Iran aiming to activate NAM

Tehran, July 29, IRNA - Iran is to make the Non-Aligned Movement more active in dealing with regional and international developments, Deputy Foreign Minister Ali-Reza Sheikh Attar said on Tuesday.

He made the remarks before the inaugural ceremony of the 15th meeting of NAM foreign ministers which has started its work with an inauguralspeech of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

The 118 member states of the body as well as 15 observer members, and eight international and regional organizations are attending thetwo-day event.

Speaking to reporters, Attar said that giving a more active role toNAM was the major reason for Iran to host its 15th ministerial meeting.

Every nation of the world is looking for a new movement to solve the existing problems facing the international community, said the deputyminister.

He added, "During the past couple of year, NAM has failed to have a proper performance due to the hegemonic policies and approaches of certain powers." "Given the present critical international conditions, Iran can play a vital role in creating more convergence and commitment among NAM members states." During the meeting, NAM member states, especially its founders and influential members such as Iran, are determined to discuss ways andstrategies to upgrade the major body's capacity and revitalize it.

The NAM states consider themselves not formally aligned with oragainst any major power bloc.