It is incontestable that there is an integral connection between politics and economics, and it is erroneous to approach economic affairs in isolation from politics. A complete change of political attiude and the demonstration of a new political will are indispensable prerequisites for the realisation of New International Economic Order.”

The radical departure in the realm of economics gave the non-aligned movement a new structural meaning in world politics. They became in effect a powerful bargaining group within the context of international economic relations. This bargaining power gave a new meaning to their political demands especially racism and national liberation.

The Seventh Summit held at New Delhi in 1983, focused attention on economic issues no less than on political problems. The basic political problems” is the threat of destruction through the development of nuclear technology which has resulted in the manufacture of an increasingly large range of lethal weapons.

In what has been described as “The New Delhi Message”, the summit reminded the developed countries that “Peace and peaceful co-existence, disarmament and development are the central issues our-time”.

ADVERTISEMENTS:

Also included in “The Massage” was an “appeal to the great powers to halt the arms race which is consuming, at an ever increasing rate, the scarce material resources of our planet, destroying the ecological balance and wasting much of our finest scientific talent in sterile and destructive pursuits”.

The Heads of the State and-Government attending the summit linked the current economic troubles of the world, especially, those of the less affluent countries, to the race for armaments.

With a blunt emphasis, “The Message” drew the attention of the rich nations to the fact that “The economic revival of the North is simply not possible with­out the economic survival of the South.” It urged “a thorough-going restructuring of the international economic order” on the basis of justice and equality.

“The intervening period between the seventh and eight summit held in September, 1986 at Harare (Zimbabwe) saw the Botha regime at Pretoria practice the worst type of Apartheid. With the imposition of emergency, the white regime has perpetrated the worst type of cruelties on the agitators.

ADVERTISEMENTS:

It is estimated that more than 16,000 people have died and 50,000 taken into custody during the course of the last 18 months the fact is that S. African Blacks are now opposing apartheid as never before. This has given rise to unprecedented inter­national anger Zambian President, Kenneth Kaunda remarked that the movement had reached the doorsteps of apartheid.

Outspoken and aggrieved nations in general poured their renown against USA.

The eighth Summit of the NAM is distinct from all the previous summits in the sense that it is action oriented. Not only resolutions have been passed but system has been evolved to take follow-up action thereon.

A concrete plan has been made to see that the sanctions against S. Africa are pursued to its logical end. A fund is also being created to ignore the defense capabilities of the frontline States.