“I see Libya as a member of the Non-Aligned Movement and a sovereign State of the nearly 200 members of the United Nations.”
- August 13, 1926 – November 25, 2016
- Cuban
- Revolutionary, Prime Minister and President of Cuba, Communist Leader
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Quote
“I see Libya as a member of the Non-Aligned Movement and a sovereign State of the nearly 200 members of the United Nations.”
Explanation
This quote reaffirms Fidel Castro’s commitment to the principles of national sovereignty and international equality, particularly within the context of Libya’s status in global affairs. By identifying Libya as both a member of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) and a sovereign state within the United Nations, Castro emphasizes that no nation, regardless of political ideology or leadership, should be excluded, undermined, or attacked without due process and respect for international law.
The Non-Aligned Movement, which Cuba itself played a significant role in shaping, was founded to represent countries that sought to remain independent of Cold War superpower blocs. Libya’s inclusion in NAM symbolized its resistance to imperialism and alignment with other postcolonial nations striving for self-determination. Castro’s mention of the “nearly 200 members of the United Nations” underscores the principle of legal equality among nations, regardless of size or influence.
In today’s context, the quote remains a vital reminder of the foundations of international diplomacy: that state sovereignty and multilateral dialogue must be respected, even when powerful countries disagree with a nation’s internal politics. Castro’s words serve as a critique of unilateral interventionism and a call to uphold the integrity of international institutions. They reflect his broader belief that global order must be based on mutual respect, not domination or selective legitimacy.
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