NEW DELHI, November 7: With the slogan, "market must be for the people and not people for the market", socialists from around the world are converging in New Delhi on November 10 to deliberate on challenges faced by nations on evolving common policies in the light of global social and economic change. The convention is being held in Asia for the first time.

The thrust at the conference of council of the Socialist International (SI), will mainly be to critically evaluate the role of international financial institutions and transnational corporations. The meet will also suggest corrective measures that ensure that the people have a say in policies that determine their lives.

The expansion of NATO, particularly the move by Hungary, Poland and Czech Republic to join it, would be a major issue of concern.

The Socialist International meet will be inaugurated by prime minister I K Gujral. Many international leaders, including Yasser Arafat and former Japanese prime minister Mureyama, will be attending the meet. SI president and former French prime minister Pierre Mouroy would also speak during the opening session.

The Janata Dal has been accorded special observer-member status, said Madhu Dandavate, Planning Commission deputy chairman. Dandavate said it was a rare honour, because even the Congress party during the Jawaharlal Nehru days was not admitted to this organisation.

Luis Ayala, secretary general, told newspersons that his organisation was very happy to have its sittings in Delhi, especially when one of its observer member, Janata Dal, is a major coalition partner in the government.The theme of the conference is `Social democracy and Asia today: Developing common policies for global change'.

He said the SI, which has a strong presence in Europe controlling 12 of the 15 governments in the continent and having a major representation in the European parliament, will also discuss issues like security scenario in the continent following expansion of NATO by taking new membership from eastern parts of Europe. On the international financial institutions, including World Bank and International Monetary Fund, dictating governments on doing away with subsidies, Ayala said socialists had always laid emphasis on debates on social elements, participation of citizens in democracy. This would certainly figure in the discussions.

The last meeting had explicitly criticised the role of financial institutions dictating policies.

He said while the socialists respected market economy they strongly believed that the multi-nationals should not assume the role of states. The world over the people wanted a working economy and the SI knew the strengths and weaknesses.

He said the commitment and view of the SI on peace, terrorism and human rights abuse was unswerving. ``We have a strong and principled stand on these issues.'' The organisation's commitment to democracy, freedom and social justice was paramount.

Peace in West Asia, situation in Algeria and security in regional and global perspectives were the issues that would be discussed.

The regional issues that was expected to dominate the meet included fight for democracy in Myanmar. ``We will listen to our friends from this country with lot of care.'' Though the democratic struggle in Tibet was not in the agenda, he did not rule out discussion on the issue.

Asked about the status of former minister and Samata Party chief George Fernandes, who was one of the star figures in the SI meets in the past, Ayala said the organisation did not recognise any person but only political parties. Moreover, the Samata Party may not represent the concept, policy and principles that were in accordance with the SI.

The range of countries attending the conference is startlingly varied. Political party from Mozambique which has the lowest per capita income of $60 a year to Norway with $30,000 per capita income.

Copyright © 1997 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.