Friday, September 15 2006 17:26 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Havana: With the issues of Iran and West Asia forming the backdrop, the NAM Summit here is expected to voice its opposition to 'unilateralism' and 'coercive attempts' against developing countries and object to 'preventive attack' doctrine.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and leaders of 115 other countries gathered here today for the two-day Summit which is likely to seek closer coordination among developing nations against terrorism and raise its voice for an equitable world order that will protect interests of the developing and under developed world.

The meet will issue a declaration on 'The Purposes and Principles and the Role of the Non-Aligned Movement in the Current International Situation' which will lay stress on more cohesion and coordination among the member states to promote and defend their common interests.

The leaders are expected to condemn "all manifestations of unilateralism; attempts to exert hegemonic domination; the preventive attack doctrine, including with nuclear arms, against Third World countries." The Summit is also likely to oppose military actions and the "use and threat of use of force; and the labelling of countries as good or evil", in clear reference to Iran which is locked in a stand-off with the West over its nuclear programme.

The declaration will also emphasise opposition to coercive unilateral measures against any country, against aggression, against terrorism and against interference in the internal affairs of any state.