JOIN USBRICS nations turn assertive against US
Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa on Thursday closed ranks to strike a belligerent note against the US and rest of the West.
They demanded greater roles in global economic and political governance, and seeking early resolution of the Arab-Israeli conflict, disapproving war-cries against Iran and opposing moves for external interventions in Syria.
The fourth BRICS summit in New Delhi saw the five emerging economies turning more assertive to demand a world order, which is “more representative and reflective of contemporary global realities”.
The bloc stopped short of opposing the US nominee for the World Bank presidency, Jim Young Kim, but welcomed candidatures from developing countries, stressed on speedy reforms in international lending agencies and agreed to explore possibility of setting up a bank of its own to support development in emerging economies.
One voice
“Institutions of global political and economic governance created more than six decades ago have not kept pace with the changing reality of the world. While some progress has been made in international financial institutions, there is lack of movement on the political side. The BRICS should speak with one voice on important issues such as the reform of the United Nations Security Council,” Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said in the plenary session.
Singh and his counterparts – President Dilma Rousseff of Brazil, President Hu Jintao of China, President Dmitry Medvedev of Russia and President Jacob Zuma of South Africa – warned the West of the “disastrous consequences” of a conflict with Iran over the latter’s nuclear programme.
“We recognise Iran’s right to peaceful uses of nuclear energy consistent with its international obligations, and support resolution of the issues through political and diplomatic means and through dialogue between the parties concerned,” the BRICS said in its Delhi Declaration adopted by the five leaders on Thursday.
The bloc demanded talks “between the International Atomic Energy Agency and Iran and in accordance with the provisions of the relevant UN Security Council Resolutions.”
Brazilian President said that the BRICS rejected the US sanctions on Iran and made it clear that the five nations were only committed to abide by the curbs imposed by United Nations. The BRICS trade ministers had on Wednesday said that the US sanctions on Iran could contribute to the volatility in the international crude oil prices. Significantly, the nations could also once again find a common ground on Syria and supported the joint efforts by the UN and Arab League to facilitate a Syrian-led inclusive political process in that country. They welcomed the initiatives made by ex-UN Secretary General Kofi Annan.
The leaders called for an immediate end to all violence and violations of human rights in Syria, but also opposed moves forexternal interventions. “Global interests would best be served by national dialogues that reflect the aspirations of Syrian society.