The 26th congress of the Non-Aligned Movement opened yesterday in Tehran. Malta was part of this movement under the able leadership of Mintoff, but today Malta no longer takes part .

The Communist Party believes that the decision in 2004 that Malta was no longer a member of this movement, ultimately led to Malta becoming a tool of the imperialist countries. Imperialist policies and actions resulted in wars and the dismemberment of many sovereign countries with the ultimate goal of taking their wealth and natural resources. Former Labour leader Dom Mintoff himself had described this policy as the biggest obstacle to world peace .

The Communist Party calls all the progressives in Malta to urge the rejoining of the country to the Non-Aligned Movement. The Non-Aligned Movement is made up of 120 states and 17 observers who all consider themselves not aligned with a military power .

Former Cuban leader Fidel Castro has described the purpose and existence of this movement as to ensure the national independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity and security of non-aligned countries. These are principles that the Communist Party of Malta embraces .

■ Victor Degiovanni

Secretary

Malta Communist Party