard, the Council should fully utilise the relevant Charter provisions, where appropriate, including Chapters VI and VIII. In addition and consistent with the practice of the UN and international law pronounced by the ICJ, Article 51 of the UN Charter is restrictive and that it should not be re-written or re-interpreted. 20. The Ministers expressed their serious concern and complete dismay at the victimisation of innocent civilians in instances where force has been employed or sanctions have been imposed, including those authorised by the Security Council. In the spirit of the UN Charter, they called on all States to advance the principle of the non-use of force and peaceful settlement of disputes as a means of achieving collective security rather than the threat of force or use of force, bearing in mind "that armed force shall not be used, save in the common interest" as stipulated in the UN Charter. 21. Consistent with and guided by the afore-mentioned principled positions and affirming the need to promote, defend and preserve these positions, the Ministers agreed to undertake the following measures, among others: 21.1. Call upon the international community to renew its commitment to uphold and defend the principles of the UN Charter and international law as well as the means envisaged in the UN Charter for the pacific settlement of dispute and non-resort to the threat or use of force; 21.2. Promote and preserve dialogue among civilizations, culture of peace and inter-faith dialogue, which would contribute towards peace and security, taking into account the Declaration on Principles of International Law concerning Friendly Relations and Cooperation among States in accordance with the UN Charter, the Declaration on the Strengthening of International Security, and the Declaration on the Enhancement of Effectiveness of the Principles of Refraining from the Threat of Use of Force in International Relations; 21.3. Remain seized of further deliberations in the UN on the responsibility to protect populations from genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity, bearing in mind the principles of the UN Charter and international law, including respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of States and non-interference in their internal affairs; 21.4. Strengthen the role of the Movement in peaceful settlement of disputes, conflict prevention and resolution, confidence building, and post-conflict peacebuilding and rehabilitation in or between NonAligned Countries, in particular through seriously identifying concrete measures to expedite the creation of a NAM mechanism in this regard, whose terms of reference must be in conformity with its Founding Principles, the UN Charter and international law; 21.5. Oppose and condemn the categorisation of countries as good or evil based on unilateral and unjustified criteria, and the adoption of the doctrine of pre-emptive attack, including attack by nuclear weapons by certain States, which is inconsistent with international law, in particular the international legally-binding instruments concerning nuclear disarmament; and further oppose and condemn all unilateral military actions, or use of force or threat of use of force against the sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence of Non-Aligned Countries, which constitute acts of aggression and blatant violations of the principles of the UN Charter, including non-interference in the internal affairs of States; and 16 06-49404 A/60/1002 S/2006/718 21.6. Promote, in ensuring international peace and security, the diversity of approaches to development consistent with the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and international law as a core value of the Non-Aligned Countries. Culture of Peace, and Dialogue among Civilisations, Religions and Cultures 22. The Ministers noted that the world today is composed of States with diverse political, economic, social and cultural systems and religions determined by their history, traditions and cultural values, whose stability can be guaranteed by the universal recognition of their right to freely determine their own approach towards progressive development. In this context, they emphasised that respect for the diversity of such systems and approach is a core value which relations and cooperation among States in an increasingly globalising world should be based on, with the aim of contributing to establishing a peaceful and prosperous world, a just and equitable world order, and an environment conducive to exchanging human experiences. They underscored that the promotion of dialogue among civilisations and the culture of peace globally, in particular through the full implementation of the Global Agenda for Dialogue among Civilisations and its Programme of Action and the Declaration and Programme of Action on the Culture of Peace could contribute towards that end. 23. The Ministers reaffirmed that dialogue among cultures, civilisations and religions should be a durable process and that, in the current international environment, it is not an option but an imperative, sound and productive tool to promote economic and social development, peace and security, and human rights and the rule of law in guaranteeing a better life for all. They further reaffirmed in this context that tolerance is a fundamental value of international relations. 24. The Ministers strongly endorsed the call by the President of the Sixtieth Session of the UN General Assembly for a strong and uniting message about the need for dialogue and understanding among civilizations, cultures and religions that should be a clear signal to commit to work together to prevent provocative or regrettable incidents and to evolve better ways of promoting tolerance and respect for and freedom of religion and belief. The relevant UN organs, including the General Assembly, should make positive contributions in that respect and promote much-needed dialogue on those important and sensitive issues. 25. The Ministers recognised the ever-increasing significance and relevance of a culture of living in harmony with nature, which is inherent in nomadic civilisation, in today's world. They, therefore, welcomed the efforts of States to preserve and develop nomadic culture and traditions in modern societies. 26. The Ministers welcomed the fruitful efforts of the NAM Member Countries, including the initiatives by the Arab Republic of Egypt, the Republic of Indonesia, the Kingdom of Morocco, the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, the Republic of the Philippines and the State of Qatar, in exploring the opportunities for co-existence and cooperation between religions and civilisations through ideas and strategies, and holding numerous conferences and forums in order to approach alliances between religions and civilisations.16 The conferences, forums and initiatives by the Republic of Indonesia, inter alia, "Building Interfaith Harmony within the International Community" (2005); by the Kingdom of Morocco, inter alia, the "Rabat Declaration on Encouraging Dialogue among Cultures and Civilisations through Effective and Sustainable Initiatives" (2005), Judeo-Muslim Congress (2005-2006), and the "International Charter to Prevent any Defamation of Religions, Beliefs, Sacred Values and Prophets, while Respecting the Freedom of Expression" (2006); by the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, inter alia, the "Strategy on Enlightened Moderation" as proposed by Pakistan and adopted by the Organisation of Islamic Conference; by the Republic of the Philippines, inter alia, the Conference on Interfaith Cooperation for Peace (2005), Informal Summit on Interfaith Dialogue and Cooperation for Peace (2005), Regional Conference of Asian and Pacific Countries on Interfaith Dialogue and Cooperation for Peace (2006), Launching of the Tri-Partite Forum on Interfaith Cooperation for Peace (2005); and by the State of Qatar, inter alia, the Inter-Faith Dialogue Conference (2006), Alliance of Civilisation (2006), US-Islamic World Forum (2006), Conference for Religions Dialogue (2005), Islamic-American Dialogue (2004), Forum on Islam-Christian Dialogue (2003) and Dialogue Among Civilisations. 16 06-49404 17 A/60/1002 S/2006/718 27. Consistent with and guided by the afore-mentioned principled positions and affirming the need to defend, preserve and promote these positions, the Ministers agreed to undertake the following measures, among others: 27.1. Identify and pursue necessary measures and contribute positively as appropriate in further promoting dialogue among civilisations, culture of peace and inter-faith dialogue, and in this regard, welcome the efforts undertaken at the international and regional levels, and at the UN, including those currently being undertaken by the Secretary General's High Level Group on Alliance of Civilizations; 27.2. Oppose all attempts to impose on any State any particular model of political, economic or cultural system, which may lead to global instability and weaken the security of States and their peoples; 27.3. Promote a culture of peace based on respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity of States, noninterference in the internal affairs of States, right to self-determination of peoples under foreign occupation and colonial domination, prevention of violence, promotion of non-violence, strict adherence to the principles of international relations as enshrined in the UN Charter, and full realisation of the right to development; 27.4. Promote the respect for the diversity of religions, beliefs, cultures and prophets and other religious figures worldwide, as part of the universal respect for peoples and civilizations; 27.5. Welcome the efforts of the Non-Aligned Countries in promoting the culture of peace, and dialogue among civilisations, religions and cultures, including by organising international and regional conferences and forums; and 27.6. Take note with interest the proposal by the Islamic Republic of Iran to host a Ministerial Meeting of Non Aligned Countries in Tehran on the issue of human rights and cultural diversity, and encourage all Non-Aligned Countries to actively participate in that meeting. Defamation of Religions 28. The Ministers reaffirmed their strong belief in the need to stress moderation of all religions and beliefs and to promote understanding through dialogue within and across religions. In this connection, they welcomed the convening by Jordan of the conference entitled "The Practical Role of the Moderate Current in Reform and the Revival of the Umma", which was held in Amman from 24-26 April 2006, with a view of promoting moderate and true values of Islam. Right to Self-Determination and Decolonisation 29. The Ministers reaffirmed and underscored the validity and relevance of the Movement's principled positions concerning the right to self-determination of peoples under foreign occupation and colonial or alien domination, as follows: 29.1. The Movement stressed the fundamental and inalienable right of all peoples, including all non-self governing territories, as well as those territories under foreign occupation and colonial or alien domination to self determination, the exercise of which, in the case of peoples under foreign occupation and colonial or alien domination, remains valid and essential to ensure the eradication of all these situations and to guarantee universal respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms; 29.2. The Movement reaffirmed the right of the people of Puerto Rico to self-determination and independence on the basis of General Assembly resolution 1514 (XV), and took note of the resolutions on Puerto Rico adopted by the UN Special Committee on Decolonisation; and 29.3. The Movement remained concern at the loss, destruction, removal, theft, pillage, illicit movement or misappropriation of and any acts of vandalism or damage, directed against cultural property in areas or armed conflict and territories that are occupied. 18 06-49404 A/60/1002 S/2006/718 30. Consistent with and guided by the afore-mentioned principled positions and affirming the need to preserve, defend and promote these positions, the Ministers agreed to undertake the following measures, among others: 30.1. Strongly support the work and activities of the UN Special Committee on Decolonisation, and again urge the Administering Powers to grant their full support to the activities of the Committee and fully cooperate with this UN body; 30.2. Request the colonialist countries to pay full compensation for the economic, social and cultural consequences of their occupation, bearing in mind the right of all people who were or are still subjected to colonial rule or occupation to receive fair compensation for the human and material losses they suffered as a result of colonial rule or occupation; 30.3. Strongly condemn the ongoing brutal suppression of the legitimate aspirations to selfdetermination of peoples under colonial or alien domination and foreign occupation in various regions of the world; 30.4. Urge UN Member States to fully implement the decisions and resolutions of the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) concerning the return of cultural properties to the peoples who were or still under colonial rule or occupation, and in this regard, further urge UNESCO to identify the stolen or illegally exported cultural properties in accordance with the relevant conventions on the subject, and also urge the process of returning these properties to their countries of origin, in compliance with the relevant resolutions of the General Assembly, be expedited, bearing in mind the right of the NonAligned Countries to maintain and conserve their national heritage as it constitutes the foundation of their cultural identity; 30.5. Renew its call to UN Member States to speed up the process of decolonisation towards the complete elimination of colonialism, and including by supporting the effective implementation of the Plan of Action of the Decade for the Eradication of Colonialism (2001-2010); 30.6. Work towards the full implementation of the principle of self-determination with respect to the remaining territories within the framework of the Programme of Action of the Special Committee on Decolonisation, in accordance with the wishes of the people consistent with the UN Charter and the relevant UN resolutions; 17 30.7. Oppose any attempt aimed at the partial or total disruption of the national unity and the territorial integrity of a State, which is incompatible with the UN Charter; and 30.8. Call on the Government of the United States to assume its responsibility to expedite a process that will allow the Puerto Rican people to fully exercise their inalienable right to self-determination and independence, and urges the Government of the United States to return the occupied land and installations on Vieques Island and at the Roosevelt Roads Naval Station to the Puerto Rican people, who constitute a Latin American and Caribbean nation. United Nations: Follow-up to the 2005 World Summit Outcome, the Millennium Declaration and the Outcome of Major United Nations Summits and Conferences 31. The Ministers reaffirmed that the UN Charter provides a balance among the purposes and principles of the Organisation that encompass all pertinent issues, including economic and social development, peace and security, and human rights and rule of law, and that the Millennium Declaration as well as the 2005 World 17 The relevant UN resolutions include General Assembly resolution 55/146, which proclaims 2001 to 2010 decade as the Second Decade for the Eradication of Colonialism. 06-49404 19 A/60/1002 S/2006/718 Summit Outcome provide the twenty-first century perspective of that balance. They further reaffirmed that the existing, new and emerging threats and challenges faced by all States in these areas are inter-connected and that these could be addressed by acting at a sufficiently early stage with the full range of available peaceful means as envisaged in the UN Charter and in a manner that would ensure the preservation of its purposes and principles, the intergovernmental character of the Organisation and the required balance among its principal organs, as well as the neutrality and impartiality of its undertakings in these areas. 32. The Ministers expressed disappointment at the provisions contained in the 2005 World Summit Outcome that did not fully take into account the concerns and interests of developing countries, especially on critical and crucial issues relating to development, official development assistance and trade. They further expressed their disappointment at the inability of the World Summit to agree on the issue of disarmament and nonproliferation of weapons of mass destruction. They noted that the World Summit Outcome, in spite of its limitations, could serve as a workable basis for UN Member States to move forward the process of strengthening and updating the UN to meet existing and emerging threats to economic and social development, peace and security, and human rights and the rule of law. They further noted that while the development cluster of the World Summit Outcome fell short of the expectations of developing countries, there were positive elements, which could be used as a platform for actively promoting the implementation of commitments made in previous major UN summits and conferences. 33. The Ministers drew particular attention to the decision of some donor countries to establish timetables for the attainment of the 0.7 per cent target of GNP to developing countries by 2015 and 0.15 per cent to 0.2 per cent to the least developed countries (LDCs) by 2010, and in this context, they called for the establishment of an effective mechanism to monitor the progress made towards achieving those targets. They emphasised the need to establish ODA timetables by those developed countries which have not yet done so. 34. The Ministers emphasised the need for a timely, effective, comprehensive and durable solution to the debt problems of developing countries and called for the continued formulation of proposals to address significant debt relief for middle-income developing countries including implementation of initiatives, such as the Evian Approach. They expressed regret at the lack of a more expansive treatment of trade issues and also expressed concern about the inadequate treatment of systemic inequities in international economic relations, in particular the slow progress in enhancing the voice and participation of developing countries in the Bretton Woods Institutions, which operate to the detriment of developing countries. They also drew attention to the importance of ensuring the full implementation of the recommendations, such as those for research and development in science and technology and for strengthening health systems in developing countries. 35. Consistent with, and guided by the afore-mentioned principled positions and affirming the need to promote, defend and preserve these positions, the Ministers agreed to undertake the following measures, among others: 35.1. Actively engage in the follow-up process and the implementation of the commitments contained in the 2005 World Summit Outcome and the Millennium Declaration, as well as the international development goals agreed at the major UN conferences and summits in the economic, social and related fields, in a manner that would advance the principled positions of the Movement towards the issues under consideration. To this end, the Movement shall insist, in close cooperation and coordination with the Group of 77 and China, that the follow-up process of these conferences and summits, must remain inclusive, open-ended and transparent in order to ensure that the interests and priorities of the NonAligned Countries are duly taken into account in the final outcome of that process; 35.2. Pursue the issues of fundamental importance to the Movement in the context of follow-up to the 2005 World Summit Outcome and the Millennium Declaration, that have been omitted from the outcome document or yet to be explored in the UN such as disarmament, non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and arms control; and 20 06-49404 A/60/1002 S/2006/718 35.3. Call for international support for South-South cooperation, including regional and inter-regional cooperation, which complement North-South cooperation through, inter alia, triangular cooperation. United Nations: Institutional Reform A. Reform of the United Nations 36. The Ministers reaffirmed and underscored the validity and relevance of the Movement's principled positions concerning the institutional reform of the UN, as follows: 36.1. The UN remains the central and indispensable forum for addressing issues relating to international cooperation for economic development and social progress, peace and security, and human rights and the rule of law, based on dialogue, cooperation and consensus-building amongst States. In this context, the Movement attaches great importance to the strengthening of the role of the UN and that efforts should be made to develop its full potential; 36.2. The purpose of reform is to make the UN development system more efficient and effective in its support to developing countries to achieve the internationally agreed development goals, on the basis of their national development strategies, and that reform efforts should enhance organisational efficiency and achieve concrete development results; 36.3. The reform of the UN, which remains a collective agenda and high priority for the Movement, is a dynamic and ongoing process and not an end in itself in accordance with the parameters for the objective and scope of the review exercise set out by the 2005 World Summit Outcome and the Millennium Declaration. Reform of the UN must be comprehensive, transparent, inclusive and balanced and pursued in an effective and accountable manner, fully respecting the political nature of the Organisation as well as its intergovernmental, universal and democratic character, consistent with the Charter. In this context, the voice of every Member State must be heard and respected during the reform process irrespective of the contributions made to the budget of the Organisation, while stressing that any reform measure should be decided by Member States through an intergovernmental process; 36.4. The Ministers emphasised the need to provide the UN with adequate and timely resources with a view to enabling it to carry out its mandates. A reformed UN must be responsive to the entire membership, faithful to its founding principles and adapted to carrying out its mandate; 36.5. The impact of UN reform on developing countries is yet to be felt given the continuous decline in the resources made available to the UN for multilateral development cooperation as well as the impasse in the appropriation of new resources for the development account. The success of UN reform can only be judged in terms of a collective assessment of the potential improvements in the functioning of the Organisation while preserving the interests of all developing countries. In this context, UN reform shall be strictly approved by the General Assembly and its ultimate goal shall not be mere cut in the UN budget and resources. However, whenever reform would release part of existing resources, such resources shall be ultimately redirected to support activities and programmes related to international cooperation for development; 36.6. The objectives of UN reform, which should include the strengthening of the General Assembly and the ECOSOC as well as reforming the Security Council and other relevant UN bodies while addressing at the same time the systemic issues which may arise as a result, are: (a) to strengthen multilateralism and the multilateral decision-making process, providing the UN with a substantive capacity to fully and effectively meet the purposes and principles enshrined in its Charter, and at consolidating its democratic and inter-governmental character and its transparency in the discussion and implementation of decisions by Member States; 06-49404 21 A/60/1002 S/2006/718 (b) (c) (d) (e) to strengthen and update the role of the Organisation, as the pre-eminent and indispensable forum, by developing its full potential in addressing threats and challenges to economic development and social progress, peace and security, and human rights and the rule of law particularly those facing developing countries, which could be achieved through the implementation of all of its mandates, decisions and resolutions, bearing in mind that a stronger UN that responds more effectively to their collective needs is in their common interest; to promote greater democracy, effectiveness, efficiency, transparency and accountability within the UN system; to strengthen the role of the Organisation in promoting international cooperation in the maintenance of international peace and security and in particular for development and in implementing the internationally-agreed development goals, in the economic, social and related fields, including the Millennium Development Goals, through the provision of adequate resources and effective follow-up mechanisms. In this context, any UN reform proposal should also address systemic issues and requirement for additional human and financial resources that may arise as a result; and to mainstream the development dimension within the General Assembly, ECOSOC and the economic sectors of the UN system, including in the areas of sustainable development, policy space, South-South cooperation social and environmental responsibility and accountability, bearing in mind the aim of enabling the full participation of peoples from the South in the international decision and rule-making economic processes, and ensuring their access to and full enjoyment of the benefits of the international economy. 36.7. In acknowledging the interconnectedness of economic and social development, peace and security, and human rights and the rule of law, efforts should be made to ensure that any effort to transform the UN into a more effective instrument for preventing conflict should take into account the need for balance and comprehensiveness, in accordance with its Charter and international law, in order to enhance conflict prevention and resolution and post-conflict peacebuilding strategies with the aim of achieving sustained economic growth and sustainable development. In this context, all principal organs of the UN have a role in evolving and implementing a more effective collective security system, in accordance with their respective functions and powers; 36.8. It is indispensable for UN Member States to develop common perceptions and agreed approaches to address existing, new and emerging threats and challenges to international peace and security as well as the root causes of conflict. In this context, all principal organs of the UN have a role in evolving and implementing a more effective collective security system, and that such common perceptions and approaches to collective security would only be legitimate if they are developed in accordance with the purposes and principles of the Charter and by all Member States acting together. The active participation of each and every principal organ of the UN is crucial, acting both in the exercise of its respective functions and powers, without upsetting the balance as established by the Charter thereof; and 36.9. Efforts to strengthen the contribution of civil society, non-governmental organisations and the private sector to the work of the UN and its bodies through the established consultative arrangements should continue to be pursued. The complementary contribution of these important actors in achieving the goals and programmes of the UN should be in accordance with the relevant UN resolutions and should serve the purposes and principles of the UN Charter. Such contribution should seek, inter alia, to address in particular the obstacles that developing countries are experiencing in mobilising the resources and in obtaining the technology and capability needed to implement their sustainable development programmes. 37. Consistent with and guided by the afore-mentioned principled positions and affirming the need to defend, preserve and promote these positions, the Ministers agreed to undertake the following measures: 22 06-49404 A/60/1002 S/2006/718 37.1. Promote the concerns and interests of developing countries in the reform process, ensure its successful outcome, and promote and preserve the integrity and respective functions and powers of the General Assembly, the ECOSOC, and the Security Council as defined in the Charter; 37.2. Oppose proposals that seek (a) to transform the democratic and inter-governmental nature of the UN as well as its oversight and monitoring processes; (b) to reduce its budget levels; (c) to fund more activities from within the existing pool of resources; or (d) to redefine the Charter-based functions and powers of its principal organs; 37.3. Engage constructively in consultations and work towards, in particular through ensuring the implementation of the relevant UN decisions and resolutions thereof: (a) revitalising the work of the General Assembly, in view of its central role and position as the chief deliberative, policy making and representative organ of the UN; (b) strengthening the role of the ECOSOC as a principal body for coordination, policy review, policy dialogue and recommendations on issues of economic and social development, and monitoring the implementation of development programmes; (c) democratising the Security Council as an effective forum in the maintenance of international peace and security; and (d) reforming the Secretariat and its management in order to ensure the effective implementation of mandates and the highest level of accountability within the Secretariat and to Member States; 37.4. Enhance the global partnership for development that is necessary to fully realize the outcomes of all major UN summits and conferences in the economic, social and related fields; 37.5. Oppose the tendency to equate reform of the UN with greater empowerment of the Security Council, mindful of the need to keep the balance among the functions and powers of the principal organs of the UN; 37.6. Ensure that the UN is provided with sufficient resources and on a timely basis needed to fully implement all mandated programmes and activities, in accordance with relevant General Assembly resolutions, including evolving a mechanism to monitor their effective implementation; and 37.7. Maintain close inter-governmental oversight and review of all proposals, which are yet to be considered and acted upon by the General Assembly, as well as those which are being implemented. B. Relationship among the Principal Organs of the United Nations 38. The Ministers underscored the need for UN Member States to fully respect the functions and powers of each principal organ of the UN, in particular the General Assembly, and to maintain the balance among these organs within their respective Charter-based functions and powers. They stressed that the Security Council must fully observe all Charter provisions as well as all General Assembly resolutions which clarify its relationship with the latter organ and other principal organs. In this context, they affirmed that Article 24 of the Charter does not necessarily provide the Security Council with the competence to address issues which fall within the functions and powers of the General Assembly and the ECOSOC, including in the areas of normsetting, legislation and establishing definitions, bearing in mind that the Assembly is primarily tasked with the progressive development of international law and its codification. 18 They cautioned about the danger of encroachment by the Council on issues which clearly fall within the functions and powers of other principal organs of the UN and their subsidiary bodies. They further stressed that close cooperation and coordination among all principal organs is highly indispensable in order to enable the UN to remain relevant and capable of meeting the existing, new and emerging threats and challenges. 39. The Ministers stressed that while Member States have conferred on the Security Council the primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security pursuant to Article 24 (1) of the UN 18 In accordance with Article 13 (1) of the UN Charter. 06-49404 23 A/60/1002 S/2006/718 Charter and in carrying out its duties under this responsibility, the Council acts on their behalf. In this context, they further stressed that the Council should report and be accountable to the General Assembly in accordance with Article 24 (3) of the Charter. 40. Consistent with and guided by the afore-mentioned principled positions and affirming the need to defend, preserve and promote these positions, the Ministers agreed to undertake the following measures, among others: 40.1. Urge all States to uphold the primacy of and full respect for the provisions of the UN Charter pertaining to the functions and powers of the Assembly, call on the Presidents of the General Assembly, the ECOSOC and the Security Council to conduct regular discussion and coordination among themselves regarding the agenda and programme of work of the respective principal organs that they represent in order to establish increased coherence and complementarity among these organs in a mutually reinforcing manner, respectful of each others' mandates, and with a view to generating a mutual understanding among them, with whom the members of the respective organs that they represent have vested in good faith their trust and confidence; 40.2. Call on the Security Council to submit a more comprehensive and analytical annual report to the General Assembly, assessing the work of the Council, including such cases in which the Council has failed to act, as well as the views expressed by its members during the consideration of the agenda items under its consideration; 40.3. Call on the Security Council, pursuant to Articles 15 (1) and 24 (3) of the UN Charter, to submit special reports for the consideration of the General Assembly; 40.4. Call on the Security Council to ensure that its monthly assessments are comprehensive and analytical, and issued in a timely fashion. The General Assembly may consider proposing parameters for the elaboration of such assessments; 40.5. Call on the Security Council to fully take into account the recommendations of the General Assembly on matters relating to international peace and security, consistent with Article 11 (2) of the Charter; and 40.6. Oppose and stop attempts to shift issues under the agenda of the General Assembly or the ECOSOC to the Security Council, and the encroachment by the latter on the functions and powers of the Assembly. C. Revitalisation of the Work of the General Assembly 41. The Ministers reaffirmed and underscored the validity and relevance of the principled positions of the Movement concerning the revitalisation of the work of the General Assembly, as follows: 41.1. The role and authority of the General Assembly is the chief deliberative, policy-making and representative organ of the UN,19 and its inter-governmental and democratic character as well as that of its subsidiary bodies, which have immensely contributed to the promotion of the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and the goals of the Organisation, must be respected. Its prerogative as the chief oversight organ of the UN, including on management and procurement for peacekeeping operations, must also be respected; and 41.2. The revitalization of the work of the General Assembly ­ which must be guided by the principles of democracy, transparency and accountability and achieved through consultations ­ is a critical component 19 As affirmed in the Millennium Declaration, and reaffirmed in the 2005 World Summit Outcome Document as well as in other relevant General Assembly resolutions. 24 06-49404 A/60/1002 S/2006/718 of the comprehensive reform of the UN, and its objectives should be to strengthen the role and position of the General Assembly as the chief deliberative, policy-making and representative organ of the United Nation, bearing in mind that the improvement of its procedural and working methods is only a first step towards a more substantive improvements and revitalization of the Assembly; and to restore and enhance the role and authority of the General Assembly, including in the maintenance of international peace and security as provided for in the Charter, through, inter alia, fully respecting its functions and powers and strengthening its relationship and coordination with other principal organs, in particular the Security Council. 42. Consistent with and guided by the afore-mentioned principled positions and affirming the need to defend, preserve and promote these positions, the Ministers agreed to undertake the following measures, among others: 42.1. Support all ongoing efforts to strengthen the central role and authority of the Assembly, taking into account the criteria of relevance and efficiency; oppose any reform proposal that seeks to challenge the central role and authority of the General Assembly as the chief deliberative, policy-making and representative organ of the UN; and oppose any approach that seeks to or could result in undermining or minimizing the achievements of the General Assembly, diminishing its current role and functioning, or raising questions about its relevance and credibility; 42.2. Call on UN Member States to renew their commitment and political will to implement General Assembly decisions and resolutions on a non-selective and non-discriminatory basis, since the lack thereof are at the root of many unresolved questions; 42.3. Ensure that the UN is provided with the resources needed to fully implement all mandated programmes and activities, in accordance with relevant General Assembly resolutions; 42.4. Promote and preserve the role and mandate of the General Assembly in setting the priorities of the UN and in considering all budgetary and administrative issues, including its absolute authority to allocate and reallocate financial and human resources, in accordance with the Charter and General Assembly resolutions thereof, through ensuring, inter alia, the full adherence by UN Member States to such resolutions; 42.5. Identify measures to simplify the Uniting for Peace procedure to enable swifter and urgent action by the General Assembly, in recognition of its role on issues relating to international peace and security as set out in the Charter; and 42.6. Strengthen the role of the General Assembly in accordance with article 97 of the UN Charter in the selection of the Secretary General of the Organisation. D. Question of Equitable Representation and Increase in the Membership of the Security Council, and other Matters Related to the Security Council 43. The Ministers reaffirmed and underscored the validity and relevance of the Movement's principled positions concerning the question of equitable representation and increase in the membership of the Security Council, and other matters related to the Security Council, in particular the directives of the Movement adopted during its XI, XII and XIII Summits, and which have been reflected in the Movement's position and negotiating papers, and the decisions of the Ministerial Conferences and Meetings, as follows: 43.1. The Movement remained concern at the lack of progress in the discussions in the General Assembly on the question of equitable representation and increase in the membership of the Security Council, and other matters related to the Council, where the discussions therein have shown that while a convergence of views has emerged on a number of issues, major differences still exist on many others, and 06-49404 25 A/60/1002 S/2006/718 that while there have been some improvements made to the working methods of the Council, they have not satisfied even the minimum expectations of the general membership of the UN, leaving much room for improvement; 43.2. Reform of the Security Council should not be confined only to the question of membership and that it should address substantive issues relating to the Council's agenda, working methods and decisionmaking process; 43.3. In recent years, the Security Council has been too quick to threaten or authorise enforcement action in some cases while being silent and inactive in others. Furthermore, the Council has been increasingly resorting to Chapter VII of the Charter as an umbrella for addressing issues that do not necessarily pose an immediate threat to international peace and security. A careful review of these trends indicates that the Council could have opted for alternative provisions to respond more appropriately to particular cases. Instead of excessive and quick use of Chapter VII, efforts should be made to fully utilize the provisions of Chapters VI and VIII for the pacific settlement of disputes. Chapter VII should be invoked, as intended, as a measure of last resort. Unfortunately, provisions of Articles 41 and 42 in some cases have been too quickly resorted to while the other options had not been fully exhausted; 43.4. The Security Council-imposed sanctions remain an issue of serious concern to Non-Aligned Countries. In accordance with the UN Charter, sanctions should be considered to be imposed only after all means of peaceful settlement of disputes under Chapter VI of the Charter have been exhausted and a thorough consideration undertaken of the short-term and long-term effects of such sanctions. Sanctions are a blunt instrument, the use of which raises fundamental ethical questions of whether sufferings inflicted on vulnerable groups in the target country are legitimate means of exerting pressure. The objectives of sanctions are not to punish or otherwise exact retribution on the populace. In this regard, the objectives of sanctions regimes should be clearly defined, and that its imposition should be for a specified timeframe and be based on tenable legal grounds, and that it should be lifted as soon as the objectives are achieved. The conditions demanded of the State or party on which sanctions are imposed should be clearly defined and subject to periodic review. Sanctions should be imposed only when there exist a threat to international peace and security or an act of aggression, in accordance with the Charter, and that it is not applicable "preventively" in instances of mere violation of international law, norms or standards. Targeted sanctions may be a better alternative so long as the population of targeted State concerned is not victimised whether directly or indirectly; 43.5. Transparency, openness and consistency are key elements that the Security Council should observe in all its activities, approaches and procedures. Regrettably, the Council has neglected these important factors on numerous occasions. Such instances include unscheduled open debates with selective notification, reluctance in convening open debates on some issues of high significance, restricting participation in some of the open debates and discriminating between members and non-members of the Council particularly with regard to sequencing and time limits of statements during the open debates, failure to submit special reports to the General Assembly as required under Article 24 of the Charter, submission of annual reports still lacking sufficient information and analytical content, and lack of minimal parameters for the elaboration of the monthly assessment by the Security Council Presidencies. The Council must comply with the provisions of Article 31 of the Charter, which allow any non-Council member to participate in discussions on matters affecting it. Rule 48 of the Provisional Rules of Procedure of the Council should be thoroughly observed. Closed meetings and informal consultations should be kept to a minimum and as the exception they were meant to be; and 43.6. The objectives of reform of the Security Council, which should be addressed in a comprehensive, transparent and balanced manner, are as follows: (a) to ensure that the agenda of the Council reflects the needs and interests of both developing and developed countries, in an objective, rational, non-selective and non-arbitrary manner; 26 06-49404 A/60/1002 S/2006/718 (b) (c) (d) to ensure that the enlargement of the Council, as a body primarily responsible for the maintenance of international peace and security, would lead to a more democratic, more representative, more accountable and more effective Council; to democratise the decision-making process of the Council, including by limiting and curtailing the use of the veto with a view to its eventual elimination and, in this context, the concept of voluntary "self-restraint" is insufficient and cannot be considered as an option. Additional options that could be considered include, inter alia: · Limiting the exercise of the veto right to actions taken by the Council under Chapter VII of the Charter. · The possibility of overruling the veto within the Council by an affirmative vote of a certain number of Member States, commensurate with the size of an expanded Council. · The possible overruling of the veto by a two-third majority vote in the General Assembly under the Uniting for Peace procedure and under progressive interpretation of Articles 11 and 24 (1) of the Charter; to ensure that the Rules of Procedure of the Council, which have remained provisional for more than 50 years, are formalised in order to improve its transparency and accountability. 44. Consistent with and guided by the afore-mentioned principled positions and affirming the need to defend, preserve and promote these positions, the Ministers agreed to undertake the following measures, among others: 44.1. Call on the Council to increase the number of public meetings, in accordance with Articles 31 and 32 of the Charter, and that these meetings should provide real opportunities to take into account the views and contributions of the wider membership of the UN, particularly non-Council members whose affairs are under the discussion of the Council; 44.2. Call on the Security Council to allow briefings by the Special Envoys or Representatives of the Secretary-General and the UN Secretariat to take place in public meetings, unless in exceptional circumstances; 44.3. Call on the Council to further enhance its relationship with the UN Secretariat and troop contributing countries (TCC), including through a sustained, regular and timely interaction. Meetings with TCC should be held not only in the drawing up of mandates, but also in their implementation, when considering a change in, or renewal of, or completion of a mission mandate, or when there is a rapid deterioration of the situation on the ground. In this context, the Council Working Group on Peacekeeping Operations should involve TCC more frequently and intensively in its deliberations, especially in the very early stages of mission planning; 44.4. Call on the Council to establish its subsidiary organs in accordance with the letter and spirit of the UN Charter, and that these organs should function in a manner that would provide adequate and timely information on their activities to the general UN membership; 44.5. Call on the Council to avoid resorting to Chapter VII of the Charter as an umbrella for addressing issues that do not necessarily pose a threat to international peace and security, and to fully utilise the provisions of other relevant Chapters, where appropriate, including Chapters VI and VIII, before invoking Chapter VII which should be a measure of last resort, if necessary; 44.6. Oppose attempts through the imposition or prolongation of sanctions or their extension by the Security Council against any State under the pretext or with the aim of achieving the political objectives of one or a few States, rather than in the general interest of the international community; and 06-49404 27 A/60/1002 S/2006/718 44.7. Urge the Non-Aligned Countries, which are members of the Security Council, 20 to promote and defend, as deemed possible, the aforementioned positions and objectives during their tenure of membership in the Council, and to this end, stress the need for the revitalization of the NAM Caucus in the Council, and call upon the members of the Caucus to provide timely briefings and to engage in close consultation with the Non-Aligned Countries, particularly those whose interests and concerns are under consideration by the Council, as well as to keep the Movement continuously updated of all relevant developments and issues with which the Council is actively seized. E. Strengthening of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) 45. The Ministers reaffirmed the role of the ECOSOC as a principal body for the promotion of international economic cooperation, coordination, policy review, policy dialogue and recommendations on issues of economic and social development, as well as for the implementation of the international development goals agreed at the major UN conferences and summits in the economic, social and related fields, including the Millennium Development Goals, and expressed their resolve and commitment to promote greater efforts geared toward this end. F. Operationalisation of the Human Rights Council 46. In welcoming the establishment of the Human Rights Council by the leaders of UN Member States during the 2005 World Summit, the Ministers stressed that the Council should provide equal treatment to both civil and political rights and economic, social and cultural rights, as well as the right to development. They further stressed that the Council should not allow confrontational approaches, exploitation of human rights for political purposes, selective targeting of individual countries for extraneous considerations and double standards in the conduct of its work, which should comply with the UN Charter, international law and relevant UN resolutions. 47. The Ministers emphasised the importance of constructive approach in the promotion and protection of all human rights and fundamental freedoms, and in this regard, they urged the newly established Human Rights Council 21 to focus on capacity building, technical assistance and dialogue to ensure the realisation of all human rights and fundamental freedoms. 48. The Ministers reiterated that the Non-Aligned Movement should closely coordinate its position on the following priority areas: (a) Review and rationalisation of all existing mandates, special procedures, expert bodies, the confidential procedure and modalities of consultation with NGOs in order to streamline their activities and to enhance effectiveness and efficiency of the human rights machinery; and (b) The Universal Periodic Review to be conducted by the Human Rights Council should be on the basis of the report and information submitted by the State under review. It should aim at strengthening the Member States capacity, upon their request, to implement their obligations on promotion and protection of human rights. It should not be used as a tool to coerce States and subject them to politically motivated country-specific resolutions. 20 Members of the NAM Caucus in the Security Council, comprising the Non-Aligned Countries currently members of the Security Council, are Congo (2006-2007), Ghana (2006-2007), Peru (2006-2007), Qatar (20062007) and the United Republic of Tanzania (2005-2006). 21 The 27 Non-Aligned Countries which are currently members of the 47-member of the Human Rights Council are Algeria (2006-2007), Bahrain (2006-2007), Bangladesh (2006-2009), Cameroon (2006-2009), Cuba (20062009), Djibouti (2006-2009), Ecuador (2006-2007), Gabon (2006-2008), Ghana (2006-2008), Guatemala (2006-2008), India (2006-2007), Indonesia (2006-2007), Jordan (2006-2009), Malaysia (2006-2009), Mali (2006-2008), Mauritius (2006-2009), Morocco (2006-2007), Nigeria (2006-2009), Pakistan (2006-2008), Peru (2006-2008), Philippines (2006-2007), Saudi Arabia (2006-2009), Senegal (2006-2009), South Africa (2006-2007), Sri Lanka (2006-2008), Tunisia (2006-2007) and Zambia (2006-2008). 28 06-49404 A/60/1002 S/2006/718 G. Post-Conflict Peacebuilding Activities and the Operationalisation of the Peacebuilding Commission 49. The Ministers reaffirmed and underscored the validity and relevance of the Movement's principled positions concerning post-conflict peacebuilding activities, as follows: 49.1. The implementation of the Disarmament, Demobilisation, Reintegration and Rehabilitation (DDRR) concept during UN peacekeeping operations and post-conflict reconstruction is crucial. It is also crucial to allow time and resources required in rebuilding war-torn societies and States in order to sustain peace and security achieved therein and allow meaningful reintegration of ex-combatants into the society; 49.2. The Movement reaffirmed the established distinction between humanitarian assistance and UN peacekeeping and peace enforcement operations as well as operational activities, and reemphasised that humanitarian assistance is designed to address the consequences and not the causes thereof. Humanitarian assistance should be kept distinct from and independent of political or military action, and that it must be provided in accordance with the principles of humanity, neutrality and impartiality as well as the guiding principles contained in General Assembly resolution 46/182 of 12 December 1991, national legislation and international humanitarian law; and 49.3. Peacebuilding efforts by the UN should continue upon the closure of peacekeeping operations, which should be addressed in a coherent, well-planned, coordinated and comprehensive manner, along with other political, social economic and developmental instruments, so as to ensure a smooth transition to lasting peace and security. 50. The Ministers welcomed the establishment of the Peacebuilding Commission and took note of its terms of reference as outlined in General Assembly resolution 60/180. They noted the subsequent transitional operationalisation of a peacebuilding support office in the UN Secretariat, and pending the subsequent decision by the General Assembly of its staffing and functions, they reiterated that, without prejudice to the functions and powers of the other principal organs of the UN in relation to post-conflict peace-building activities, the General Assembly must have the key role in the formulation and implementation of such activities and policies. The concerted actions of international agencies are essential in supporting the national programmes of States emerging from conflicts, for reconstruction and rehabilitation, towards achieving economic development and social progress. They stressed the importance of national ownership and capacity building in the planning and implementation of post-conflict peacebuilding activities, and that these must be based on the principles and purposes of the UN Charter and international law. 51. The Ministers emphasised that the envisaged functions and governing structure of the proposed Peacebuilding Fund, which shall be reviewed and approved by the General Assembly in accordance with its resolution 60/180, are expected to focus on capacity and institution-building activities that would enable the Country under consideration to strengthen peace and sustainable development. 52. The Ministers encouraged the Non-Aligned Countries, which are members of the Organisational Committee of the Peacebuilding Commission, 22 to ensure that the rules of procedure and methods of work of the Commission are catered towards preserving the principle of national ownership and leadership of peacebuilding activities, as well as the primary purposes of establishing the Commission in accordance with the relevant provisions of General Assembly resolution 60/180. 22 The 14 Non-Aligned Countries which are currently members of the 31-member Organisational Committee of the Peacebuilding Commission for the 2006-2008 term are Angola, Bangladesh, Burundi, Chile, Egypt, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, India, Indonesia, Jamaica, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and United Republic of Tanzania. 06-49404 29 A/60/1002 S/2006/718 H. Review of Mandates of United Nations Programmes and Activities 53. The Ministers considered that the information provided by the Secretary General regarding the review of mandates as informative in order to assist Member States in dealing with the review of the mandates of UN programmes and activities which are older than five years and have not been renewed since. They stressed that the exercise should be aimed at strengthening the programme of work of the Organisation in order to make it better equipped to effectively deliver its mandates, old and new, not a cost-cutting one. They underscored the importance of assessing the implementation of the mandates of the Organisation, the reasons behind their partial or non-implementation, in order to make a well-informed decision regarding each single mandate under consideration. They emphasised that review of mandates should fully respect the politically sensitive mandates, and to reach agreement in principle on the manner by which the mandates are going to be addressed prior to reaching any decision concerning them. They further stressed that such an exercise should adhere to the principle of consideration on a case-by-case basis in a manner that addresses the political nature of the issue, while respecting other pertinent and parallel efforts undertaken by the General Assembly. 54. The Ministers rejected efforts by some parties to pursue the integration of the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) under the mandate of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees. They maintained that the mandates and objectives of the two Agencies differ and that the mere intention to merge them is completely rejected in light of the long-standing and unique situation of the Palestine refugees. The Ministers affirmed that the UNRWA, since its establishment by General Assembly resolution 302 (IV) of 8 December 1949, has played an essential role in ameliorating the plight of the Palestine refugees and that its continued operation is essential for the well-being of the Palestine refugees throughout the region as well as for the stability of the region as a whole, pending the achievement of a just resolution to the question of the Palestine refugees. In this regard, they further affirmed that the critical issue of the functioning of UNRWA involves not only the provision of vital humanitarian assistance to Palestine refugees throughout the host countries but also a complex political dimension. The Ministers thus reaffirmed their strong and continued support for the mandate of UNRWA until the achievement of a just and lasting resolution to the plight of the Palestine refugees in accordance with General Assembly resolution 194 (III) of 11 December 1948. I. Appointment of the Secretary-General of the United Nations 55. The Ministers underlined the central role of the General Assembly in the process of selecting and appointing the Secretary-General of the UN, and expressed support to efforts aimed at reinforcing and strengthening the role of the Assembly in this regard, and agreed that all Non-Aligned Countries shall engage actively in these efforts. They further agreed that the eighth Secretary-General of the UN shall be selected from a Member State of the UN from the Asian region. 23 J. United Nations Secretariat and Management Reform 56. Recognising that the reform of the UN is a collective agenda of its membership, the Ministers stressed that the voice of every Member State must be heard and respected during the reform process, irrespective of its level of contribution to the budget of the Organisation. 57. The Ministers emphasised that the objectives of the reform of the Secretariat of the UN and its management, which should include reforming the systems of its administration of justice and human resources management, are as follows: (a) to respond more effectively to the needs of Member States; (b) to further strengthen and update the role, capacity, effectiveness and efficiency of the UN and thus, improving its performance in order to realize the full potential of the Organisation, in accordance with the purposes and principles of the UN Charter; (c) to ensure greater accountability of staff members of the Secretariat; 23 This paragraph should be read in conjunction with sub-paragraph 42.6. 30 06-49404 A/60/1002 S/2006/718 (d) (e) to strengthen the accountability framework of the Secretariat and measures for their effective enforcement; and the final result of the reform process should be to ensure that the UN is able to implement the entire range of its mandates more effectively and efficiently. 58. The Ministers emphasised that the reform of the Secretariat of the UN and its management should not: (a) change the intergovernmental nature of the decision-making, oversight and monitoring processes of the Organisation; (b) be a cost-cutting exercise of the Organisation; (c) reduce the budget levels of the Organisation; (d) fund more activities from within the existing pool of resources of the Organisation; and (e) redefine the functions and powers of the principal organs of the Organisation. United Nations: Financial Situation and Arrangement 59. The Ministers reaffirmed and underscored the validity and relevance of the Movement's principled positions concerning the financial situation and arrangement of the UN, as follows: 59.1. The Movement remained concern at the financial situation of the UN as a result of the failure on the part of some Member States, especially major contributing States, to meet their assessed contributions in full, on time and without conditions, in accordance with the Charter and relevant General Assembly resolutions; 59.2. The Movement reiterated that it remains crucial to ensure that all decisions on the priority-setting of the UN are adopted in an inclusive and transparent manner, and that the Organisation should be provided with the resources needed for the full and effective implementation of all mandated programmes and activities as well as those required to guarantee the quality of services needed for the functioning of its inter-governmental machinery. In this context, the negative impact caused by the cutback measures is of concern to the Movement; 59.3. The principle of capacity to pay of Member States should remain as a fundamental criterion in the apportionment of the expenses of the Organisation; 59.4. The general principles governing the financing of UN peacekeeping operations, as set out in the relevant General Assembly resolutions, should be adhered to. In this context, the continuing practice of cross-borrowing from the Peacekeeping Operations Budget to the Regular Budget, which resulted, inter alia, in the delay in the reimbursement of troops and equipment to contributing countries, must be stopped. A proper balance should be struck between the level and urgency with which peacekeeping activities are funded on the one hand, and availability of resources needed for full implementation of all mandated programmes and activities by the General Assembly, in particular in the economic and social spheres, on the other; and 59.5. The existing reporting procedures on budget and financial cycle should be maintained and the role of the Member States in programme evaluation of the Organisation should be strengthened. 60. The Ministers expressed regret the exceptional and unprecedented measure of restricting the SecretaryGeneral to expenditure of a first tranche limited to fifty percent of the UN Budget of 2006, and stressed that such a measure has adversely affected programme delivery in the Organisation. They underscored that this limit on the expenditure of the Secretary-General shall be automatically lifted upon the request of the Secretary-General at the appropriate time, and called on all UN Member States to act accordingly. 06-49404 31 A/60/1002 S/2006/718 61. Consistent with and guided by the afore-mentioned principled positions and affirming the need to defend, preserve and promote these positions, the Ministers agreed to undertake the following measure, among others: 61.1. Urge all UN Member States in arrears, in particular the major contributing States, to settle their outstanding dues without further delay and to pay their future assessments in full, on time and without imposing preconditions in accordance with the Charter and relevant General Assembly resolutions, mindful at the same time of the special situation faced by some developing countries that hamper their ability to pay their assessed contributions. United Nations: Peacekeeping Operations 62. The Ministers reaffirmed the guiding principles regarding UN peacekeeping operations (UNPKOs) adopted at the XI Ministerial Conference of NAM held in Cairo in 1994, and reiterated the Movement's position on UNPKOs adopted by the XII Summit held in Durban in 1998, and which have been further reiterated at the XIII Summit held in Kuala Lumpur in 2003. 63. The Ministers commended the Movement's significant and major contribution to maintenance of international peace and security under the auspices of the UN, noting that the Non-Aligned Countries currently provide more than 80% of peacekeeping personnel in the field. They reaffirmed and underscored the validity and relevance of the Movement's principled positions concerning UNPKOs, as follows: 63.1. The Ministers reiterated that the primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security rests with the UN and that the role of regional arrangements, in that regard, should be in accordance with Chapter VIII of the Charter, and should not in any way substitute the role of the UN, or circumvent the full application of the guiding principles of UNPKOs; 63.2. The Ministers emphasised that the establishment of any peacekeeping operation or extension of mandate of existing operations should strictly observe the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, and those principles that have evolved to govern such operations and have become basic principles thereof, namely the consent of the parties, the non-use of force except in self-defence and impartiality. The Ministers also emphasised that the respect for the principles of sovereign equality, political independence, territorial integrity of all States and non-intervention in matters that are essentially within their domestic jurisdiction should also be maintained in this regard; 63.3. The Ministers emphasised that UNPKOs should be provided from the outset with political support, adequate human, financial and logistical resources and clearly defined and achievable mandates; 63.4. The Ministers called upon the Security Council, while mandating UNPKOs, to authorise optimal troop strengths in order to achieve the mandated tasks; 63.5. The Ministers stressed that UNPKOs should not be used as a substitute for addressing the root causes of conflict, which should be addressed in a coherent, well-planned, coordinated and comprehensive manner, with other political, social, economic and developmental instruments. They further maintained that consideration should be given by the UN to the manner by which those efforts can continue without interruption after the departure of UNPKOs, so as to ensure a smooth transition to lasting peace and security; 32 06-49404 A/60/1002 S/2006/718 63.6. The Ministers, while recognising the ongoing surge in peacekeeping which requires a genuine and concerted response by the entire membership of the UN, in particular the developed countries, called upon these countries to participate in and share the burden of UNPKOs; 63.7. The Ministers reaffirmed that the funding of UNPKOs through voluntary contributions should not influence the UN Security Council decisions to establish UNPKOs or affect their mandates; 63.8. The Ministers stressed the importance of the rapid and effective deployment of the UNPKOs including their reinforcement as necessary; 63.9. The Ministers emphasised that the UN Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations is the only UN forum mandated to review comprehensively the whole question of UNPKOs in all their aspects; 63.10. The Ministers called upon the UN Secretariat and concerned parties to accord the highest priority to the safety and security of UN peacekeepers in the field in light of the worsening security situation prevailing in many field missions. In this context, they condemned in the strongest terms the killing of UN peacekeepers in several missions; 63.11. The Ministers stressed that Troops Contributing Countries (TCCs) should be involved early and fully in all aspects and stages of UNPKOs and called for more frequent and substantive interaction among the Security Council, the UN Secretariat and the TCCs. In this regard, they called for the full and effective implementation of the existing mechanisms laid down in Security Council Resolution 1353 (2001) and in the Note of the President of the Security Council dated 14 January 2002 (S/2002/56); 63.12. The Ministers expressed the view that further development of the mechanisms, referred to in paragraph 63.11 above, towards achieving peacekeeping objectives should be considered; 63.13. The Ministers reemphasised the critical importance of timely, efficient, transparent and cost-effective procurement of goods and services in support of UNPKOs, and reiterated the view that there is a need to ensure greater UN procurement from Non-Aligned Countries; 63.14. The Ministers acknowledged the outstanding contribution and sacrifices of peacekeepers and stressed that all UN peacekeeping personnel perform their duties in a manner that preserve the image, credibility, impartiality, and integrity of the UN. They stressed the importance of maintaining a policy of zero tolerance in addressing all cases of sexual exploitation and abuse committed by peacekeeping personnel. In this regard, they welcomed the efforts of the Secretary General's Special Adviser on sexual exploitation and abuse, and expressed support for the progress made in addressing this matter thus far; 63.15. The Ministers expressed support for continuing efforts to strengthen African peacekeeping capabilities; 63.16. The Ministers urged the Secretary General to continue his efforts in accordance with General Assembly resolutions to address the current imbalance of geographic representation, and the representation of unrepresented and underrepresented TCCs in particular at the professional and leadership level in the UN Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO) as well as in the field missions. The Movement remained concern over the staffing and structure of the DPKO whereby NAM Member Countries are insufficiently represented, particularly at professional level; 06-49404 33 A/60/1002 S/2006/718 63.17. The Ministers appreciated the progress made in processing the claims for reimbursement to TCCs, and urged the Secretariat to continue to do so; 63.18. The Ministers stressed again that all UN Member States must pay their assessed contributions in full, on time and without condition. They reaffirmed the obligation of Member States, under article 17 of the UN Charter, to bear their expenses to the Organisation as apportioned by the General Assembly, bearing in mind the special responsibility of the Permanent Members of the Security Council, as indicated in General Assembly resolution 1874 (S-IV) of 27 June 1963; and 63.19. The Ministers paid tribute to the courage and dedication of UN peacekeeping personnel and to those who have lost their lives in the service of peace. Disarmament and International Security 64. The Ministers reaffirmed and reiterated the long-standing principled positions of the Movement on disarmament and international security, including the decisions taken at the XII Summit in Durban in 1998, the XIII Summit in Kuala Lumpur in 2003, the XIII Ministerial Conference in Cartagena in 2000 and the XIV Ministerial Conference in Durban in 2004. 65. The Ministers expressed deep concern over the current difficult and complex situation in the field of disarmament and international security. In this regard, they called for renewed efforts to resolve the current impasse in achieving nuclear disarmament and nuclear non-proliferation in all its aspects. 66. While reaffirming the absolute validity of multilateral diplomacy in the field of disarmament and non-proliferation, the Ministers expressed their determination to promote multilateralism as the core principle of negotiations in the area of disarmament and non-proliferation, and in this regard, they welcomed the adoption of General Assembly Resolution 60/59 on Promotion on multilateralism in the area of disarmament and non-proliferation. 67. The Ministers expressed their strong concern at the growing resort to unilateralism and in this context, underlined that multilateralism and multilaterally agreed solutions, in accordance with the UN Charter, provide the only sustainable method of addressing disarmament and international security issues. 68. The Ministers reaffirmed the Movement's principled positions on nuclear disarmament, which remains its highest priority, and on the related issue of nuclear non-proliferation in all its aspects and stressed the importance that efforts aiming at non-proliferation should be parallel to simultaneous efforts aiming at nuclear disarmament. They stressed their concern at the threat to humanity posed by the continued existence of nuclear weapons and of their possible use or threat of use. They reiterated deep concern over the slow pace of progress towards nuclear disarmament and the lack of progress by the nuclear-weapon-States (NWS) to accomplish the total elimination of their nuclear arsenals. They underscored the need for the NWS to implement the unequivocal undertaking that they provided in 2000 so as to accomplish the total elimination of nuclear weapons and emphasised, in this regard, the urgent need to commence negotiations without delay. 69. The Ministers remained deeply concerned at strategic defence doctrines of NWS, including the "NATO Alliance Strategic Concept", which not only set out rationales for the use or threat of use of nuclear weapons, but also maintain unjustifiable concepts on international security based on promoting and developing military alliances and nuclear deterrence policies. 70. The Ministers reiterated that the improvement in the existing nuclear weapons and the development of new types of nuclear weapons as envisaged in the United States Nuclear Posture Review contravene the security assurances provided by the NWS. They further reaffirmed that these improvements as well as the development 34 06-49404 A/60/1002 S/2006/718 of new types of such weapons violate the commitments undertaken by the NWS at the time of the conclusion of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT). 71. The Ministers emphasised that progress in nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation in all its aspects is essential to strengthening international peace and security. They reaffirmed that efforts toward nuclear disarmament, global and regional approaches and confidence building measures complement each other and should, wherever possible, be pursued simultaneously to promote regional and international peace and security. 72. The Ministers reaffirmed the importance and the relevance of the UN Disarmament Commission (UNDC) as the sole specialised, deliberative body within the UN multilateral disarmament machinery. They continued to fully support the work of the UNDC and called upon UN Member States to display the necessary political will and flexibility in order to achieve agreement on recommendations based on its two agenda items during the current cycle. 73. The Ministers reaffirmed the importance of the Conference on Disarmament (CD) as the sole multilateral negotiating body on disarmament, and reiterated their call on the CD to agree on a balanced and comprehensive program of work by establishing, inter alia, an ad hoc committee on nuclear disarmament as soon as possible and as the highest priority. They emphasised the necessity to start negotiations on a phased programme for the complete elimination of nuclear weapons with a specified framework of time, including a Nuclear Weapons Convention. They reaffirmed the importance of the unanimous conclusion of the ICJ that there exists an obligation to pursue in good faith and to bring to a conclusion negotiations leading to nuclear disarmament in all its aspects under strict and effective international control. 74. The Ministers reiterated their support for the convening of the Fourth Special Session of the UN General Assembly devoted to Disarmament (SSOD-IV) and further reiterated their deep concern over the lack of consensus on the deliberations to consider the objectives and agenda of SSOD-IV. They emphasised the need to reconvene the open-ended working group on SSOD-IV, at an early date, preferably in 2007, as mandated by the General Assembly with a view to reaching agreement on the objectives and agenda of SSOD-IV, including the possibility of establishing its preparatory committee. 75. The Ministers again called for an international conference to identify ways and means of eliminating nuclear dangers, at the earliest possible date, with the objective of arriving at an agreement on a phased programme for the complete elimination of nuclear weapons with a specified framework of time to eliminate all nuclear weapons, to prohibit their development, production, acquisition, testing, stockpiling, transfer, use or threat of use, and to provide for their destruction. 76. The Ministers reaffirmed that the total elimination of nuclear weapons is the only absolute guarantee against the use or threat of use of nuclear weapons and reaffirmed further that non-NWS should be effectively assured by NWS against the use or threat of use of nuclear weapons. Pending the total elimination of nuclear weapons, they called for the conclusion at the Conference on Disarmament of a universal, unconditional and legally binding instrument on security assurances to non-NWS as a matter of priority. 77. The Ministers stressed the significance of achieving universal adherence to the CTBT, including by all NWS, which, inter alia, should contribute to the process of nuclear disarmament. They reiterated that if the objectives of the Treaty were to be fully realised, the continued commitment of all States signatories, especially the NWS, to nuclear disarmament would be essential. 78. The Ministers, while noting the entry into force of the 2002 Moscow Treaty between the Russian Federation and the United States, stressed that reductions in deployments and in operational status cannot substitute for irreversible cuts in, and the total elimination of, nuclear weapons, and called on the United States and the Russian Federation to apply the principles of transparency, irreversibility and verifiability to further reduce their nuclear arsenals, both warheads and delivery systems, under the Treaty. 06-49404 35 A/60/1002 S/2006/718 79. The Ministers continued to be concerned over the negative implications of the development and deployment of anti-ballistic missile (ABM) defence systems and the pursuit of advanced military technologies capable of being deployed in outer space which have, inter alia, contributed to the further erosion of an international climate conducive to the promotion of disarmament and the strengthening of international security. The abrogation of the ABM Treaty brings new challenges to strategic stability and the prevention of arms race in outer space. They remained concern that the implementation of a national missile defence system could trigger an arms race(s) and the further development of advanced missile systems and an increase in the number of nuclear weapons. 80. The Ministers recognised the common interest of all mankind in the exploration and use of outer space for peaceful purposes, and emphasised that prevention of an arms race in outer space would avert a grave danger for international peace and security. They further emphasised the paramount importance of strict compliance with existing arms limitation and disarmament agreements relevant to outer space, including bilateral agreements, and with the existing legal regime concerning the use of outer space. They also emphasised the urgent need for the commencement of substantive work in the CD on the prevention of an arms race in outer space. 81. The Ministers remained convinced of the need for a multilaterally negotiated, universal, comprehensive, transparent, and non-discriminatory approach toward missiles in all its aspects as a contribution to international peace and security. They expressed their support for efforts to be continued within the UN to explore further the issue of missiles in all its aspects. In this regard, they emphasised the need to keep the issue under the agenda of the UN General Assembly and that in accordance with its Resolution 59/67 a Panel of Governmental Experts on the issue of missiles in all its aspects would be established in 2007. Pending the achievement of such a universal mechanism related to delivery systems for weapons of mass destruction, any initiative to address these concerns effectively and in a sustainable and comprehensive manner should be through an inclusive process of negotiations in a forum where all States could participate as equals. They stressed the importance of the security concerns of all States at regional and global levels in any approach to the issue of missiles in all its aspects. 82. The Ministers believed that the establishment of nuclear-weapon-free zones (NWFZs) created by the treaties of Tlatelolco, Rarotonga, Bangkok, Pelindaba and Mongolia's nuclear-weapon-free-status are positive steps and important measures towards strengthening global nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation. They reiterated that in the context of nuclear-weapon-free zones (NWFZs), it is essential that NWS should provide unconditional assurances against the use or threat of use of nuclear weapons to all States of the zone. They urged States to conclude agreements freely arrived at among the States of the region concerned with a view to establishing new NWFZs in regions where they do not exist, particularly in Central Asia, in accordance with the provisions of the Final Document of the First Special Session of the General Assembly devoted to Disarmament (SSOD-I) and the principles adopted by the 1999 UN Disarmament Commission. They noted with satisfaction the convening of the First Conference of the States Parties and Signatories to Treaties that Establish NuclearWeapon-Free Zones, held in Tlatelolco, Mexico, from 26 to 28 April 2005, and in this context, called on the States parties and signatories to the Treaties of NWFZs to implement further ways and means of co-operation among themselves, their treaty agencies and other interested States. 83. The Ministers reiterated their support for the establishment in the Middle East of a zone free of all weapons of mass destruction. To this end, they reaffirmed the need for the speedy establishment of a NWFZ in the Middle East in accordance with the Security Council Resolution 487 (1981) and paragraph 14 of the Security Council Resolution 687 (1991) and the relevant General Assembly resolutions adopted by consensus. They called upon all parties concerned to take urgent and practical steps towards the fulfilment of the proposal initiated by Iran in 1974 for the establishment of such a zone and, pending its establishment, they demanded on Israel, the only country in the region that has not joined the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) nor declared its intention to do so, to renounce possession of nuclear weapons, to accede to the NPT without delay, to place promptly all its nuclear facilities under IAEA full-scope safeguards according to Security Council Resolution 487 (1981), and to conduct its nuclear related activities in conformity with the non- 36 06-49404 A/60/1002 S/2006/718 proliferation regime. They expressed great concern over the acquisition of nuclear capability by Israel, which poses a serious and continuing threat to the security of neighbouring and other States, and condemned Israel for continuing to develop and stockpile nuclear arsenals. They were of the view that stability cannot be achieved in a region where massive imbalances in military capabilities are maintained particularly through the possession of nuclear weapons, which allow one party to threaten its neighbours, and the region. They further welcomed the initiative by H.E. Mr. Mohammed Hosni Mubarak, President of the Arab Republic of Egypt, on the establishment of a zone free from weapons of mass destruction in the Middle East, and in this context, they took into consideration the draft resolution tabled by the Syrian Arab Republic, on behalf of the Arab Group, before the Security Council on 29 December 2003 on the establishment of a zone free of all weapons of mass destruction in the Middle East. They stressed that necessary steps should be taken in different international fora for the establishment of this zone. They also called for the total and complete prohibition of the transfer of all nuclear-related equipment, information, material and facilities, resources or devices and the extension of assistance in the nuclear related scientific or technological fields to Israel. In this regard, they expressed their serious concern over the continuing development whereby Israeli scientists are provided access to the nuclear facilities of one NWS. This development will have potentially serious negative implications on security in the region as well as the reliability of the global non-proliferation regime. 84. The Ministers emphasised the importance of the observance of environmental norms in the preparation and implementation of disarmament and arms limitation agreements. They reaffirmed that international disarmament forums should take fully into account the relevant environmental norms in negotiating treaties and agreements on disarmament and arms limitation and that all States, through their actions, should contribute fully to ensuring compliance with the aforementioned norms in the implementation of treaties and conventions to which they are parties. 85. The Ministers emphasised the importance of the UN activities at the regional level to increase the stability and security of its Member States, which could be promoted in a substantive manner by the maintenance and revitalization of the three regional centres for peace and disarmament. 86. The Ministers of the States Parties to the NPT, while reaffirming the package of agreements of the 1995 Review and Extension Conference of the NPT and the Final Document of the 2000 Review Conference of the NPT, expressed their disappointment at the inability of the 2005 Review Conference of the NPT to agree on substantive recommendations. They reiterated their call for the firm commitment by all States parties to the Treaty to the implementation of all the provisions of the Treaty and called for the full implementation of the 13 practical steps for systematic and progressive efforts to implement Article VI of the Treaty, particularly an unequivocal undertaking by the NWS to accomplish the total elimination of their nuclear arsenals leading to nuclear disarmament. Pending the total elimination of nuclear weapons, they also recalled that the Final Document of the 2000 Review Conference of the NPT reiterated that legally binding security assurances by the five NWS to the non-NWS parties to the Treaty strengthen the nuclear non-proliferation regime. They underlined the importance to establish subsidiary bodies to the relevant Main Committees of the 2010 Review Conference of the NPT to deliberate on practical steps for systematic and progressive efforts to eliminate nuclear weapons; to consider and recommend proposals on the implementation of the resolution on the Middle East adopted by the 1995 Review and Extension Conference of the NPT; and to consider security assurances. In this regard, they emphasised the need for the Preparatory Committee meetings to continue to allocate specific time for deliberations on nuclear disarmament, implementation of the 1995 resolution on the Middle East and security assurances. They recalled the agreement that the Review Conference will be chaired by a representative from the Movement. 87. The Ministers of the States Parties to the NPT called upon the NWS to implement their commitments not to use or threaten to use nuclear weapons against non-NWS parties to the Treaty or NWFZs at any time or under any circumstances, pending the conclusion of a legally binding instrument on security assurances. 88. The Ministers reaffirmed the inalienable right of developing countries to engage in research, production and use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes without discrimination. They continued to note with concern 06-49404 37 A/60/1002 S/2006/718 that undue restrictions on exports to developing countries of material, equipment and technology, for peaceful purposes persist. They again emphasised that proliferation concerns are best addressed through multilaterally negotiated, universal, comprehensive and non-discriminatory agreements. Non-proliferation control arrangements should be transparent and open to participation by all States, and should ensure that they do not impose restrictions on access to material, equipment and technology for peaceful purposes required by developing countries for their continued development. In this regard, they also expressed their strong rejection of attempts by any Member State to use the IAEA technical co-operation programme as a tool for political purposes in violation of the IAEA Statute. 89. The Ministers of the States Parties to the NPT emphasised once more that nothing in the Treaty shall be interpreted as affecting the inalienable right of all the parties to the Treaty to develop research, production and use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes without discrimination and in conformity with Articles I, II, and III of the Treaty. They stressed that this right constitutes one of the fundamental objectives of the Treaty. In this connection, they confirmed that each country's choices and decision in the field of peaceful uses of nuclear energy should be respected without jeopardizing its policies or international co-operation agreements and arrangements for peaceful uses of nuclear energy and its fuel-cycle policies. 90. The Ministers stressed particularly the responsibility of developed countries to promote the legitimate need of nuclear energy of the developing countries, by allowing them to participate to the fullest possible to transfer of nuclear equipment, materials, scientific and technological information for peaceful purposes with a view to achieving the largest benefits and applying pertinent elements of sustainable development in their activities. 91. The Ministers, while emphasising the importance of the positive role played by the Non-Aligned Members in the IAEA, stressed the necessity that all members of the IAEA strictly observe its Statute. They stressed that any undue pressure or interference in the Agency's activities, especially its verification process, which could jeopardize the efficiency and credibility of the Agency, should be avoided. They recognised that the IAEA is the sole competent authority for verification of compliance with the obligations under the respective safeguard agreements of the Member States. They also reaffirmed that a clear distinction have to be made between the legal obligations of Member States under their respective safeguards agreements and their voluntary undertakings, in order to ensure that such voluntary undertakings are not turned into legal safeguards obligations. 92. The Ministers congratulated the IAEA and its Director General, Dr. Mohamed El Baradei, for being awarded the 2005 Nobel Peace Prize. They expressed full confidence in the impartiality and professionalism of the Agency. 93. The Ministers reaffirmed the inviolability of peaceful nuclear activities and that any attack or threat of attack against peaceful nuclear facilities -operational or under construction- poses a great danger to human beings and the environment, and constitutes a grave violation of international law, principles and purposes of the UN Charter and regulations of the IAEA. They recognised the need for a comprehensive multilaterally negotiated instrument prohibiting attacks or threat of attacks on nuclear facilities devoted to peaceful uses of nuclear energy. 94. The Ministers affirmed the need to strengthen the Radiological Safety and Protection Systems at facilities utilising radioactive materials as well as at radioactive waste management facilities, including the safe transportation of these materials. They reaffirmed the need to strengthen existing international regulations relating to safety and security of transportation of such materials. While reiterating the need to take appropriate measures to prevent any dumping of nuclear or radioactive wastes, they called for effective implementation of the Code of Practice on the International Transboundary Movement of Radioactive Waste of the IAEA as a means of enhancing the protection of all States from the dumping of radioactive wastes on their territories. 38 06-49404 A/60/1002 S/2006/718 95. The Ministers stressed that the issue of proliferation should be resolved through political and diplomatic means, and that measures and initiatives taken in this regard should be within the framework of international law; relevant conventions; the UN Charter, and should contribute to the promotion of international peace, security and stability. 96. The Ministers of the States Parties to the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention (BWC) reaffirmed that the possibility of any use of bacteriological (biological) agents and toxins as weapons should be completely excluded, and the conviction that such use would be repugnant to the conscience of humankind. They recognised the particular importance of strengthening the Convention through multilateral negotiations for a legally binding Protocol and universal adherence to the Convention. They reiterated their call to promote international cooperation for peaceful purposes, including scientific-technical exchange. They underlined the need to coordinate among the NAM States Parties to the Convention and expressed their commitment to work towards a successful outcome of the forthcoming Sixth Review Conference, to be held in Geneva, from 20 November to 8 December 2006. 97. The Ministers of the States Parties to the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) invited all States that have not yet signed or ratified the Convention to do so as soon as possible with a view to its universality. They reiterated their call on the developed countries to promote international cooperation through the transfer of technology, material and equipment for peaceful purposes in the chemical field and the removal of all and any discriminatory restrictions that are contrary to the letter and spirit of the Convention. They recalled that the full, effective and non-discriminatory implementation of the provisions of international cooperation contribute to the universality of the Convention. They also called upon States having declared possession of chemical weapons to bring about the destruction of their chemical weapons at the earliest possible date. While recognizing the financial and technical challenges for some possessors, they called upon those States Parties in a position to do so, and where requested, to assist such possessor States in the achievement of the total elimination of chemical weapons. 98. The Ministers regretted unsubstantiated allegations of non-compliance with relevant instruments on weapons of mass destruction and called on States Parties to such instruments that make such allegations to follow procedures set out in those instruments and to provide necessary substantiation for their allegations. They called upon all States parties to the respective international instruments to implement fully and in a transparent manner all their obligations under these instruments. 99. The Ministers expressed their satisfaction with the consensus among States on measures to prevent terrorists from acquiring weapons of mass destruction. They welcomed the adoption by consensus of the General Assembly Resolution 60/78 entitled "Measures to prevent terrorists from acquiring weapons of mass destruction" and underlined the need for this threat to humanity to be addressed within the UN framework and through international co-operation. While stressing that the most effective way of preventing terrorists from acquiring weapons of mass destruction is through the total elimination of such weapons, they emphasised that progress was urgently needed in the area of disarmament and non-proliferation in order to help maintain international peace and security and to contribute to global efforts against terrorism. They called upon all Member States to support international efforts to prevent terrorists from acquiring weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery. They also urged all Member States to take and strengthen national measures, as appropriate, to prevent terrorists from acquiring weapons of mass destruction, their means of delivery and materials and technologies related to their manufacture. 100. While noting the adoption of resolution 1540 (2004) and resolution 1673 (2006) by the Security Council, the Ministers underlined the need to ensure that any action by the Security Council does not undermine the UN Charter and existing multilateral treaties on weapons of mass destruction and of international Organisations established in this regard, as well as the role of the General Assembly. They further cautioned against the continuing practice of the Security Council to utilize its authority to define the legislative requirements for Member States in implementing Security Council decisions. In this regard, the Ministers stressed the 06-49404 39 A/60/1002 S/2006/718 importance of the issue of non-state actors acquiring weapons of mass destruction to be addressed in an inclusive manner by the General Assembly, taking into account the views of all Member States. 101. The Ministers reaffirmed the sovereign right of States to acquire, manufacture, export, import and retain conventional arms for their self-defence and security needs. They expressed their concern about unilateral coercive measures and emphasised that no undue restriction should be placed on the transfer of such arms. 102. The Ministers recognised that the significant imbalance in the production, possession and trade in conventional weapons between the industrialized and the Non-Aligned Countries, and called for a significant reduction in the production, possession and trade of conventional weapons by the industrialized states with a view to enhancing international and regional peace and security. 103. The Ministers remained deeply concern over the illicit transfer, manufacture and circulation of small arms and light weapons (SALW) and their excessive accumulation and uncontrolled spread in many regions of the world. They recognised the need to establish and maintain controls over private ownership of small arms. They called on all States, in particular major producing States, to ensure that the supply of small arms and light weapons is limited only to Governments or to entities duly authorised by Governments and to implement legal restrictions preventing the illicit trade of small arms and light weapons. They encouraged all initiatives by States to mobilise resources and expertise as well as to provide assistance to strengthen the full implementation of the UN Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in SALW in All Its Aspects. 104. The Ministers emphasised the importance of early and full implementation of the Programme of Action, and in this regard, stressed that international assistance and cooperation is an essential aspect in the full implementation of the Programme of Action. They called for the full implementation of the international instrument to enable states to identify and trace, in a timely and reliable manner, the illicit small arms and light weapons, which was adopted by the General Assembly. They called on members of the Movement to work together to achieve agreement on the outcome of the forthcoming UN Conference to Review the Progress of Implementation of the Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in SALW in All Its Aspects, to be held in New York, from 26 June to 7 July 2006. 105. The Ministers continued to deplore the use, in contravention of international humanitarian law of antipersonnel mines in conflict situations aimed at maiming, killing and terrorising innocent civilians, denying them access to farmland, causing famine and forcing them to flee their homes eventually leading to depopulation and preventing the return of civilians to their place of original residence. They called upon all States in the position to do so, to provide the necessary financial, technical and humanitarian assistance to landmine clearance operations, the social and economic rehabilitation of victims as well as to ensure full access of affected countries to material equipment, technology and financial resources for mine clearance. 106. The Ministers of the States Parties to the Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and on Their Destruction invited those States that have not yet done so to consider becoming parties to the Convention. 107. The Ministers expressed concern about the explosive remnants of the Second World War, particularly in the form of landmines which continue to cause human and material damage and obstruct development plans in some Non-Aligned Countries. They called on the States primarily responsible for laying these mines and living explosives outside their territories during Second World War to cooperate with the affected countries and provide mine action support to affected countries, including information exchange, maps indicating the locations of mines and explosives, technical assistance for mine clearance, defrayal of the costs of clearance and compensation for any losses caused by mines-laid. 108. The Ministers of States Parties to the Convention on Prohibition or Restrictions on the Use of Certain Conventional Weapons Which May be deemed to be Excessively Injurious or to Have Indiscriminate Effects 40 06-49404 A/60/1002 S/2006/718 (CCW) and its Protocols encouraged States to become parties to the Convention and its additional Protocol on Explosive Remnants of War. 109. The Ministers stressed the importance of the symbiotic relationship between disarmament and development and the important role of security in this connection, and expressed concern at the increasing global military expenditure, which could otherwise be spent on development needs. They further stressed the importance of the reduction of military expenditures, in accordance with the principle of undiminished security at the lowest level of armaments, and urged all States to devote resources made available from there to economic and social development, in particular in the fight against poverty. They expressed firm support for unilateral, bilateral, regional and multilateral measures adopted by some governments aimed at reducing military expenditures, thereby contributing to strengthening regional and international peace and security and recognised that confidence building measures assisted in this regard. 110. The Ministers commended the continued work of the NAM Working Group on Disarmament, under the chairmanship of Indonesia, in coordinating issues of common concern to the Movement in the field of disarmament and non-proliferation. They encouraged all NAM delegations to actively participate at the international disarmament meetings with a view to promote and achieve the objectives of the Movement. Terrorism 111. The Ministers reaffirmed and underscored the validity and relevance of the Movement's principled position concerning terrorism, as follows: 111.1. Terrorist acts constitute the most flagrant violations of international law, including international humanitarian and human rights law, in particular the right to life, leading to the lack of the full enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedom of peoples, and that such acts endanger the territorial integrity and stability of States as well as national, regional and international security, de-stabilise legitimately constituted governments or the prevailing constitutional order and political unity of States, affect the stability of nations and the very basis of societies, as well as create adverse consequences on the economic and social development and cause the destruction of the physical and economic infrastructure of States; 111.2. Terrorism cannot and should not be associated with any religion, nationality, civilisation or ethnic group, and that these attributions should not be used to justify terrorism or counterterrorism measures that include, inter alia, profiling of terrorists and intrusion on individual privacy; 111.3. Criminal acts intended or calculated to provoke a state of terror in the general public, a group of persons or particular persons for whatever purposes, wherever, by whomever, against whomsoever committed are, in any circumstance, unjustifiable, whatever the considerations or factors that may be invoked to justify them; 111.4. Terrorism should not be equated with the legitimate struggle of peoples under colonial or alien domination and foreign occupation for self-determination and national liberation. The brutalisation of people remaining under foreign occupation should continue to be denounced as the gravest form of terrorism, and that the use of State power for the suppression and violence against peoples struggling against foreign occupation in exercising their inalienable right to selfdetermination should continue to be condemned. In this regard and in accordance with the UN Charter, international law and the relevant UN resolutions, the struggle of peoples under colonial 06-49404 41 A/60/1002 S/2006/718 or alien domination and foreign occupation for self-determination and national liberation does not constitute terrorism;24 and 111.5. The Movement reaffirmed its principled position under international law and in accordance with General Assembly resolution 46/51 of 27 January 1992 as well as other relevant UN resolutions on the legitimacy of the struggle of people under colonial or alien domination and foreign occupation for national liberation and self-determination, which does not constitute terrorism, and once again called for the definition of terrorism to differentiate it from the legitimate struggle of peoples under colonial or alien domination and foreign occupation for self determination and national liberation. 112. Acknowledging the serious danger and threats posed by terrorism and terrorist acts to the international community, consistent with and guided by the Movement's principled positions thereof as well as affirming the need to defend, preserve and promote these positions, the Ministers agreed to undertake the following measures: 112.1. Strongly and unequivocally condemn, as criminal, and reject terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, as well as all acts, methods and practices of terrorism wherever, by whomever, against whomsoever committed, including those in which States are directly or indirectly involved, which are unjustifiable whatever the considerations or factors that may be invoked to justify them, and in this context, reaffirm their support for the provisions contained in General Assembly resolution 46/51 of 27 January 1992 and other relevant UN resolutions; 112.2. Resolve to take speedy and effective measures to eliminate international terrorism, and in this context, urge all States, consistent with the UN Charter, to fulfil their obligations under international law and international humanitarian law in the combat against terrorism, including by prosecuting or, where appropriate, extraditing the perpetrators of terrorist acts; by preventing the organisation, instigation or financing of terrorist acts against other States from within or outside their territories or by organisations based in their territories; by refraining from organising, instigating, assisting, financing or participating in terrorist acts in the territories of other States; by refraining from acquiescing in or encouraging activities within their territories directed towards the commission of such acts; by refraining from allowing the use of their territories for planning, training or financing for such acts; or by refraining from supplying arms or other weapons that could be used for terrorist acts in other States; 112.3. Condemn any form of, and refrain from extending, political, diplomatic, moral or material support for terrorism, and in this context, urge all States, consistent with the UN Charter and in fulfilling their obligations under international law, to ensure that refugee status or any other legal status is not abused by the perpetrators, organisers or facilitators of terrorist acts and that claims of political motivation by them are not recognised as grounds for refusing requests for their extradition; 112.4. Urge all States, which have not yet done so, to ratify or accede to the thirteen international and UN conventions and protocols relating to combat terrorism; 112.5. Observe and implement the provisions of all international conventions as well as regional and bilateral instruments relating to terrorism to which their countries are party, taking into account the recommendations of the Final Document of the UN Conference on the Prevention of Crime and Criminal Justice held in Cairo, Egypt in 1995 and the International Conference on Combating Terrorism held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia in 2005; 24 In accordance with General Assembly resolution 46/51 of 27 January 1992. 42 06-49404 A/60/1002 S/2006/718 112.6. Oppose attempts to equate the legitimate struggle of peoples under colonial or alien domination and foreign occupation for self-determination and national liberation with terrorism, in order to prolong occupation and oppression of innocent people with impunity; 112.7. Further call on all States to endorse in principle the convening of an international conference under the auspices of the UN to define terrorism, to differentiate it from the struggle for national liberation and to reach comprehensive and effective measures for concerted action. They also denounced the brutalisation of peoples kept under foreign occupation as the gravest form of terrorism. They condemned the use of State power for the suppression and violence against innocent victims struggling against foreign occupation to exercise their inalienable right to self-determination. They stressed the sanctity of this right and urged that in this era of enlarged freedom and democracy, people under foreign occupation should be allowed to freely determine their destiny. In this context, they also reaffirmed their support for General Assembly Resolution 46/51 of 27 January 1992 as well as other relevant UN resolutions and the principled position of the Movement that the struggle of peoples under colonial or alien domination and foreign occupation for self-determination does not constitute terrorism; 112.8. While reaffirming the Movement's principled position on combating international terrorism, and in the light of the previous initiatives and considerations adopted by NAM, and of their conviction that multilateral cooperation under the UN auspices is the most effective means to combat international terrorism, the Ministers reiterated their call for an International Summit Conference under the auspices of the UN to formulate a joint organised response of the international community to terrorism in all its forms and manifestations including identifying its root causes; 112.9. Further reiterate the need for the conclusion of a comprehensive convention for combating international terrorism and, in this respect, noting the progress made in the Ad Hoc Committee on Terrorism established by General Assembly Resolution 51/210 on the negotiations for elaboration of a comprehensive convention on International Terrorism, and call upon all States to co-operate in resolving the outstanding issues; 112.10. Encourage the Non-Aligned Countries to actively participate in the UN General Assembly in the formulation of a comprehensive and effective Strategy on Counter-Terrorism; 112.11. Support the initiative launched by Tunisia in order to elaborate by consensus an International Code of Conduct within the framework of the UN aimed at reinforcing co-ordination and multilateral efforts for the prevention of terrorism, in all its forms and manifestations, wherever and by whomever committed, in conformity with international law and the UN Charter, pending the conclusion of a Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism; 112.12. Support national, regional and international efforts and arrangements that seek to implement, where appropriate, the pertinent international legally binding instruments, as well as the relevant UN resolutions,25 including General Assembly resolution 46/51 and Security Council resolution 1373, and regional arrangements and instruments relating to combating terrorism;26 25 26 These include General Assembly resolution 46/51 and Security Council resolution 1373. These include the OAU Convention on the Prevention and Combating of Terrorism, which entered into force on 6 December 2003, and its Plan of Action, which was adopted by the 2nd Ordinary Session of trhe AU Assembly in Maputo on 12 July 2003; the Arab Convention to Combat Terrorism, which entered into force on 7 May 1999; the OIC Convention on Combating International Terrorism, which was adopted in Ouagadougou on 1 July 1999; the OIC Declaration on Terrorism, which was adopted by the Extraordinary Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers in Kuala Lumpur on 3 April 2002; the ASEAN Declarations on Terrorism adopted by the 7 th and 06-49404 43 A/60/1002 S/2006/718 strengthen the cooperation with all States in this regard, emphasising that such cooperation should be in conformity with the UN Charter, international law and the relevant international conventions; and in this context, urge the relevant UN organs to promote ways and means to support and strengthen such cooperation; 112.13. Reject actions and measures, the use or threat of use of force in particular by armed forces, which violate the UN Charter and international law especially the relevant international conventions, imposed or threatened to be imposed by any State against any Non-Aligned Country under the pretext of combating terrorism or to pursue its political aims, including by directly or indirectly categorising them as terrorism sponsoring-States. They further totally reject the use of the term "axis of evil" by a certain State to target other States under the pretext of combating terrorism, as well as its unilateral preparation of lists accusing States of allegedly supporting terrorism, which are inconsistent with international law and constitute on their part a form of psychological and political terrorism, and in this context, underscoring the need to exercise solidarity with the Non-Aligned Countries that are affected by such actions and measures; and 112.14. Introduce comprehensive qualitative changes to national laws and legislations of NonAligned Countries in order to criminalise all terrorist acts as well as support, financing or instigation of such acts. Democracy27 113. The Ministers reiterated that democracy is a universal value based on the freely expressed will of the people to determine their own political, economic, social and cultural systems and their full participation in all aspects of their lives. They reaffirmed that while all democracies share common features, there is no single model of democracy, that it does not belong to any country or region, and further reaffirmed the necessity of due respect for sovereignty and the right to self-determination. They expressed their conviction that international co-operation for the promotion of democracy, on the basis of respect for the principles enshrined in the UN Charter as well as those of transparency, impartiality, non-selectivity and inclusiveness, could contribute to the attainment of the goal of democracy consolidation at national and international levels. 114. The Ministers reaffirmed that democracy, development and respect for all human rights and fundamental freedoms are interdependent and mutually reinforcing. The international community should support the strengthening and promotion of democracy, development and respect for all human rights and fundamental freedoms in the entire world, in compliance with the purposes and principles of the UN Charter. 115. The Ministers recalled the pledge by the leaders of UN Member States, as reaffirmed in the 2005 World Summit Outcome, and noted the important role of the UN in the promotion and strengthening of democratic practices in Member States which have sought legal, technical and financial assistance. 8th ASEAN Summits in 2001 and 2002 respectively; the ASEAN Joint Declarations to Combat International Terrorism with the USA of 1 August 2002, with the EU of 28 January 2003, with India of 8 October 2003 and with Russia of 2 July 2004, and the ASEAN-China Joint Declaration on Co-operation in the Field of Non-Traditional Security Issues (4 November 2002); the Protocol on the Suppression of Financing of Terrorism to the SAARC Regional Convention on Suppression of Terrorism, which was adopted at the SAARC Summit in Islamabad in January 2004. 27 This section should be read in conjunction with the section on Human Rights under Chapter III of the document. 44 06-49404 A/60/1002 S/2006/718 116. The Ministers took note of the forthcoming International Conference of New or Restored Democracies to be held in Doha, Qatar in October 2006 and encouraged the active participation in this Conference. 117. Consistent with and guided by the afore-mentioned principled positions and affirming the need to promote, defend and preserve these positions, the Ministers agreed to undertake the following measures, among others: 117.1. Work collectively for the promotion of democracy and for more inclusive political processes allowing genuine participation by all citizens in all countries, including seeking assistance from the UN on a voluntary basis; 117.2. Promote, while recognizing the importance of the promotion of democracy at the national level, the democratisation of the system of international governance in order to increase the participation of developing countries in international decision-making; and 117.3. Oppose and condemn any politically motivated attempt or misuse of the international cooperation for the promotion of democracy, including the marginalisation or exclusion of NonAligned Countries from the full participation and equal opportunities of membership in the intergovernmental bodies of the UN system. North-South Dialogue and Cooperation 118. In acknowledging the need for an increased interaction between the leaders of developing and developed world, the Ministers agreed to undertake the following measures, among others: 118.1. Generate, expand and deepen a more dynamic relationship and co-operation with developed and industrialised countries, in particular with the Group of Eight, firmly rooted on mutual respect, mutuality of benefits, shared and differentiated responsibilities, constructive engagement and dialogue, broad partnership and genuine interdependence, with the aim of forging compatible or complementary responses or initiatives on global issues and generate greater understanding between the North and the South; 118.2. Ensure that the views of developing countries are fully taken into account before decisions on relevant issues28 affecting them and the international community are made by developed countries, which could be achieved through, inter alia, institutionalising established contacts between the leaders at the highest level of developing and developed countries, and in this context, request the Chair of the Movement to coordinate with the Chair of the Group of 77 and China to identify measures that could contribute towards achieving this objective; and 118.3. Call on the forthcoming annual Summit of the Group of Eight, to be held in St. Petersburg, Russian Federation, as well as subsequent Summits of the Group, to take into account the interests and concerns of developing countries, and request the Chair of the Movement to convey those interests and concerns to the leaders of the Group of Eight. 28 The relevant issues include peace and security questions including international terrorism, trade and finance policies, external debt and debt forgiveness/cancellation, the environemnt including climate change, and energy security. 06-49404 45 A/60/1002 S/2006/718 Role of Regional Organisations 119. The Ministers underscored the important role that regional arrangements and agencies, composed of Non-Aligned and other developing countries, can play in the promotion of regional peace and security as well as economic and social development through cooperation among countries in the region. 120. The Ministers called for the intensification of the process of consultations, cooperation, and coordination between the UN and regional and sub-regional organisations, arrangements, or agencies, in accordance with Chapter VIII of the UN Charter, as well as on their mandate, scope and composition, which is useful and can contribute to the maintenance of international peace and security. 121. The Ministers recalled the UN Declaration on the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD) and called on the international community to renew commitment for NEPAD and other related initiatives for Africa, noting in this regard the efforts exerted by the African Union and other regional economic communities in the area of economic integration, as well as ongoing efforts by the African Union in the operationalisation of the provision contained in General Assembly resolution 59/213 highlighting the particular areas of required support by the UN system to the African Union, in the social, economic, political, peace and security areas, and express their full commitment to continue to advocate the necessity for continued international support required to meet the special needs of Africa as contained in the Millennium Declaration and the 2005 World Outcome Summit. 46 06-49404 A/60/1002 S/2006/718 CHAPTER II: REGIONAL AND SUB-REGIONAL POLITICAL ISSUES Middle East Peace Process 122. The Ministers reaffirmed their support for the Middle East peace process based on Security Council resolutions 242, 338, 425, 1397 and 1515 and on the principle of land for peace. They rejected attempts to alter the terms of reference of the peace process and further rejected the imposition of unilateral measures and plans aimed at imposing an unlawful unilateral solution by Israel, the occupying Power. They stressed the need for a resumption of direct and substantial negotiations between the parties for the achievement of a comprehensive, just lasting and peaceful settlement, based on the relevant UN resolutions and in accordance with the rules and principles of international law enshrined therein. In this regard, they reiterated the necessity and urgency of ending the prolonged and unlawful Israeli occupation of all of the Arab territories occupied since 1967. They further reaffirmed their long-standing position in support of the establishment of the independent State of Palestine in all of the Palestinian Territory occupied by Israel in 1967, including East Jerusalem as its capital. 123. The Ministers accordingly called for the intensification of efforts by the international community for a revival of the peace process and for ensuring respect of international law, including international humanitarian law and human rights law. They stressed the need for the urgent resumption of the peace process on all tracks in the Middle East towards the attainment of a comprehensive peace and regional stability. They further stressed in specific the roles and responsibilities undertaken by the Quartet and called upon the Quartet to exert serious efforts and actions to bring about a resumption of negotiations between the Israeli and Palestinian sides towards the honest and good-will implementation of the Road Map for the achievement of a permanent two-State solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. They called upon the Quartet to engage the Security Council, considering the Council's Charter authority and responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security. They reaffirmed their support for the Arab Peace Initiative adopted by the XIV Arab Summit in Beirut in 2002, welcomed the decision of the recent Arab Summit in Khartoum to reinvigorate the Arab Peace Initiative, and further called for the intensification of efforts toward that end. They urged the Security Council as well to act upon that initiative towards achieving a just and comprehensive peace in the Middle East. Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem 124. The Ministers reaffirmed their adherence to the positions concerning Palestine adopted by the XIV Ministerial Conference of NAM, held in Durban in August 2004, as the guideline for the NonAligned Countries with regard to the question of Palestine, and further reaffirmed as well their adherence to the positions set forth in the Statement on Palestine adopted by the XIII NAM Summit, held in Kuala Lumpur in February 2003. 125. The Ministers expressed their deep regret at the lack of progress made to address the major issues and follow-up core positions regarding the question of Palestine and further expressed their concern about the serious deterioration of the situation. They also expressed in particular their grave concern at the extremely difficult political, economic, social and humanitarian situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, as a result of continuing unlawful policies and practices by Israel, the occupying Power. They condemned the ongoing Israeli military campaign against the Palestinian people by which the occupying Power has continued to commit grave human rights violations and war crimes, including the killing and injuring of Palestinian civilians by use of excessive and indiscriminate force as well as the continued practice of extrajudicial executions, the destruction of properties, infrastructure and agricultural lands, and the detention and imprisonment of thousands of 06-49404 47 A/60/1002 S/2006/718 Palestinians. They demanded that Israel, the occupying Power, immediately cease all such violations of international law, including international humanitarian and human rights law. 126. The Ministers condemned Israel's continued imposition of collective punishment upon the Palestinian people, including in particular the severe restrictions on the movement of persons and goods via closures and hundreds of checkpoints, some of which have been transformed into structures similar to permanent international border crossings, including at Qalandiya and Bethlehem, in the middle of the Occupied Palestinian Territory, away from the 1967 border (Green Line). They stressed that such unlawful Israeli practices are in effect strangling the Palestinian economy and society, are physically severing the northern, central and southern parts of the Occupied Palestinian Territory into separate and isolated areas, and are undermining its territorial integrity and contiguity. In this connection, they reiterated their grave concern and strong condemnation regarding Israel's continuing intensive campaign of settler colonialism, including vast land confiscations and the construction and expansion of illegal settlements, and condemned Israel's intentions to proceed with the dangerous and illegal E-1 plan in and around Occupied East Jerusalem as well as its declared plans to illegally annex the Jordan Valley. 127. The Ministers reiterated their condemnation of Israel's continuing construction of the Wall throughout the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including in and around East Jerusalem, in flagrant violation of international law and disregard for the Advisory Opinion of the International Court of Justice of 9 July 2004 and General Assembly resolution ES-10/15 of 20 July 2004. They expressed their deep concern at the physical, economic and social devastation being caused by the Wall, which is dissecting the Territory into several walled and isolated cantons and severing Occupied East Jerusalem from the rest of the Occupied Palestinian Territory. In this regard, they further reiterated that, if completed, the Wall, along with Israel's illegal settlement campaign and fortification of illegal checkpoints, will render the two-State solution impossible to achieve. They therefore stressed the urgency and obligation of respect for and compliance with both the Advisory Opinion and resolution ES-10/15 by Israel, the occupying power, by Member States and by the UN. They further expressed their disappointment at the lack of progress made by the UN Secretariat in establishing the register of damages caused by the Wall, as called for in resolution ES-10/15, and called upon the SecretaryGeneral to exert all necessary efforts to expedite this matter. 128. The Ministers expressed their regret at the deepening economic, social and humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip following the implementation of Israel's unilateral disengagement plan. While taking note of the withdrawal of Israeli forces from within Gaza and the dismantlement of settlements therein, as well as from parts of the northern West Bank, they noted with alarm that Israel continues to carry out military attacks against civilian areas in the Gaza Strip and to impose policies causing continued economic and social deprivation in Gaza. In this connection, they stressed the dangers of the Israeli Government's continuing unilateral measures in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and further expressed their rejection of its declared intentions to proceed with further unlawful unilateral plans in the West Bank. They reaffirmed that such plans are unlawful, unacceptable and cannot alter the terms of reference of the peace process nor negate the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people. Accordingly, they called for intensification of efforts by the Quartet and the entire international community to revive the peace process and promote negotiations between the two sides and to pursue the full and honest implementation of the Road Map towards ending the occupation of the Palestinian Territory that was occupied in 1967, including East Jerusalem, and thus realising the two-State solution. They called on the Quartet to engage the Security Council, considering the Council's Charter authority and responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security. They also emphasised the importance of the decisions of the recent Arab Summit in Khartoum, especially the call for reinvigoration of the Arab Peace Initiative adopted in Beirut in 2002. 129. The Ministers expressed deep concern at the intensifying hardships being faced by the Palestinian people during the current period following the 25 January 2006 elections for the Palestinian Legislative 48 06-49404 A/60/1002 S/2006/718 Council and the increasing financial and political isolation being imposed on the Palestinian Authority by some members of the international community in the aftermath of the elections. They called upon Israel, the occupying Power, to refrain from withholding tax revenue transfers due to the Palestinian Authority, which is deepening the financial crisis of the Authority. They rejected the punishment of the Palestinian people for the democratic election of their representatives, and instead reaffirmed the necessity of upholding international law, international humanitarian law, including in particular the Fourth Geneva Convention, and the purposes and principles of the UN Charter with regard to the question of Palestine under all circumstances. They further reaffirmed the permanent responsibility of the UN, including the General Assembly and the Security Council, towards the question of Palestine until it is resolved in all its aspects on the basis of international law, including a just resolution to the plight of the refugees in accordance with General Assembly Resolution 194. They called upon the UN not to reward illegal positions and intransigence and to increase its efforts towards the achievement of a just, comprehensive and lasting peace settlement, based on the two-State solution, and the achievement of the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people. The Ministers further reaffirmed their commitment to a peaceful solution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and to the right of the Palestinian people to exercise self-determination and sovereignty in their independent State of Palestine, on the basis of the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital. Occupied Syrian Golan 130. The Ministers reaffirmed that all measures and actions taken, or to be taken by Israel, the occupying Power, such as its illegal decision of 14 December 1981 that purports to alter the legal, physical and demographic status of the occupied Syrian Golan and its institutional structure, as well as the Israeli measures to apply its jurisdiction and administration there, are null and void and have no legal effect. They further reaffirmed that all such measures and actions, including the illegality of Israeli settlement construction and expansion activities in the Occupied Syrian Golan since 1967, constitute a flagrant violation of international law, international conventions, the Charter and decisions of the UN, particularly Security Council Resolution 497 (1981), the Fourth Geneva Convention of 12 August 1949 on the Protection of Civilians in Time of War, and the defiance of will of the international community. They reiterated the Movement's demand that Israel comply with Security Council Resolution 497 (1981) and withdraw fully from the occupied Syrian Golan to the lines of 4 June 1967, in implementation of Security Council Resolutions 242 and 338, and that Israel adheres to the Madrid terms of reference based on the principle of land for peace, which are in their entirety considered to be a primary and basic element in the negotiation process that should be adhered to, including the immediate commencement of the demarcation of the 4 June 1967 line. 131. The Ministers reaffirmed the Movement's unwavering support and solidarity with the Syrian just demand and rights to restore the full Syrian sovereignty over the occupied Syrian Golan on the basis of the terms of reference of the Arab Peace Initiative, the Madrid Peace Process, the Security Council resolutions, as well as the principle of land for peace. They again demanded that Israel respects all commitments and pledges it entered into with the aim of laying down the basis for a substantive progress on the Syrian-Israeli track. Remaining Occupied Lands in Southern Lebanon 132. The Ministers expressed their support for Lebanon in its efforts to regain the Lebanese territories of Chebaa farmlands and the Kfarshouba Hills occupied by Israel, according to Security Council Resolution 425 (1978), and also supported the contacts undertaken by the Lebanese Government to establish the Lebanese identity of the Chebaa farmlands, and to delineate them according to rules and procedures applied by the UN, while asserting the legitimate right of Lebanon to resist the Israeli occupation of the remaining Lebanese occupied territories, in accordance with international law and relevant UN resolutions, and to liberate those lands and defend the Lebanese dignity in the face of Israeli aggression. They also called for the immediate ending of the on-going Israeli violations of the Lebanese sovereignty and territorial integrity, and for the release of all Lebanese detained in Israeli prisons, in defiance of the Fourth Geneva Conventions of 1949 and its 06-49404 49 A/60/1002 S/2006/718 relevant protocols, and for Israel to submit the comprehensive maps of the minefields it has laid down in Lebanese territories during its occupation, they reiterated their support for the demining assistance in South Lebanon. They condemned the Israeli threats, recent aggressions and violations on the Lebanese territories and expressed their solidarity with Lebanon in this respect. Africa Angola 133. The Ministers noted with satisfaction the progress reached in the consolidation of the peace process in Angola, particularly in the strengthening of Democratic and Public Order Institutions, which are crucial to the expansion of national unity, as well as the promotion of political, economic, and social stability in the country. 134. The Ministers urged the international community, especially the international financial institutions, to continue supporting the Government of Angola in its efforts towards macroeconomic stability. They also reiterated the need for the continuation of measures at the international level in order to boost growth and economic development in the country. Chagos Archipelago 135. The Ministers reaffirmed that Chagos Archipelago, including Diego Garcia, is an integral part of the sovereign territory of the Republic of Mauritius. In this regard, they called on once again the former colonial power to pursue constructive dialogue expeditiously with Mauritius with a view to enable Mauritius to exercise its sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago. Libyan Arab Jamahiriya 136. The Ministers recalled previous positions of the Movement and reiterated their deep regret for the conviction of Libyan citizen Abdulbasit El-Magrahi, and demanded the immediate release of the said citizen, in view of the fact that his conviction was politically motivated, without any valid legal grounds, as confirmed by the UN Observers, and large numbers of international legal experts. In this context, they called upon the international community and human rights Organisations to exert pressure on the governments concerned to secure his release. 137. The Ministers welcomed the lifting of unilateral sanctions imposed on Libya, and acknowledged Libya's right to compensation for the damages incurred as a consequence of these sanctions. Somalia 138. The Ministers commended the Intergovernmental Authority and Development (IGAD) efforts for the Somali Reconciliation held in Nairobi, Kenya, which resulted in the establishment of the Transitional Federal Institutions and the role of the international community to facilitate the relocation of the Government inside Somalia as well as the efforts of the President and Prime Minister of the Transitional Federal Government of Somalia and the Speaker of the Transitional Federal Parliament of Somalia toward reconciliation and dialogue, particularly the signing of the Aden Declaration, which culminated in the convening of the First Session of the Transitional Federal Parliament inside Somalia. They emphasised that the situation in Somalia and the objective of long-term stability can most effectively be addressed if the international community and the UN Security Council in particular play their role, including the process of rebuilding national institutions in Somalia. They urged the international community to address the funding requirements of the Transitional Federal Government of Somalia for disarmament, demobilisation and rehabilitation programmes; the reconstruction and 50 06-49404 A/60/1002 S/2006/718 development as well as the institutional capacity building. They viewed with serious concern the severe draught which has decimated a large number of livestock and caused widespread famine in Somalia. 139. The Ministers welcomed the UN Security Council Presidential Statement of 15 March 2006, which welcomed the decision of the African Union (AU) Summit of 25 January 2006 on Somalia, including the deployment of the IGAD Support Mission (IGASOM) to be followed by the AU Peace Support Mission. They further welcomed the consultative meeting of IGAD and the international community in Nairobi, Kenya on 18 April 2006, which addressed the National Security and Stabilisation Plan in Somalia as requested by the UN Security Council. They urged the UN Security Council to give the Somali Government an exemption from the arms embargo imposed through Security Council Resolution 733 (1992) since it is important for the Somali Government to establish effective national security forces. They strongly condemned the recent fighting in Mogadishu in which many civilians were killed, and emphasised that no measure of violence can alleviate the plight of the Somali people nor bring stability, peace or security to their country, and called for an immediate end of all acts of violence in Somalia. Deliberate acts of violence should not be allowed to undermine the commitment of the Somali Government to restore the rule of law throughout the country. The Sudan 140. The Ministers commended the African Union (AU), the IGAD and the Friends of IGAD for their indispensable role and efforts, which had culminated in the achievement of a Comprehensive Peace Agreement in January 2005 in The Sudan, hence ending one of the longest running wars in the African continent and thereby contributing to regional peace. They welcomed the signing on 5 May 2006 of the Darfur Peace Agreement in Abuja, Nigeria as a historic step towards lasting peace in Darfur, and further commended the AU for its leading role and efforts in sustaining peace and stability in the Darfur region. They expressed the Movement's resolve, therefore, to support The Sudan as well as the AU and IGAD in their efforts to sustain and reinforce peace in that country, and called on the international community to do likewise. 141. The Ministers reiterated their commitment to the sovereignty, unity, independence and territorial integrity of The Sudan. Western Sahara 29 [i. The Ministers reiterated the support of the Movement for the efforts of the UN to organise and supervise an impartial, free and fair referendum in accordance with the Settlement Plan, the Houston Agreements and with relevant Security Council and UN resolutions. (Reference: paragraph 168 of the Final Document of the XIV Ministerial Conference of NAM, Durban, August 2004) (Algeria ­ to be retained)] [ii. The Ministers reaffirmed their support for the Peace Plan for Self-Determination of the People of Western Sahara as an optimum political solution on the basis of agreement between the two parties. (Reference: paragraph 169 of the Final Document of the XIV Ministerial Conference of NAM, Durban, August 2004) (Algeria ­ to be retained)] [iii. The Ministers reaffirmed also their strong support for the efforts of the Secretary-General and his Personal Envoy in order to achieve a mutually acceptable political solution to the dispute over Western Sahara. (Reference: paragraph 170 of the Final Document of the XIV Ministerial Conference of NAM, Durban, August 2004) (Algeria ­ to be retained)] [iv. The Ministers called upon all the parties and the States of the region to cooperate fully with the Secretary-General and his Personal Envoy. (Reference: paragraph 171 of the Final Document of the XIV Ministerial Conference of NAM, Durban, August 2004) (Algeria ­ to be retained)] 29 All six proposed paragraphs concerning Western Sahara remain pending and will be referred to the XIV NAM Summit in Havana in September 2006. 06-49404 51 A/60/1002 S/2006/718 [v. The Ministers reiterated their call upon the parties and States of the region to continue to cooperate fully with the United Nations, in order to overcome the current impasse and to achieve progress towards a political solution. (Reference: based on paragraph 171 of the Final Document of the XIV Ministerial Conference of NAM, Durban, August 2004) (Morocco)] [vi. The Ministers continued to strongly support the efforts of the Secretary General and his Personal Envoy and urged the parties in the region to engage in direct negotiations in order to achieve a mutually acceptable political solution to the dispute over Western Sahara. They took also duly note of the undertaking by Morocco to submit a proposal in this context and acknowledged the revitalization of the Royal Advisory Council for Saharan Affairs, as a representative and inclusive institution. (Reference: based on paragraph 170 of the Final Document of the XIV Ministerial Conference of NAM, Durban, August 2004) (Morocco)] Asia Afghanistan 142. The Ministers reiterated their commitment to the sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and national unity of Afghanistan. They recognised that the challenges faced by the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan and its people are enormous. Recognising the interconnected nature of the challenges in Afghanistan, they noted that sustainable progress on development, security and governance was mutually reinforcing. They further recognised that the establishment of peace and security was essential for the reconstruction, rehabilitation and humanitarian relief efforts to be successful in that country. 143. ["The Ministers expressed their deep concern that the terrorist groups including former Taliban cadres were regrouping in the Southern and Eastern parts of Afghanistan. Equally of concern was that the efforts of the international community to fight terrorism were being undermined by support, protection and shelter that these forces of destabilization continued to receive."] 30 144. In view of these circumstances, they welcomed the holding of Parliamentary and Provincial Council Elections on 18 September 2005 and the subsequent formation of representative Government, which concluded the Bonn Agreement of 5 December 2005. 145. The Ministers also recalled the importance of the Kabul Declaration of 22 December 2002 on GoodNeighbourly Relations, in which a commitment to constructive and supportive bilateral relationships based on the principles of territorial integrity, mutual respect, friendly relations, cooperation and non-interference in each others' internal affairs have been reaffirmed, and noted that regional cooperation constituted an effective means to promote security and development in Afghanistan. 146. The Ministers expressed the Movement's resolve therefore to: 146.1. Support the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan and its leadership in defending and preserving its sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and national unity, including through eliminating the threats to its peace and security; 146.2. ["Urge States to refrain from extending support, protection and shelter to former Taliban cadres, recognising that failure to do so would seriously undermine efforts by the international community to combat terrorism in Afghanistan, and expressing concern that terrorist groups were regrouping in the Southern and Eastern parts of Afghanistan."]31 30 31 This paragraph remains pending and will be referred to the XIV NAM Summit in Havana in September 2006. This paragraph remains pending and will be referred to the XIV NAM Summit in Havana in September 2006. 52 06-49404 A/60/1002 S/2006/718 146.3. Contribute to the reconstruction, rehabilitation and humanitarian relief efforts in Afghanistan, mindful of the concrete measures already taken by Non-Aligned Countries thereof; and 146.4. Support efforts by the international donor community, including Non-Aligned Countries, geared toward ensuring the successful implementation of the interim Afghanistan National Development Strategy (iANDS) and the Afghanistan Compact adopted in London, 31 January-1 February 2006. Iraq and Kuwait 147. The Ministers strongly condemned the grave violation of human rights and the killing of Iraqi, Kuwaiti and other third country nationals by the former Iraqi regime, in disregard of the provisions of international law and international humanitarian law. They called for measures or actions to be taken to bring to justice those in the former Iraqi regime responsible for committing such crimes. Iraq 148. The Ministers welcomed the progress that was made in implementing the arrangements of the Iraqi political process according to the timelines stipulated in Security Council Resolution 1546 (2004), particularly the referendum of the Constitution on 15 October 2005 and the Legislative Elections on 15 December 2005, which has led to the election of the new Parliament for the upcoming four years. They further welcomed the elected Iraqi President, the Iraqi Prime Minister and the Speaker of the new Iraqi National Assembly, and expressed their support to the new Iraqi Government in its efforts to achieve security, stability and prosperity for the Iraqi people and to maintain independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. 149. The Ministers condemned all acts of terrorism in Iraq and recognised that these acts, supported by organised crime, are targeting the Iraqi infrastructure, service sectors and all other aspects of life, and that the usual victims of these crimes are the civilians and the innocent Iraqi people. They deplored all forms of acts of terror aiming at sectarian sedition, and they called upon the international community and all States, especially the regional States, to extend any possible assistance to the Iraqi Government in its effort to defeat terrorism and eliminate it. 150. The Ministers emphasised that the UN Monitoring, Verification and Inspection Commission (UNMOVIC) had done its work in disarming the previous Iraqi regime from weapons of mass destruction. They further emphasised that Iraq is now entering a new era and circumstances which requires the Government to utilise its resources for the reconstruction of Iraq and the welfare of its people. They also emphasised that the time had come to review the mandate of the UNMOVIC, in accordance with Security Council resolutions 1546 (2004) and 1483 (2003), and as recommended by the UN Secretary-General,32 to close this chapter permanently. 151. The Ministers called upon all States to cooperate and coordinate their efforts in combating the illegal trade and trafficking of Iraqi antiques, and in returning the recovered artworks to Iraqi museums. 152. The Ministers confirmed their support to rebuild Iraq and welcomed the endeavours of the Iraqi government in the reconstruction process. They called upon all States and international Organisations to provide all kinds of support and assistance to meet the Iraqi needs and to facilitate contributions and efforts designated to reactivate its organisational bodies, economic institutions and infrastructure. Thus, they welcomed the commitment of the Paris Club to substantially reduce Iraq's sovereign debts and urged the other creditors to follow suit. 32 As contained in paragraph 117 of the Report of the UN Secretary-General entitled "Mandating and delivering: analysis and recommendations to facilitate the review of mandates" (A/60/733). 06-49404 53 A/60/1002 S/2006/718 Korean Peninsula 153. Acknowledging the importance of guaranteeing a durable peace and security in the Korean peninsula for the sake of the common prosperity of the Korean people as well as the peace and security of North-east Asia and the rest of the world, the Ministers expressed their support towards efforts to reunify the Korean peninsula through the genuine aspirations and concerted efforts of the Korean peoples themselves in a way as is stated in the North-South Joint Declaration issued at the historic North-South Summit Talks held in Pyongyang on 15 June 2000. 154. The Ministers expressed their desire for the realisation of the denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula and continued support for the resumption of the Six-Party Talks at the soonest possible time, stressing the latter's vital role in achieving a peaceful negotiated resolution to the nuclear issue. In this regard, they further expressed their support for the Joint Statement of Principles on the Denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula of 19 September 2005 and for its expeditious and faithful implementation. Southeast Asia 155. The Ministers reiterated the call to solve all sovereignty and territorial disputes in the South China Sea by peaceful means without resorting to force and/or threat to use force, and urged all parties to exercise restraint with a view to creating a positive climate for the eventual resolution of all contentious issues. In this context, they reaffirmed their support for the principles contained in the 1992 ASEAN Declaration on the South China Sea as well as the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea and stressed the need for the full implementation of such principles by all concerned. They expressed their hope that all parties concerned would refrain from any actions that may undermine peace, stability, trust and confidence in the region. They further reaffirmed their respect for and commitment to the freedom of navigation in and over-flight above the South China Sea as provided for by the universally recognised principles of international law. To this end, they welcomed the efforts by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and China to effectively implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea 33 as an important step to achieve a Code of Conduct in the South China Sea, which would help to create a conducive environment for the maintenance of international peace and stability in the region. They further welcomed the positive contribution of the ongoing bilateral and multilateral consultations among the parties concerned at the intergovernmental level, the extensive consultations at the ASEAN-China Dialogue, the regular exchange of views in the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), and the informal Workshops on Managing Potential Conflicts in the South China Sea and encouraged their continuance. Syrian Arab Republic 156. The Ministers expressed deep concern over the imposition of unilateral sanctions against the Syrian Arab Republic by the Government of the United States, and they considered that the so-called "Syria Accountability Act" is contrary to international law and a violation of the purposes and principles of the UN Charter. They called on the Government of the United States to declare that Act as null and void, and further called on the two countries to dialogue based on respect and mutual interest for the best of the two nations and the peoples. 33 The Declaration was signed on 4 November 2002 during the ASEAN-China Summit in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. 54 06-49404 A/60/1002 S/2006/718 Latin America and the Caribbean Belize and Guatemala 157. The Ministers welcomed the fact that on 7 September 2005, Belize and Guatemala signed a new "Agreement on a Framework of Negotiations and Confidence Building Measures" that establishes the process for a new round of negotiations designed to reach an equitable solution of the territorial differendum that is general, definitive, honourable and permanent. They noted the important elements of the Agreement, especially the key role of the Secretary General of the Organisation of American States (OAS), within the new round of negotiations thereon. They expressed confidence that the effective implementation of the Agreement could contribute to the culmination of the Parties' commendable efforts toward the peaceful settlement of the territorial dispute, and urged the support and assistance of the international community. Cuba 158. The Ministers again called upon the Government of the United States of America to put an end to the economic, commercial and financial embargo against Cuba which, in addition to being unilateral and contrary to the UN Charter and international law, and to the principle of neighbourliness, is causing huge material losses and economic damage to the people of Cuba. They once again urged strict compliance with the Resolutions 47/19, 48/16, 49/9, 50/10, 51/17, 52/10, 53/4, 54/21, 55/20, 56/9, 57/11, 58/7, 59/11 and 60/12 of the UN General Assembly. They expressed deep concern over the widening of the extra-territorial nature of the embargo against Cuba and rejected the reinforcement of the measures adopted by the US government, aimed at tightening the embargo. They also urged the Government of the United States to return the territory now occupied by the Guantánamo Naval Base to Cuban sovereignty, and to put an end to aggressive radio and television transmission against Cuba. They reiterated that those measures constitute a violation of Cuba's sovereignty and a massive violation of the human rights of its people. Venezuela 159. The Ministers expressed support for the Constitutional Government of President Hugo Chavez Frias, who was democratically elected and ratified by the majority of the Venezuelan people. They recognised the proven impartiality and reliability of the Electoral Constitutional Power in guaranteeing fair, transparent and trustworthy elections in December 2006. They viewed with concern the aggressive policies of the Government of the United States and stated the inalienable right of the people of Venezuela to determine their own form of Government and to choose their own economic, political and social system free from outside intervention, subversion, coercion, and constraint of any kind whatsoever. 160. The Ministers expressed support for the extradition request that the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela interposed to the Government of the United States for bringing to justice those responsible for the terrorist attack on a Cubana de Aviación aircraft in October 1976, which caused the death to 73 innocent civilians. In this context, they rejected the protection given to individuals accused of perpetrating terrorist acts in Venezuela, which impedes the Venezuelan authorities to bring them to justice. 06-49404 55 A/60/1002 S/2006/718 CHAPTER III: DEVELOPMENT, SOCIAL AND HUMAN RIGHTS ISSUES Introduction 161. The Ministers associated themselves with and reaffirmed all of the positions of the Group of 77 and China concerning economic and social development issues and other related issues, as contained in the outcome documents of the Second South Summit held in Doha, Qatar from 12 to 16 June 2005, the Annual Ministerial Meeting of the G-77 and China held in New York in September 2005, and the Special Ministerial Meeting of the G-77 and China in Putrajaya, Malaysia on 29 May 2006. They affirmed the Movement's commitment to work towards the full implementation of the decisions and recommendations contained in those documents, and called on the international community, including international financial institutions as well as regional development banks, to support efforts of developing countries, toward that end. 162. The Ministers emphasised that economic and social development should remain the centrepiece of the deliberations at the UN, and that the achievement of the internationally agreed development goals, including the MDGs, should continue to be the over-arching framework of the UN. They further emphasised the need for strengthened enhanced global partnership for development based on the recognition of national leadership and ownership of development strategies for the full implementation of the outcomes of the major UN conferences and summits in the economic, social and related fields. They also stressed the need to strengthen the existing mechanisms and establish where needed, effective mechanisms to review and follow-up the implementation of the outcomes of all the major UN conferences and summits in the social, economic and related fields. 163. The Ministers stressed that each country has the sovereign right to determine its own development priorities and strategies, and called upon the international community to categorically reject any conditionality in the provision of development assistance. 164. The Ministers emphasised the need for undertaking concrete actions and measures at all levels for the full implementation of Agenda 21 and the Johannesburg Programme of Implementation, based on the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities as set out in Principle 7 of the Rio Declaration on Environment and Development. They further called for the early and full implementation of the Bali Strategic Plan for Capacity Building and Technology Support for the developing countries. 165. The Ministers recognised that the increasing interdependence of national economies in a globalising world and the emergence of rule-based regimes for international economic relations have meant that the space for national economic policy, i.e. the scope for domestic policies, especially in the areas of trade, investment, and industrial development, is now often framed by international disciplines, commitments and global market considerations. It is for each government to evaluate the trade-off between the benefits of accepting international rules and commitments and the constraints posed by the loss of policy space, and emphasised that it is particularly important for developing countries, bearing in mind development goals and objectives, that all countries take into account the need for appropriate balance between national policy space and international disciplines and commitments. 166. The Ministers expressed the need to encourage greater direct investment, including foreign investment, to developing countries and countries with economies in transition to support their development activities. They further called for enhanced investment for the development of infrastructural facilities in developing countries. 56 06-49404 A/60/1002 S/2006/718 Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries, and Small Island Developing States 167. The Ministers recognised the special needs of the least developed countries (LDCs), the small island developing states (SIDS), and the landlocked developing countries (LLDCs) within a new global framework for transit transport cooperation for landlocked and transit developing countries, and reaffirmed the need for continued support and assistance for their endeavours, particularly in their efforts to achieve the internationally agreed development goals, including those contained in the Millennium Declaration, and the Brussels Programme of Action for the LDCs for the Decade 2001-2010, the Mauritius Strategy for the Further Implementation of the Barbados Programme of Action for the Sustainable Development of SIDS, and the Almaty Programme of Action. 168. The Ministers emphasised the need to continue to pay special attention to the situation of developing countries emerging from conflict, in particular LDCs, with a view to enabling them to rehabilitate and reconstruct, as appropriate, their political, social and economic infrastructures and to assist them in achieving their development objectives. Trade 169. The Ministers stressed the importance of facilitating the accession of all developing countries, in particular the LDCs, as well as countries with economies in transition, that apply for membership in the World Trade Organisation (WTO), consistent with its criteria and taking into account their development level, bearing in mind paragraph 21 of General Assembly resolution 55/182 and subsequent developments, and called for the effective and faithful application of the WTO guidelines on accession by the LDCs. 170. The Ministers reaffirmed the commitment made at the Doha Round of Trade Negotiations and the decision of the World Trade Organisation General Council of 1 August 2004 to fulfilling the development dimension of the Doha Development Agenda and called for the successful and timely conclusion of the Doha Round of Negotiations with the fullest realisation of the development dimensions of the Doha Work Programme. 171. The Ministers reiterated the importance of fully responding to the concerns raised by developing countries in paragraph 8 of the Doha Plan of Action, in particular, regarding the realisation of all areas of the Doha Work Programme, especially in agriculture, non-agriculture market access, services, Trade Related Intellectual Property System (TRIPS) rules as well as operational and meaningful special and differential treatment for developing countries. They also called for action to accelerate the work on the development related mandate concerning the TRIPS Agreement and the implementation related issues in the Doha Ministerial Declaration, especially on the issues of making intellectual property rules of TRIPS supportive of the objectives of the Convention on Biological Diversity as well as trade-related aspects of the TRIPS and Public Health. 172. The Ministers reiterated the important role of UNCTAD as the focal point of the UN for the integrated treatment of trade and development and interrelated issues in the areas of finance, technology, investment and sustainable development. They committed themselves to work towards the strengthening of UNCTAD, to enhance its contribution in its three major pillars, namely consensus building, research and policy analysis, and technical assistance. They further reiterated the need to operationalise the new functions mandated by UNCTAD XI in the areas of policy space and corporate responsibility and to reinvigorate its intergovernmental machinery of UNCTAD. 06-49404 57 A/60/1002 S/2006/718 South-South Cooperation 173. Recognising the increasing importance of South-South trade and economic cooperation, and the changing context of North-South interdependence and terms of engagement, the Ministers called for a more energetic effort to deepen and enhance South-South cooperation, including triangular cooperation, bearing in mind that such cooperation is not a substitute to North- South cooperation. 174. The Ministers reaffirmed the role of South-South cooperation in the overall context of multilateralism, as a continuing process vital to confront the challenges faced by the South, and as valuable contribution to development, and the need to further strengthen it, including through enhancing the capacities of the institutions and the arrangements that promote such cooperation. 175. The Ministers invited all the parties involved to conclude the Third Round of the Global System of Trade Preferences (GSTP) as early as possible and encouraged other developing countries to consider participating in the GSTP. 176. Consistent with and guided by the afore-mentioned principled positions and affirming the need to defend, preserve and promote these positions, the Ministers agreed to undertake the following measures, among others: 176.1. Strengthen national capacities in order to enhance the individual and collective resilience of Non-Aligned Countries, which could be achieved particularly through expanding, deepening and enriching South-South cooperation in all areas of relations among them, including through undertaking concrete projects and programmes, pooling of resources, and tapping the contributions of eminent personalities and institutions of the South. In this regard, the South Fund for Development and Humanitarian Assistance established by the Second South Summit of the Group of 77 and China could greatly contribute to achieving the goals and objectives of South-South cooperation; 176.2. Encourage Member States to elaborate South-South cooperation arrangements, including sectoral cooperation arrangements, and other partnerships that promote South-South cooperation; 176.3. Promote on a voluntary basis trade agreements among developing countries as a tool for strengthening South-South economic cooperation; 176.4. Promote and strengthen regional and sub-regional integration through groupings and other arrangements on the basis of mutual benefit, complementarities and solidarity among developing countries with a view to facilitating and accelerating the economic growth and development of their economies; 176.5. Encourage the NAM Centre for South-South Technical Cooperation (NAM-CSSTC), 34 consistent with its terms of reference, to continue to organise training and capacity building programmes for NonAligned Countries, and in this regard, further encourage them to provide necessary assistance on a voluntary basis to the Centre towards achieving its established goals and objectives; 176.6. Encourage the NAM Business Forum on South-South Cooperation,35 consistent with its terms of reference, to continue with its initiatives to enhance South-South trade and business relations and, in this regard, further encourage the business sector of Non-Aligned Countries to participate in its initiatives geared toward achieving its established goals and objectives; and Information concerning the NAM Centre for South-South Technical Cooperation, located in Jakarta, Indonesia, can be obtained from its website at www.csstc.org. 35 Information concerning the NAM Business Forum, jointly spearheaded by India and Malaysia, can be obtained from its website at www.asli.com.my/nam/htm. 34 58 06-49404 A/60/1002 S/2006/718 176.7. Encourage UN Member States to support international development funds aimed at financing the implementation of South-South Cooperation projects, such as the Perez Guerrero Fund. International Migration and Development 177. The Ministers reaffirmed the responsibility of Governments to safeguard and protect the rights of migrants against illegal or violent acts, in particular acts of racial discrimination and crimes perpetrated with racist or xenophobic motivation by individuals or groups, and urged them to reinforce measures in this regard. 178. The Ministers recognised that trafficking in persons and smuggling of migrants continue to pose a serious challenge to humanity and require concerted international response, and urged to that end, all States to devise, enforce and strengthen effective measures to prevent, combat and eliminate all forms of trafficking in persons to counter the demand for trafficked victims and to protect the victims, in particular women and children subjected to forced labour, or sexual or commercial exploitation, violence and sexual abuse. 179. The Ministers encouraged efforts by Member States and the international community to promote a balanced and comprehensive approach to international migration and development, particularly by building partnerships and ensuring coordinated action to develop capacities, including for the management of migration. 180. The Ministers welcomed the decision of the UN General Assembly to hold a High-Level Dialogue on International Migration and Development in September 2006, to discuss the multi-dimensional aspects of international migration and development in order to identify ways and means to maximise its development benefits and minimise its negative impacts, and called for a genuine contribution of all Member States to the success of the High-Level Dialogue on International Migration and Development. 181. The Ministers took note of the initiatives undertaken by Member States, relevant regional and international inter-governmental organisations at the regional and international levels to promote dialogue and cooperation on international migration and development, including its contribution to the preparation of the High-Level Dialogue. 182. The Ministers emphasised the need for countries of destination of migrants to adopt policies to reduce the cost of transferring migrant remittances to developing countries. 183. The Ministers further underscored the need for the international community to address the negative impact the migration of highly skilled personnel and those with advanced education from many developing countries has on the development efforts of their country of origin. Water 184. The Ministers stressed the need to assist developing countries in their efforts to prepare integrated water resources management and water efficiency plans as part of their national development strategies and to provide access to safe drinking water and basic sanitation in accordance with the Millennium Declaration and the Johannesburg Plan of Implementation, including halving by 2015 of the proposition of people who are unable to reach or afford safe drinking water and who do not have access to basic sanitation. 185. The Ministers stressed the need to intensify water pollution prevention to reduce health hazards and protect ecosystems by introducing technologies for affordable sanitation and industrial and domestic wastewater treatment, by mitigating the effects of groundwater contamination and by establishing, at the national level, monitoring systems and effective legal frameworks. 06-49404 59 A/60/1002 S/2006/718 186. The Ministers recalled what was agreed by the UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights in November 2002, recognised the importance of water as a vital and finite natural resource, which has an economic, social and environmental function, and acknowledged the right to water for all. 187. The Ministers emphasised the need to improve water resource management and scientific understanding of the water cycle through cooperation in joint observation and research, and for this purpose, encourage and promote knowledge-sharing and provide capacity-building and the transfer of technology, as mutually agreed, including remote-sensing and satellite technologies, particularly to developing countries and countries with economies in transition. The Dead Sea 188. The Ministers expressed concern over the continuous deterioration and degradation of the unique ecosystem of the Dead Sea and emphasised the importance of working progressively towards reversing this environmental catastrophe. They drew attention of the international community to the need for international action to protect the Dead Sea and prevent any further environmental degradation of its ecosystem through concessional grants. The Caribbean Sea 189. The Ministers expressed concern over the continued shipment of hazardous wastes through the waters of the Caribbean Sea, and drew the attention of the international community to the need for international action for the Caribbean Sea to be considered as a special area within the context of sustainable development. Energy 190. The Ministers emphasised the need to diversify energy supply by developing advanced, cleaner, more efficient, affordable and cost-effective energy technologies, including fossil fuel technologies and renewable energy technologies, hydro included, and their transfer to developing countries on concessional terms as mutually agreed. With a sense of urgency, substantially increase the global share of renewable energy sources with the objective of increasing its contribution to total energy supply, recognizing the role of national and voluntary targets as well as initiatives, where they exist, and ensuring that energy policies are supportive to developing countries' efforts to eradicate poverty, and regularly evaluate available date to review progress to this end. 191. The Ministers emphasised the need to accelerate the development, dissemination and deployment of affordable and cleaner energy efficiency and energy conservation technologies, as well as the transfer of such technologies, in particular to developing countries, on favourable terms, including on concessional and preferential terms, as mutually agreed. 192. The Ministers noted the challenges to development that exist for a number of member states of the Movement in relation to the international oil market. They also took note of the various and varied complex market destabilising factors in the oil sector. In this context, they supported efforts to improve the functioning, transparency and information about energy markets with respect to both supply and demand, with the aim of achieving greater stability and predictability in the interest of both oil producing and consuming states. They agreed to enhance cooperation with a view to improving access to energy including alternative sources of energy by developing countries. They underscored the need for increased North-South collaboration as well as continued South-South Cooperation as part of a long-term strategy towards sustainable development. They also underscored the sovereign right of States over the management of their energy resources. 60 06-49404 A/60/1002 S/2006/718 Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms 36 193. The Ministers reaffirmed the validity and relevance of the Movement's principled positions concerning human rights and fundamental freedoms, as follows: 193.1. The Ministers reaffirmed the significant importance attached by the Movement to the promotion and protection of human rights and commitment to fulfil obligations to promote universal respect for, and observance and protection of, all human rights and fundamental freedoms for all in accordance with the UN Charter, other instruments relating to human rights as appropriate and international law. They further reaffirmed that all human rights, in particular the right to development, are universal, inalienable, indivisible, interdependent and interrelated, and that human rights issues must be addressed within the global context through a constructive, dialogue-based approach, in a fair and equal manner, with objectivity, respect for national sovereignty and territorial integrity, non-interference in the internal affairs of States, impartiality, non-selectivity and transparency as the guiding principles, taking into account the political, historical, social, religious and cultural particularities of each country; 193.2. The Ministers expressed concern that defamation of religions is being wrongly justified by the excuse of freedom of expression, neglecting the restrictions clearly articulated in the relevant human rights instruments including paragraph 29 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights as well as paragraph 3 of Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and stressed the need for all States to continue international efforts to enhance dialogue and broaden understanding among civilisations, cultures and religions, and emphasizing that States, regional organisations, nongovernmental Organisations, religious bodies and the media have an important role to play in promoting tolerance, respect for and freedom of religion and belief; 193.3. The Ministers affirmed that while it is necessary to harmonise guidelines on reporting procedure of human rights treaty bodies, greater efforts should be made to ensure that their work would be more effective, objective, transparent and accountable, as well as to ensure a more balanced membership therein, in accordance with the principle of equitable geographical distribution, gender balance, as well as ensuring that members nominated to serve with the treaty bodies will serve in their personal capacity, of high moral character, acknowledged impartiality, and possess competence in the field of human rights; 193.4. The Ministers expressed concern over the non-representation and under-representation of NonAligned Countries in the staffing of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), bearing in mind the fundamental importance of the need to adhere to the principle of equitable geographical distribution; 193.5. They reaffirmed that the High Commissioner should be reporting to the General Assembly, which is a universal body of the UN, on matters relating to human rights as decided by the General Assembly in its resolution 48/141 of December 1993; 193.6. The Ministers reaffirmed the Movement's principled position that all human rights, in particular the right to development as enunciated in the Declaration on the Right to Development, and fundamental freedoms are universal, inalienable, indivisible, interdependent and interrelated, and that the international community must treat all human rights globally in a fair and equal manner, on the same footing and with the same emphasis, and that the significance of national and regional particularities and various historical, cultural and religious backgrounds must be respected. In this regard, they reiterated the Movement's dismay at and unequivocal condemnation of gross and systematic violation of human rights and fundamental freedom and situation that constitute serious obstacles to their full enjoyment, as well as violent acts and activities that infringe upon their full enjoyment; 36 This section should be read in conjunction with the section on Democracy under Chapter I of the document. 06-49404 61 A/60/1002 S/2006/718 193.7. The Ministers reemphasised that human rights issues must be addressed within the global context through a constructive dialogue-based approach, with objectivity, respect for national sovereignty and territorial integrity, non-interference in the internal affairs of the States, impartiality, non-selectivity and transparency as the guiding principles, taking into account the political, historical, social, religious and cultural characteristics of each State. In this regard, they further re-emphasised that the exploitation of human rights for political purposes, including selective targeting of individual Countries for extraneous considerations, which is contrary to the Founding Principles of the Movement and the UN Charter, should be prohibited. They urged that, in the discussion on human rights, adequate attention be given to the issues of poverty, underdevelopment, marginalisation, instability and foreign occupation that engender social and economic exclusion and violation of human dignity and human rights, which cannot be divorced from any meaningful discussion relating to human rights; 193.8. The Ministers reaffirmed that democracy and good governance at the national and international levels, development and respect for all human rights and fundamental freedoms, in particular the right to development, are interdependent and mutually reinforcing. Adoption, for any cause or consideration, of coercive unilateral measures, rules and policies against the developing countries constitute flagrant violations of the basic rights of their populations. It is essential for States to promote efforts to combat abject poverty as well as foster participation by the poorest members of society in decision-making processes; 193.9. The Ministers renewed their concern at the gross violation of human rights and fundamental freedoms, in particular the right to life and the right to development, resulting from terrorist acts including those perpetrated by foreign occupying powers in territories under foreign occupation, and reiterated their condemnation of all acts, methods and practices of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, in accordance with the relevant UN resolutions; 193.10. The Ministers reaffirmed the right of people under colonial or alien domination and foreign occupation to struggle for national liberation and self-determination; 193.11. The Ministers reiterated the need for efforts to further strengthen and promote respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms and for the establishment of democratic institutions and sound economic policies responsive to the needs of the people. In this context, they reiterated the need for equity and transparency in the international financial, monetary and trading systems, and full and effective participation of developing countries in decision-making and norm setting; and 193.12. The Ministers welcomed the recent election of women leaders as Heads of State and Government and underlined the importance of gender equality in the political system of Non- Aligned Countries, in full accordance with Millennium Goal No. 3 "Promote Gender Equality and Empowerment of Women". 194. Consistent with and guided by the afore-mentioned principled positions and affirming the need to defend, preserve and promote these positions, the Ministers agreed to undertake the following measures and initiatives, among others: 194.1. Promote and protect all human rights and fundamental freedoms of all peoples, in particular the right to development, and to provide an effective framework thereof including remedies to redress grievances on or violations of human rights and fundamental freedoms in accordance with the relevant Founding Principles of the Movement, the UN Charter and international human rights instruments consistent with the obligations of States regardless of their political, economic and cultural systems; 194.2. Promote the democratisation of the system of international governance in order to increase the effective participation of developing countries in international decision-making; 62 06-49404 A/60/1002 S/2006/718 194.3. Urge developed countries to engage in effective partnerships such as the NEPAD and other similar initiatives with the developing countries, particularly the LDCs, for the purposes of the realisation of their right to development including the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals; 194.4. Stress adherence to the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and to the Founding Principles of the Movement, and oppose and condemn selectivity and double standards in the promotion and protection of human rights as well as all attempts to exploit human rights as pretext for political purposes; 194.5. Reinforce the presence of the Non-Aligned Movement by advancing its position during the deliberations taking place in the main international fora, particularly the Human Rights Council, the ECOSOC and the Third Committee of the UN General Assembly as a contribution to the enhancement of the coordination and cooperation among the above mentioned UN entities in the promotion and protection of all human rights; 194.6. Promote and protect all human rights, in particular the right to development as a universal and inalienable right and as an integral part of all human rights and fundamental freedoms; 194.7. Urge all States to ensure greater protection for their populations in combating terrorism and transnational crimes, and in this regard, further urge all States to ensure that their national laws or legislations particularly concerning the combat against terrorism do not limit individual rights and that these are not discriminatory or xenophobic; 194.8. Strive for greater acceptance and operationalisation and realisation of the right to development at the international level, urge all States to undertake at the national level necessary policy formulation and institute measures required for the implementation of the right to development as a fundamental human right, and further urge all States to expand and deepen mutually benefiting cooperation with each other in ensuring development and eliminating obstacles to development, in the context of promoting an effective international co-operation for the realisation of the right to development, bearing in mind that lasting progress towards the implementation of the right to development requires effective development policies at the national level as well as equitable economic relations and a favourable economic environment at the international level; 194.9. Urge the UN human rights machinery to ensure the operationalisation of the right to development as a priority, including through the elaboration of a Convention on the Right to Development by the relevant machinery, taking into account the recommendations of relevant initiatives; 37 194.10. To mainstream the right to development in the operational programmes and objectives of the UN and its specialised agencies, programmes and funds as well as in the policies and objectives of the international financial and multilateral trading systems, taking into account in this regard that the core principles of the international economic, commercial and financial spheres, such as equity, nondiscrimination, transparency, accountability, participation and international co-operation, including partnership and commitments, are indispensable in achieving the right to development and preventing discriminatory treatment to the issues of concern to the developing countries arising out of political or other non-economic considerations; 37 The recommendations of relevant initiatives include the High-level Seminar on the Operationalisation of the Right to Development (Geneva, February 2004) held under the framework of the Commission on Human Rights Working Group on the Right to Development, and the High-level Task Force on the Operationalisation of the Right to Development. 06-49404 63 A/60/1002 S/2006/718 194.11. Advance the common positions and improve the coordination of the Movement at the relevant inter-governmental fora, in particular the General Assembly and the Economic and Social Council as well as the Human Rights Council, with the aim of strengthening international co-operation and coordination in the promotion and protection of all human rights and fundamental freedoms; 194.12. Encourage the existing independent national human rights institutions to perform a constructive role, on the basis of impartiality and objectivity, in the promotion and protection of all human rights and fundamental freedoms in their Countries, and request in this context, the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights to provide greater assistance, upon request, by interested Governments in the establishment and operations of their national institutions; 194.13. Call on the Non-Aligned Countries and the international community to support the objective and effective functioning of the Human Rights Council established as a subsidiary body of the General Assembly of the UN, and emphasise the strong need to ensure that the work of the Council will be devoid of any politicisation, double standards and selectivity; and 194.14. Ensure a more balanced membership in the human rights treaty bodies, in adhering to the principle of equitable geographical distribution and gender balance, as well as ensure that members nominated to serve with the treaty bodies will serve in their personal capacity, of high moral character and acknowledged impartiality, and possess competence in the field of human rights. Racism and Racial Discrimination, Slavery and Trafficking in Persons 195. The Ministers reaffirmed their condemnation of all forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, including the platforms and activities related thereto, which constitute serious violations of human rights and fundamental freedoms as well as impede equal opportunity. They reminded the international community to preserve its recognition that slavery and slave trade, including trans-Atlantic slave trade, are crimes against humanity, and that the legacies of slavery, slave trade, colonialism, foreign occupation, alien domination, genocide and other forms of servitude have manifested themselves in poverty, underdevelopment, marginalisation, social exclusion and economic disparities for the developing world. 196. The Ministers expressed grave concern at the negative effects on human rights and development posed by slavery and trafficking in persons and at the increasing vulnerability of States to such crimes. They reaffirmed the need to work collectively to combat slavery and trafficking in persons. 197. The Ministers recognised that slavery and trafficking in persons continues to pose a serious challenge to humanity and requires a concerted international response. To that end, they urged all States to devise, enforce and strengthen effective measures to combat and eliminate all forms of slavery and trafficking in persons to counter demand for trafficked victims and to protect the victims. 198. The Ministers invited all States that have not yet done so to consider becoming parties to the Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children, supplementing the UN Convention against Transnational Organised Crime, and following its entry into force, to implement the Protocol effectively, including by incorporating its provisions into national legislation and by strengthening criminal justice systems. They expressed the Movement's resolve to strengthen the capacity of the UN and other international organisations to provide assistance to Member States, upon request, in implementing the Protocol. 199. The Ministers urged all States, individually and through international cooperation, to increase efforts to counter human trafficking, including through their active contribution to shape a global partnership against slavery and human trafficking in the twenty-first century, aimed at improving coordination and information exchange, especially in protecting rights of victims of human trafficking. 64 06-49404 A/60/1002 S/2006/718 200. The Ministers expressed dismay at instances of religious and cultural prejudices, misunderstanding, intolerance and discrimination on the basis of religion or beliefs or different systems of belief, which undermine the enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms and hinder the promotion of the culture of peace. Pluralism, tolerance, and understanding of religious and cultural diversity are essential for peace and harmony. Acts of prejudice, discrimination, stereotyping, and racial, religious and sectarian profiling are affronts to human dignity and equality, and should not be condoned. Respect for democracy and human rights and the promotion of understanding and tolerance by governments as well as between and among minorities are central to the promotion and protection of human rights. They reaffirmed that States have the duty to ensure the full enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms without discrimination and in full equality before the law. 201. In recalling the Movement's opposition to all forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance and expressing serious concern on the resurgence of contemporary forms of such abhorrent crimes in various parts of the world, the Ministers urged the international community to institute further effective follow-up measures and fully implement the objectives of the 2001 World Conference Against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance and the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action, as well as to oppose through all political and legal means the commission of such crimes. In this regard also, they opposed the misuse of information and communications technologies, including the internet, to promote racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance. They called for strengthening the role of the media in combating xenophobia and discrimination on the grounds of religious beliefs or culture and assume its responsibility in this regard. International Humanitarian Law 202. The Ministers urged that priority should be given to promoting knowledge of, respect for and observance of obligations assumed under International Humanitarian Law, in particular those of the four Geneva Conventions of 1949 and their 1977 Protocols, and they encouraged States to consider ratifying or acceding to the two 1977 Additional Protocols. 203. The Ministers called upon all parties to armed conflict to comply with their obligations under international humanitarian law. 204. The Ministers reiterated the Movement's condemnation of the increasing attacks on the safety and security of humanitarian personnel and urged the Governments of UN Member States to ensure respect for the protection of the personnel of humanitarian organisations in conformity with the relevant international law. Humanitarian agencies and their personnel should respect the laws of the countries they work in and the principles of neutrality and non-interference, as well as cultural, religious and other values of the population in the countries where they operate. 205. The Ministers recalled the protection granted by international humanitarian law and relevant human rights instruments to persons captured in connection with international armed conflicts. 206. Consistent with and guided by the afore-mentioned principled positions and affirming the need to defend, preserve and promote these positions, the Ministers agreed to undertake the following measures, among others: 206.1. Invite those States, which have not yet done so, to consider ratifying the 1954 Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict and its two Additional Protocols; 206.2. Urge States to comply fully with the provisions of international humanitarian law, in particular as provided in the Geneva Conventions, in order to protect and assist civilians in occupied territories, and further urge the international community and the relevant organisations within the UN system to strengthen humanitarian assistance to civilians under foreign occupation; and 06-49404 65 A/60/1002 S/2006/718 206.3. Stress that all detainees or persons captured in connection with international armed conflicts must be treated humanely and with respect for their inherent dignity granted by international humanitarian law and relevant human rights instruments. Humanitarian Assistance 207. The Ministers reaffirmed that the provision of humanitarian assistance must not be politicised and must be in full respect of the principles of humanity, neutrality and impartiality as set forth in General Assembly Resolution 46/182 and its annex as providing the guiding principles for the coordination of humanitarian assistance, and emphasised that all UN humanitarian entities and associated organisations must act in accordance with their respective mandates, international humanitarian law and national law. They further reaffirmed that the sovereignty, territorial integrity and national unity of States must be fully respected in accordance with the UN Charter. In this context, they stressed that humanitarian assistance should be provided under the principle of request and consent of the affected country. 208. The Ministers reaffirmed the Movement's commitment to enhance international cooperation to provide humanitarian assistance in full compliance with the UN Charter, and in this regard, they reiterated the rejection by the Movement of the so-called "right" of humanitarian intervention, which has no basis either in the UN Charter or in international law. 209. The Ministers welcomed the establishment of the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) and stressed the need to maintain the follow-up, oversight and review by the General Assembly of the activities undertaken by the recently established CERF to ensure its functioning according to the agreed principles contained in the relevant UN resolutions, in particular General Assembly Resolution 46/182. 210. The Ministers expressed concern over the human suffering and economic impact caused by the recent series of natural disasters throughout the world. They encouraged the international community, national authorities and non-governmental organisations, to promote closer cooperation to respond to natural disasters by strengthening emergency preparedness and disaster management measures such as regional disaster early warning systems as well as exchange of information. 211. The Ministers expressed grave concern over the serious threat posed by the spread of Avian Influenza since its first major reported outbreak, which has potential to produce severe impact not only on public health worldwide but also on the global economy. They reiterated that it is imperative that concerted actions be undertaken at the national, regional and international levels to address this challenge in an effective and timely manner. Information and Communication Technology 212. The Ministers welcomed the participation of the Heads of State and Government of the Movement in the World Summit on Information Society (WSIS) at its second phase held in Tunis from 16 to 18 November 2005, and stressed the importance of the contribution of the Non-Aligned Countries toward achieving the development oriented outcome of the Summit and the Tunis commitment and the full implementation of the agenda for the Information Society, and urged UN Member States, relevant UN bodies and other intergovernmental organisations, as well as civil society, including non-governmental organisations and private sector, to contribute actively, inter alia, by initiating actions, as mandated in the outcomes, to the implementation and follow-up of the outcomes of the Geneva and Tunis phases of the Summit. 213. The Ministers highly commended their counterparts responsible for information and communication issues over the success of the Sixth Conference of Ministers of Information of the Non-Aligned Countries (COMINAC-VI), held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from 19 to 22 November 2005, and for the substantive outcome document that they adopted, and they expressed the Movement's resolve and commitment to fully implement the decisions and recommendations contained therein. They decided to support one of the 66 06-49404 A/60/1002 S/2006/718 recommendations of that meeting concerning the establishment of the NAM News Network (NNN),38 spearheaded by Malaysia, for the consideration of the Heads of State or Government of the Movement during their XIV Summit Conference in Havana, Cuba on 15 and 16 September 2006. 214. The Ministers reiterated their support for Tunis Agenda for Information Society, especially its development content and stressed the importance of effective participation of equitable and effective representation from developing countries in the implementation of the outcomes of the WSIS process, including for the Internet Governance Forum and for Enhanced Cooperation. Advancement of Women 215. The Ministers recommitted the Movement to the implementation of the Declaration and Platform for Action adopted by the Fourth World Conference on Women as well as fully supported the outcome of the fiveyear review and appraisal contained in "Further Actions and Initiatives" to implement the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action adopted by the 23rd Special Session of the UN General Assembly of June 2000. 216. The Ministers expressed their resolve to eliminate all forms of discrimination and violence against women and the girl child especially in situations of armed conflict and foreign occupation, including the systematic use of abduction and rape by the parties to the conflict as an instrument of war, as well as the trafficking in and victimisation of women and the girl child. They expressed their abhorrence at the continuation of such acts. In this regard, they called upon States to take the necessary measures against the perpetrators of such acts and to ensure adherence to international law and domestic legislation, including legislating the protection of women and the girl child in situations of armed conflict. They further called upon States, which have not done so, to work towards ratifying or acceding to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women and encouraged all Member States to consider ratifying or acceding to its Optional Protocol. 217. The Ministers highly commended their counterparts responsible for women issues over the success of the NAM Ministerial Meeting on the Advancement of Women, held in Putrajaya, Malaysia from 7 to 10 May 2005, and for the substantive outcome document that they adopted, and they expressed the Movement's resolve and commitment to fully implement the decisions and recommendations contained therein. They decided to support one of the recommendations of that meeting concerning the establishment of a NAM centre on gender and development, which would be located in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, for the consideration of the Heads of State or Government of the Movement during their XIV Summit Conference in Havana, Cuba on 15 and 16 September 2006. Indigenous People 218. The Ministers reiterated their support for the need to promote the economic, political and cultural rights of the indigenous peoples and their commitment to give special attention to the efforts made at the national and multilateral levels in order to improve their living conditions through civil participation. Likewise, in face of undue appropriation and use of the traditional indigenous knowledge, they agreed to promote the defence of the bio-cultural collective heritage to allow indigenous peoples to have appropriate legal instruments on intellectual property so that their traditional knowledge is protected against unauthorised or inappropriate use by third parties. 38 The website address of the NAM News Network is www.namnewsnetwork.org. 06-49404 67 A/60/1002 S/2006/718 Illiteracy 219. The Ministers expressed their deep concern over the fact that more than 113 million children had no access to primary education, 877 million adults are illiterate and more than two-thirds of these illiterates can be found in Sub-Saharan Africa, South and West Asia, and the Arab States and North Africa. Without accelerated progress towards education for all, national and internationally agreed targets for poverty reduction would be missed, and inequalities between countries and within societies would widen. In this regard, they reiterated the Movement's support and commitment to cooperate in attaining the goals of the UN Literacy Decade (2032012). Transnational Organised Crime 220. The Ministers reiterated the Movement's commitment to co-ordinate the efforts and strategies at national, regional and international levels against transnational crime and to develop the methods most effective in combating crime of this nature. They reaffirmed that international efforts against transnational crime should be carried out with the necessary respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of States. 221. The Ministers reaffirmed that organised criminal activities adversely affect development, political stability and social and cultural values. 222. The Ministers reiterated that responding to the threat posed by organised transnational crime requires close cooperation at international level. Important changes have occurred in the structure and dynamics of organised crimes at the national and international levels, including new manifestation of money laundering and corruption. Some territories had begun to be used as transit points for organised criminal activities, such as drug trafficking. Such crimes threaten the integrity of financial and commercial sectors, endanger national sovereignty and defy national borders. 223. The Ministers strongly believed that comprehensive crime prevention strategies must address, inter alia, the root causes and risk factors related to crimes. 224. The Ministers expressed their concern about the seriousness of trafficking in human organs and the increasing involvement of organized criminal groups in this regard. 225. The Ministers also expressed their concern over the increased involvement of organised criminal groups in trafficking in looted, stolen or smuggled cultural property. 226. Consistent with and guided by the afore-mentioned principled positions, the Ministers agreed to undertake the following measures, among others: 226.1. Take necessary steps at the national and international levels for the implementation of the UN Convention against Transnational Organised Crime and the international instruments against illicit drug trafficking, where appropriate; 226.2. Call for adequate financial and technical assistance and cooperation to enable developing countries and countries with economies in transition to implement those treaties; 226.3. Strengthen international cooperation and technical assistance for capacity-building in developing countries and countries with economies in transition for effective implementation of the obligations set forth in existing international crime prevention instruments; and 226.4. Adopt further measures and strengthen international cooperation in order to prevent, combat, punish and eradicate all forms of transnational organized crime more effectively, in accordance with international law. 68 06-49404 A/60/1002 S/2006/718 Drug Trafficking 227. The Ministers expressed grave concern at the worsening problem of illicit drug trafficking worldwide on account of its trans-boundary and international nature, which constitutes a serious threat to the entire international community. Criminal organisations linked to drug trafficking operate collectively in the territory of several countries and are multiplying traffic routes and distribution methods. Therefore, no single government can hope to combat this menace alone successfully. 228. Consistent with the said position, the Ministers reiterated that the global illicit drug problem can only be dealt with effectively through international cooperation based on the principles enshrined in the UN Charter and the principle of shared responsibility. In this regard, they expressed the Movement's resolve to undertake every effort to increase and strengthen cooperation among all States in this common endeavour. They called upon the international community and international organisations to pay extra attention to the overall fight against this menace. Corruption 229. The Ministers stressed that corruption practices, including lack of sound international corporate governance, bribery, money laundering and transfer abroad of illegally acquired funds and assets undermine the economic and political stability and security of societies, undermines social justice and severely endangers the efforts of developing countries for sustainable development. They recognised that the UN Convention against Corruption provides universally accepted norms to prevent and combat corrupt practices, establishes the principle of asset recovery and transfer of assets of illicit origin and mechanism for international cooperation in this regard. 230. Consistent with the aforementioned positions, the Ministers stressed in particular the implementation of the provisions on asset recovery contained in Chapter V of the UN Convention against Corruption, which require Member States to return assets obtained through corruption. Putrajaya, Malaysia 30 May 2006 06-49404 69 A/60/1002 S/2006/718 Annex I (Final Document) MEMBER COUNTRIES OF THE NON-ALIGNED MOVEMENT (As of 30 May 2006) Afghanistan Algeria Angola Antigua and Barbuda Bahamas Bahrain Bangladesh Barbados Belarus Belize Benin Bhutan Bolivia Botswana Brunei Darussalam Burkina Faso Burundi Cambodia Cameroon Cape Verde Central African Republic Chad Chile Colombia Comoros Congo Côte d'Ivoire Cuba Democratic People's Republic of Korea Democratic Republic of the Congo Djibouti Dominica, Commonwealth of Dominican Republic Ecuador Egypt Equatorial Guinea Eritrea Ethiopia Gabon Gambia Ghana Grenada Guatemala Guinea Guinea-Bissau Guyana Honduras India Indonesia Iran Iraq Jamaica Jordan Kenya Kuwait Lao Peoples' Democratic Republic Lebanon Lesotho Liberia Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Madagascar Malawi Malaysia Maldives Mali Mauritania Mauritius Mongolia Morocco Mozambique Myanmar Namibia Nepal Nicaragua Niger Nigeria Oman Pakistan Palestine Panama Papua New Guinea Peru Philippines Qatar Rwanda Saint Lucia Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Sao Tome and Principe Saudi Arabia Senegal Seychelles Sierra Leone Singapore Somalia South Africa Sri Lanka Sudan Suriname Swaziland Syrian Arab Republic Thailand Timor Leste Togo Trinidad and Tobago Tunisia Turkmenistan Uganda United Arab Emirates United Republic of Tanzania Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela Vietnam Yemen Zambia Zimbabwe 70 06-49404 A/60/1002 S/2006/718 Annex II (Final Document) The Founding Principles of the Non-Aligned Movement 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. Respect for fundamental human rights and for the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations. Respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations. Recognition of the equality of all races and of the equality of all nations, large and small. Abstention from intervention or interference in the internal affairs of another country. Respect for the right of each nation to defend itself singly or collectively, in conformity with the Charter of the United Nations. Abstention from the use of arrangements of collective defence to serve the particular interests of any of the big powers, and abstention by any country from exerting pressures on other countries. Refraining from acts or threats of aggression or the use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any country. Settlement of all international disputes by peaceful means, such as negotiation, conciliation, arbitration or judicial settlement as well as other peaceful means of the parties own choice, in conformity with the Charter of the United Nations. Promotion of mutual interests and co-operation. Respect for justice and international obligations. 9. 10. 06-49404 71 A/60/1002 S/2006/718 Annex III (Final Document) List of Ministerial Conferences and Meetings of the Non-Aligned Movement held during the Chairmanship of Malaysia 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. Ministerial Meeting of the Troika of the Non-Aligned Movement, Paris, 2 May 2003. Ministerial Meeting of the Troika of the Non-Aligned Movement, New York, 25 September 2003. Annual Ministerial Meeting between the Troika of the Non-Aligned Movement and the Troika of the European Union, UN headquarters, 25 September 2003. Annual Meeting of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the Non-Aligned Movement, UN headquarters, 26 September 2003. Ministerial Meeting of the Non-Aligned Movement Committee on Palestine, UN headquarters, 26 September 2003. Ministerial Meeting of the Non-Aligned Movement Committee on Palestine, Putrajaya, Malaysia, 13 May 2004. Ministerial Meeting of the Non-Aligned Movement Committee on Palestine, Durban, South Africa, 18 August 2004. XIV Ministerial Conference of the Non-Aligned Movement, Durban, South Africa, 17-19 August 2004. Ministerial Meeting of the Troika of the Non-Aligned Movement, New York, 24 September 2004. Annual Ministerial Meeting between the Troika of the Non-Aligned Movement and the Troika of the European Union, UN headquarters, 24 September 2004. Annual Meeting of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the Non-Aligned Movement, UN headquarters, 29 September 2004. Ministerial Meeting of the Non-Aligned Movement on the Advancement of Women, Putrajaya, Malaysia, 7-10 May 2005. Special Meeting of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the Non-Aligned Movement, Doha, Qatar, 13 June 2005. Ministerial Meeting of the Non-Aligned Movement Committee on Palestine, UN headquarters, 19 September 2005. Ministerial Meeting of the Troika of the Non-Aligned Movement, New York, 13 September 2005. Annual Ministerial Meeting between the Troika of the Non-Aligned Movement and the Troika of the European Union, UN headquarters, 19 September 2005. Annual Meeting of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the Non-Aligned Movement, UN headquarters, 20 September 2005. 72 06-49404 A/60/1002 S/2006/718 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. Sixth Conference of Ministers of Information of the Non-Aligned Countries, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 19-22 November 2005. Ministerial Meeting of the Troika of the Non-Aligned Movement, Hermanus, 26 - 27 January 2006. Ministerial Meeting of the Non-Aligned Movement Committee on Palestine, Putrajaya, Malaysia, 28 May 2006. Ministerial Meeting of the Coordinating Bureau of NAM, Putrajaya, Malaysia, 27 - 30 May 2006. Ministerial Meeting of the Troika and Former Chairs of NAM, Putrajaya, Malaysia, 28 May 2006. Ministerial Meeting of the NAM Committee on Palestine, Putrajaya, Malaysia, 28 May 2006. Note: Some of the substantive outcome documents of these meetings can be downloaded at www.e-nam.org.my. 06-49404 73 A/60/1002 S/2006/718 Annex II MINISTERIAL MEETING OF THE COORDINATING BUREAU OF THE NON-ALIGNED MOVEMENT PUTRAJAYA, MALAYSIA, 27-30 MAY 2006 Declaration on Palestine The Ministers members of the Committee on Palestine of the Non-Aligned Movement convened a 1. meeting, on 28 May 2006, under the Chairmanship of Malaysia, to review the continuing grave situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem. The Ministers considered approaches and strategies to be undertaken by the Committee, as well as by the Movement as a whole, to continue strongly supporting the Palestinian people and their leadership and for promoting a revival of the peace process towards the achievement of a comprehensive, just and lasting peace settlement and the exercise by the Palestinian people of their inalienable right to self-determination in their independent and sovereign State of Palestine, with East Jerusalem as its capital. The Ministers recalled in particular the Declaration on Palestine adopted by the Committee, on 18 August 2004, in Durban, South Africa on the margins of the XIV Ministerial Conference and affirmed their continued adherence to the views and principled positions expressed therein. The Ministers expressed their deep regret that the Palestinian people continue to suffer under the 2. prolonged and brutal Israeli military occupation of their land since 1967 and continue to be denied their fundamental human rights, including the right to self-determination and the right of the Palestine refugees to return. The Ministers further expressed their grave concern about the serious deterioration of the situation on the ground at the political, economic, social and humanitarian levels in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, as a result of the ongoing unlawful policies and practices being carried out by Israel, the occupying Power, against the Palestinian people, including continuing grave human rights violations and reports of war crimes. The Ministers condemned the ongoing Israeli military campaign against the Palestinian people, 3. which has resulted, inter alia, in the continued killing and injury of Palestinian civilians by use of excessive and indiscriminate force, targeted attacks and extrajudicial executions; the vast destruction of properties, infrastructure and agricultural lands, and the detention and imprisonment of thousands of Palestinians. They also condemned Israel's continued imposition of measures of collective punishment on the Palestinian people, particularly the imposition of severe restrictions on the movement of persons and goods via closures and hundreds of checkpoints, some of which have been illegally transformed into structures similar to permanent border crossings in the middle of the Occupied Palestinian Territory, away from the 1967 border (Green Line), and which are physically severing the northern, central and southern parts of the Occupied Palestinian Territory, undermining its territorial integrity and contiguity, and destroying the Palestinian economy. The Ministers demanded that Israel, the occupying Power, immediately cease all of these violations of international law, including international humanitarian and human rights law. The Ministers stressed in particular that, in addition to such grave breaches by the occupying 4. Power, the main and core danger to the realization of the inalienable and national rights of the Palestinian people and the achievement of the two-State solution continued to be the relentless and unlawful campaign of settler colonialism and construction of the Wall being carried out by Israel in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including in Occupied East Jerusalem. They reiterated their grave concern and strong condemnations regarding Israel's intensive colonization measures, including its continued vast land confiscations and the construction and expansion of settlements, and condemned 74 06-49404 A/60/1002 S/2006/718 Israel's declared intentions to carry out the illegal E-1 plan in and around East Jerusalem and to illegally annex the Jordan Valley. The Ministers reaffirmed the many relevant Security Council resolutions condemning and demanding the cessation of such illegal Israel measures, including measures taken by the occupying Power to change the status, character and demographic composition of East Jerusalem, which are null and void, and called for the full implementation of those resolutions. In this regard, the Ministers also called for full compliance with the relevant provisions of the Advisory Opinion rendered by the International Court of Justice on 9 July 2004 on the "Legal Consequences of the Construction of a Wall in the Occupied Palestinian Territory". The Ministers thus considered in further depth the continuing grave developments regarding the 5. critical issue of the unlawful construction by Israel, the occupying Power, of the Wall in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including in and around East Jerusalem. They condemned Israel's flagrant defiance of and disrespect for the Advisory Opinion of the Court and its continued violation of General Assembly resolution ES-10/15 of 20 July 2004. They expressed their deep concern at the grave breaches of international law, including of the Fourth Geneva Convention, that continue to be committed by Israel in this regard, including, inter alia, the destruction and requisition of land and properties, the violations of the Palestinian people's freedom of movement and their right to work, to health, to education and to an adequate standard of living, and the displacement of Palestinian civilians from their homes and lands. The Ministers stressed that the extreme physical, economic and social devastation being caused by the Wall is dissecting the Occupied Palestinian Territory into several walled and isolated cantons, destroying entire communities and severing Occupied East Jerusalem from the rest of the Territory, and noted with deep alarm that, if not ceased and reversed, this Wall will render the two-State solution to the conflict impossible to achieve. The Ministers accordingly reiterated their demand that Israel, the occupying Power, scrupulously 6. respect its legal obligations as mentioned in the Advisory Opinion and comply fully with resolution ES10/15, and reiterated their call upon Member States and the United Nations as well to uphold their obligations in this regard. They recalled in specific the Court's determination: that Israel is under an obligation to terminate its breaches of international law, to cease the construction of the Wall being built in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including in and around East Jerusalem, to dismantle the structure therein situated, to repeal or render ineffective all legislative and regulatory acts relating thereto, and to make reparation for all damage caused by the construction of the Wall; that all States are under an obligation not to recognize the illegal situation resulting from the construction of the Wall and not to render aid or assistance in maintaining the situation created by such construction and that all States parties to the Fourth Geneva Convention have an additional obligation of ensuring compliance by Israel with the Convention; and that the United Nations, especially the General Assembly and the Security Council, should consider what further action is required to bring an end to the illegal situation resulting from the construction of the Wall and the associated regime, taking due account of the Advisory Opinion. The Ministers reiterated their firm conviction that such respect and compliance would positively 7. influence the efforts for achieving a just, peaceful, political settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict on the basis of the rules and principles of international law. However, as long as Israel, the occupying Power, is not in compliance with its legal obligations, the Ministers reiterated their call for the following specific actions aimed at bringing an end to the violations being committed by the occupying Power in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem: At the United Nations, the Ministers called for further measures to be taken, in accordance a. with operative paragraph 5 of resolution ES-10/15, and also called on the Security Council to fulfill its responsibilities by adopting a clear resolution and undertaking the necessary measures in this regard. The Ministers also called on the United Nations Secretary-General to expedite the establishment of the register of damages caused by the Wall, pursuant to the request made by the 06-49404 75 A/60/1002 S/2006/718 Assembly in the above resolution, and to ensure that the positions of the Secretariat are fully consistent with the Advisory Opinion. With regard to Member States, the Ministers called upon them to undertake measures, b. including by means of legislation, collectively, regionally and individually, to prevent any products of the illegal Israeli settlements from entering their markets, consistent with the obligations under international treaties, to decline entry to Israeli settlers and to impose sanctions against companies and entities involved in the construction of the Wall and other illegal activities in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem. With regard to the High Contracting Parties to the Fourth Geneva Convention, the Ministers c. called for them to adhere to Article 1 common to the four Geneva Conventions and to undertake measures to ensure compliance by Israel with the Convention. They reaffirmed in this regard the obligations of the High Contracting Parties regarding penal sanctions, grave breaches and responsibilities of the High Contracting Parties. The Ministers turned their attention to the deepening economic, social and humanitarian crisis 8. and isolation in the Gaza Strip, particularly following the implementation of Israel's unilateral disengagement plan. While taking note of the withdrawal of Israeli forces from within Gaza and the dismantlement of settlements therein, as well as from parts of the northern West Bank, they noted with alarm that Israel continues to carry out military attacks against civilian areas in the Gaza Strip and continues to impose policies causing further economic and social deprivation in Gaza. The Ministers stressed that Israel's ongoing unilateral measures in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, gravely threaten the prospects for achieving a negotiated settlement based on the two-State solution, and expressed their complete rejection of its declared intentions to impose its unlawful unilateral plans in the West Bank. They reaffirmed that such plans are unlawful, unacceptable and cannot alter the terms of reference of the peace process begun in Madrid nor negate the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people, as enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, international law and relevant United Nations resolutions. The Ministers also expressed their deep concern at the intensifying hardships being faced by the 9. Palestinian people as a result of the increasing financial and political isolation being imposed on the Palestinian Authority by some Members of the international community in the aftermath of the Palestinian Legislative Council elections of 25 January 2006. They called upon Israel, the occupying Power, to cease its withholding of tax revenues due to the Palestinian Authority, which is deepening the financial crisis, and firmly rejected the collective punishment of the Palestinian people for the democratic election of their representatives. Moreover, the Ministers affirmed their support for the Palestinian Authority under the leadership of President Mahmoud Abbas, and emphasized as well the importance of maintaining and protecting the national institutions of the Palestinian Authority, as they shall constitute the vital foundation for the future independent Palestinian State. The Ministers also called upon the Non-Aligned countries to extend, on an urgent basis, economic and financial assistance to the Palestinian people to ease the current financial and humanitarian crisis. 10. The Ministers reiterated their hope that the international community and the Quartet will exert all efforts during this critical period to revive the peace process and to salvage the Road Map and promote its implementation towards ending the occupation of the Palestinian Territory that was occupied in 1967, including East Jerusalem, and thus realizing the two-State solution to the IsraeliPalestinian conflict and the right of all states and peoples in the region to live in peace and security. In this connection, the Ministers stressed the continued relevance of the Arab Peace Initiative adopted by the Arab Summit in Beirut in March 2002, emphasizing the importance of the recent call by the Arab Summit in Khartoum in March 2006 to reinvigorate the Arab Peace Initiative, and called for the exertion of all necessary efforts in that direction. 76 06-49404 A/60/1002 S/2006/718 11. The Ministers called on the Quartet specifically to remain actively engaged with the Palestinian and Israeli sides to bring about a resumption of direct and substantial negotiations between the two sides and to encourage immediate positive steps on the ground, on the basis of the Road Map, in order to promote a genuine resumption of the peace process towards the achievement of its stated aims and goals. In this regard, the Ministers welcomed the call by President Abbas for immediate negotiations on final status issues with Israel, the occupying Power. Moreover, the Ministers urged the Quartet to engage the Security Council, considering the Council's Charter authority and responsibility for the maintenance of peace and security. In this context, they reaffirmed the permanent responsibility of the United Nations, including the General Assembly and the Security Council, towards the question of Palestine until it is resolved in all its aspects on the basis of international law, including a just resolution to the plight of the Palestine refugee in accordance with General Assembly resolution 194 of 11 December 1948. 12. The Ministers reiterated their conviction that a vital role should continue to be played by the Movement vis-à-vis the question of Palestine and entrusted the Chair, assisted by the Committee on Palestine, to lead the efforts of the Movement with regard to the pursuit of a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in the region. The Ministers also reiterated their appreciation to the members of the NAM Caucus of the Security Council for their continuous efforts concerning the question of Palestine and called upon them to remain actively involved. They also stressed the importance of ongoing contacts and dialogue by the Movement at the Ministerial level with the members of the Quartet, the permanent members of the Security Council and other relevant parties in the peace process in order to convey the principled positions of the Movement and to advance efforts aimed at promoting the peace process on the basis of its terms of reference and at ensuring respect for international law, the keys to a peaceful settlement of the conflict. 13. The Ministers also reaffirmed the need for the early convening of a special meeting of regional and international groupings aimed at building a broad partnership for achieving a peaceful solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and for further mobilizing the support of the international community in this regard. They expressed their support in this connection for the recent call by President Abbas for the convening of an urgent international conference on the conflict. In addition, the Ministers once again underscored the importance of the work of non-governmental organizations (NGOs), civil society and peace groups in the region and encouraged their continuing work, particularly on the Palestinian and Israeli sides. 14. The Ministers concluded by reaffirming their strong commitment to continue supporting the Palestinian people and their leadership to bring an end to the Israeli occupation that began in 1967, in accordance with the rules and principles of international law and relevant United Nations resolutions, and by accordingly reaffirming their commitment to a just and peaceful solution of the IsraeliPalestinian conflict and to the right of the Palestinian people to exercise self-determination and sovereignty in their independent State of Palestine, on the basis of the pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital. Putrajaya, Malaysia 30 May 2006 06-49404 77 A/60/1002 S/2006/718 Annex III MINISTERIAL MEETING OF THE COORDINATING BUREAU OF THE NON-ALIGNED MOVEMENT PUTRAJAYA, MALAYSIA, 27-30 MAY 2006 Statement on the Islamic Republic of Iran's Nuclear Issue The Ministers reiterated their principled positions on nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation 1. reflected in the Final Document of the Ministerial Meeting of the Coordinating Bureau of the NonAligned Movement, held in Putrajaya, Malaysia from 27 to 30 May 2006. They considered the developments regarding the implementation of the NPT safeguards agreement in the Islamic Republic of Iran. The Ministers reaffirmed the basic and inalienable right of all States, to develop research, 2. production and use of atomic energy for peaceful purposes, without any discrimination and in conformity with their respective legal obligations. Therefore, nothing should be interpreted in a way as inhibiting or restricting this right of States to develop atomic energy for peaceful purposes. They furthermore reaffirmed that States' choices and decisions in the field of peaceful uses of nuclear technology and its fuel cycle policies must be respected. The Ministers recognised the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) as the sole competent 3. authority for verification of the respective safeguards obligations of Member States and stressed that there should be no undue pressure or interference in the Agency's activities, especially its verification process, which would jeopardise the efficiency and credibility of the Agency. The Ministers welcomed the cooperation extended by the Islamic Republic of Iran to the IAEA 4. including those voluntary confidence-building measures undertaken, with a view to resolve the remaining issues. They noted the assessment of the IAEA Director-General that all nuclear material declared by Iran had been accounted for. They noted, at the same time, that the process for drawing a conclusion with regard to the absence of undeclared material and activities in Iran is an ongoing and time-consuming process. In this regard, the Ministers encouraged Iran to urgently continue to cooperate actively and fully with the IAEA within the Agency's mandate to resolve outstanding issues in order to promote confidence and a peaceful resolution of the issue. The Ministers emphasised the fundamental distinction between the legal obligations of States to 5. their respective safeguards agreements and any confidence building measures voluntarily undertaken to resolve difficult issues, and believed that such voluntary undertakings are not legal safeguards obligations. The Ministers considered the establishment of nuclear-weapons-free zones (NWFZs) as a positive 6. step towards attaining the objective of global nuclear disarmament and reiterated the support for the establishment in the Middle East of a nuclear-weapon-free zone, in accordance with relevant General Assembly and Security Council resolutions. Pending the establishment of such a zone, they demanded Israel to accede to the NPT without delay and place promptly all its nuclear facilities under comprehensive IAEA safeguards. The Ministers reaffirmed the inviolability of peaceful nuclear activities and that any attack or 7. threat of attack against peaceful nuclear facilities -operational or under construction- poses a great danger to human beings and the environment, and constitutes a grave violation of international law, principles and purposes of the Charter of the United Nations and regulations of the IAEA. They 78 06-49404 A/60/1002 S/2006/718 recognised the need for a comprehensive multilaterally negotiated instrument, prohibiting attacks, or threat of attacks on nuclear facilities devoted to peaceful uses of nuclear energy. 8. The Ministers strongly believed that all issues on safeguards and verification, including those of Iran, should be resolved within the IAEA framework, and be based on technical and legal grounds. They further emphasised that the Agency should continue its work to resolve the Iranian nuclear issue within its mandate under the Statute of the IAEA. The Ministers also strongly believed that diplomacy and dialogue through peaceful means must 9. continue to find a long term solution to the Iranian nuclear issue. They expressed their conviction that the only way to resolve the issue is to resume negotiations without any preconditions and to enhance cooperation with the involvement of all necessary parties to promote international confidence with the view to facilitating Agency's work on resolving the outstanding issues. Putrajaya, Malaysia 30 May 2006 06-49404 79 A/60/1002 S/2006/718 Annex IV MINISTERIAL MEETING OF THE COORDINATING BUREAU OF THE NON-ALIGNED MOVEMENT PUTRAJAYA, MALAYSIA, 27-30 MAY 2006 Statement on the Earthquake in Indonesia We, the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the Non-Aligned Movement, on the occasion of the Ministerial Meeting of the Coordinating Bureau of the Non-Aligned Movement on 29 May 2006 in Putrajaya, Malaysia were deeply saddened by the devastating earthquake that struck the central part of the Island of Java, Indonesia at dawn on 27 May 2006 that had caused the loss of many lives and damaged properties. We express our deepest condolences and sympathies to the families of the victims, the Government and people of Indonesia. We encourage Member States of the Non-Aligned Movement, the international community, international financial institutions and relevant international organisations, as well as the private sector and civil society, to provide assistance in an urgent manner and help to ease the burden of the Government and people of Indonesia in fully recovering from the catastrophic and traumatic effects of the disaster. Putrajaya, Malaysia 29 May 2006 80 06-49404 A/60/1002 S/2006/718 Annex V MINISTERIAL MEETING OF THE COORDINATING BUREAU OF THE NON-ALIGNED MOVEMENT PUTRAJAYA, MALAYSIA, 27-30 MAY 2006 Putrajaya Declaration We, the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the Movement of Non-Aligned Countries, met in Putrajaya, Malaysia on 29 and 30 May 2006 with the primary objective of reviewing the preparations for the forthcoming XIV Conference of Heads of State or Government of the Movement, which would be held in Havana, Cuba on 15 and 16 September 2006. We had a useful and constructive exchange of views on a wide range of issues of interest and importance to NAM, which include, issues of peace and security as well as economic and social development on the theme "Towards a more dynamic and cohesive Non-Aligned Movement: challenges of the 21st Century". Reaffirming the Movement's abiding faith in and strong commitment to its Founding Principles, ideals and purposes, in establishing a peaceful, prosperous, just and equitable world, we declare the following: 1. The Non-Aligned Movement had played an active and central role over the last forty-five years, on issues of concern and vital importance to its members. 2. In realising the goal of revitalisation of the Movement, we will continue to exert every effort towards the promotion of a multipolar world through the strengthening of the United Nations, as an indispensable international organisation for the maintenance of international peace and security, the promotion of human rights, social and economic development and respect for international law, as enshrined in its Charter. 3. Given the multifarious challenges posed by an increasingly globalising world, it is important for the Non-Aligned Movement to play a more effective and pro-active role and promote cooperation in a comprehensive and holistic manner. 4. We agree to undertake further efforts to follow-up on the Kuala Lumpur Declaration on Continuing the Revitalisation of the Non-Aligned Movement adopted on 25 February 2003, in all areas of concern and vital importance to the Movement including global issues, regional and sub-regional political issues as well as economic and social development issues. 5. In this context, there is a need to strengthen national capacities in order to enhance individual and collective resilience of the Movement. 6. Towards this end, high priority must be accorded to human capital development as a key factor in a country's economic development and underscored the importance of formulating national policies for human capital development and comprehensive and strategic partnerships and networks including through South-South as well as North-South collaboration, encompassing all sectors of the community. 7. Reaffirming our confidence in the continued relevance of our Movement as we face the challenges of the 21st century, we look forward to further deliberations on these important matters at the 14th 06-49404 81 A/60/1002 S/2006/718 Conference of Heads of State or Government of the Non-Aligned Movement in Havana on 15 and 16 September 2006. 8. We express our appreciation and gratitude to the Government of Malaysia for the excellent organization and hosting of the Ministerial Meeting of the Coordinating Bureau of the Non-Aligned Movement in Putrajaya on 29 and 30 May 2006 and the warm hospitality accorded to our delegations. Putrajaya, Malaysia 30 May 2006 82 06-49404