Vice Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi said in Havana on Saturday that China supports the Nonaligned Movement (NAM) countries playing a major role in world affairs and called for them to maintain unity and strengthen coordination.

 

In a speech at the 14th NAM Summit conference, Yang, who led a Chinese government delegation to attend the Havana summit as an observer, said NAM's "role must be strengthened."

 

"We support NAM's involvement in resolving major international issues in a more flexible and proactive manner to make the voice of developing countries better heard in the world," Yang said.

 

He said the establishment of the NAM 45 years ago "demonstrated the developing countries' strong demand for democracy in international relations and advanced their cause to win independence, uphold sovereignty, oppose hegemony and develop their economies."

 

Over the last 45 years, NAM has "played a unique and indispensable role by serving as an important platform and channel for developing countries to strengthen themselves through unity, advance common interests and exert influence on international affairs."

 

He added that China would remain a true and reliable friend and partner of the NAM and continue to promote China's traditional friendship and cooperation with the group.

 

Turning to six-party talks, Yang said the peaceful resolution of the Korean Peninsula issue would be conducive to peace and stability both on the peninsula and in Northeast Asia.

 

"We urge the parties concerned to enhance mutual trust, move towards each other and create conditions for the settlement of the issue rather than take any action that will increase tension and exacerbate the situation," Yang said.

 

The six parties include China, South and North Korea, the US, Russia and Japan.

 

On the Iran nuclear issue, Yang said: "Iran has the right to use nuclear energy peacefully." However, he stressed Iran should fulfill its obligations and commitment under relevant international treaties.

 

A declaration adopted on Saturday at the NAM summit also defended the right of all countries to the peaceful use of nuclear energy, including the right to enrich uranium for producing electricity.

 

Yang said the Iranian nuclear issue was at a critical juncture, adding the door is still open for a peaceful solution. "All parties concerned should take constructive steps and show flexibility to resume dialogue and negotiation at an early date."

 

On the Middle East issue, he said China supported the restoration of just and lasting peace in the region and the principle of "Land for Peace," adding that China will continue to support the just stand and positions of Arab countries in the UN and at the UN Security Council.

 

On the US blockade against Cuba, Yang said: "We support the Cuban government and the people in their efforts to safeguard independence and sovereignty and urge (the US) to follow the trend of the times and lift its economic, business and financial blockade and sanctions against Cuba."

 

Yang also reaffirmed China's firm position that the next UN secretary-general should come from Asia.

 

"Asia is fully capable of producing a competent and prestigious secretary-general committed to multilateralism and broadly accepted by the international community."

 

Yang expressed the hope that "Asian countries will maintain unity and strengthen consultation to attain our common goal."

 

Yang added that he was convinced the common position of Asian countries would continue to enjoy the full support of NAM.

 

Under the UN Charter, the secretary-general is appointed by the 192-member General Assembly on the recommendation from the Security Council. The candidate would need the support of all the five veto-holding permanent members of the council -- the US, China, France, Britain and Russia.

 

On UN reform, Yang said it must be in line with the purposes and principles of the UN Charter so as to better respond to global threats and challenges.

 

"The reform should focus on strengthening the role of the UN in addressing development-related issues, increasing the voice of developing countries and accommodating their interests," he said.

 

He also urged the developed countries to help with the development of developing countries by increasing assistance, relieving debts and opening markets.

 

Established in 1961, NAM groups 118 countries. China gained observer status in 1992.

 

About 3,000 delegates from more than 100 countries, including 68 heads of state or government attended the Havana summit.

 

(Xinhua News Agency September 18, 2006)