Mr Chairman,

I adies and gentlemen.

Our Summit is a meeting of like-minded people and friend». As friends, we should honestly discuss our common problems. As like-minded people, we must work out a common programme of action for the next three years.

The Non-Aligned Movement was established in the era of confrontation of the two superpowers and their ideologies.

The Movement came to life because developing countries did not agree with the harsh Cold War philosophy. That philosophy allowed only for two mutually excluding paths of development.

The non-aligned countries proved that a third path was possible - the path of diversity of ways of progressive development on the basis of mutual respect, equality and justice.

Yet today the international community faces the danger of the unipolar world order. A single model of development is being imposed on us.

Western leaders believe that only their countries have the right to write history. They use their power to reshape the planet to fit their needs. They pursue only one goal - to subdue all peoples and ensure their own well-being at our expense.

Do we want our children and grandchildren to work not for their own good and happiness but for an 'uncle'? If not, let us say this 'no' firmly! Let us not allow the diversity of cultures, historical development and progress to be replaced with an alien standard imposed on our countries from outside.The Non-Aligned Movement should fight for a new world where there is a worthy place for everybody. We must decisively defend the right of our peoples to choose freely the path of independent development. Together we must withstand foreign dictates, discrimination and military threats.

I low can we achieve this?

Today wе should define clearly the main goal of our Movement. Unipolar world order has proved to be inadequate and lacking vital capacity. If all of us agree with this assessment, let us work more actively on the establishment of a new, fairer world order, This should be our main goal.To achieve it we need a clear programme of action for a gradual yet irreversible establishment of a multipolar world.What, in the view of Belarus, should we do?

Firstly, the Movement has to become an independent world centre of political power that will be an equal among equals in the international community.

Secondly, to achieve this we need political will. What is the source of our strength? The answer is obvious. Our strength is in our unity. We need to unite our political efforts to achieve this strategic goal.

Thirdly, we must revive the principle of solidarity in the Non-Aligncd Movement. It is the most important tool in defending the interests of all, especially of smaller and vulnerable states. The Movement must stand decisively in defence of its members who become an object of foreign pressure or aggression. We should have a solidary position in the United Nations and other international organisations.

Fourthly, the Movement must contribute vigorously to the establishment of new centres of power which will constitute the foundation of a multipolar world.

The stronger we are, the more important we will be as a partner in this process, the more significant our contribution to the work on global challenges of modernity will be.

Fifthly, we need to increase significantly economic cooperation of our countries. We should extend to each other maximal preferences. The examples of this are available. As a result, we will all win. Political unity alone today is not enough. We need a strong economic foundation. In this regard Belarus proposes to set up a NAM Joint Economic Database within the framework of the Movement's news network.

This database should become an information platform for cooperation projects and an interactive database on the interests and problems of our countries. This will make our economic contacts more productive and focused. Together we must and can overcome the information monopoly of the West.

Sixthly, it is within our ability to make the United Nations more effective. The United Nations should serve the interests of all states and not just those of the United States. Together we can prevent using the United Nations as a tool for settling scores with countries that pursue an independent policy.

Mr. Chairman,

It is our unity and the proposed practical measures that will allow our Movement to implement important and much-needed projects which were on our agenda since long ago, namely, the elimination of illiteracy, improvement of the quality of health care, creation of new economic incentives and opportunities. The ultimate goal of these projects is to improve the life of people. We have all necessary prerequisites for this.

Some NAM countries possess richer natural resources and some have bigger financial resources. Some countries have high human potential, others possess advanced experience and technologies. By uniting our efforts wc can solve our problems.Mr. Chairman,

Taking this opportunity, I would like to express my gratitude to Malaysia for its three-year Chairmanship and to wish the new Chairman - Cuba - every success in further consolidation of our Movement.

A friendly Cuba can always rely on the support of the Belarusian people.

Thank you for your attention.