Fidel Castro Elected President of Movement Non Aligned Nations
HAVANA, September 15 (RHC) - President Fidel Castro was elected by acclaim on Friday as president of the Movement of Non Aligned Nations, whose 14th Summit began today in Havana presided over by Cuban acting President Raúl Castro.
At the suggestion of Malaysia's Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, the heads of the more than 100 delegations of member countries applauded the decision to choose the Cuban leader as President of the Non Aligned Nations, a duty he will assume for the second time.
Shortly before, Cuban Foreign Minister Felipe Pérez Roque announced that acting President Raúl Castro would be heading the island's delegation as the Commander in Chief is still convalescent and is complying with the doctors' orders to rest.
The Malaysian Prime Minister also suggested - and it was approved by acclaim - that Raúl Castro would be the acting president of the Summit until Fidel assumes his State and Government duties again.
The 14th Summit of the Movement of Non Aligned Nations began around 10:00 a.m. on Friday after Raúl Castro officially welcomed the heads of delegations. At the Convention Center in the Cuban capital, he shook hands and greeted all presidents, prime ministers and other high ranking officials heading their respective countries' delegations.
After the brief speech by the Cuban Foreign Minister Felipe Pérez Roque, the Malaysian Prime Minister read a report on the work of the Movement over the last three years, in which it has been trying to revitalize its struggle in defense of the principles that gave birth to this organization.
"We are convinced that Cuba will do a good job leading Movement. Its record gives us this certainty that the Non Aligned Nations are in the good hands of Cuba and that it will reach higher levels," said Badawi.
