Havana, Sep 12 (DPA) Cuba's Foreign Minister Felipe Perez Roque officially launched the 14th summit of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) here Monday.

The Cuban minister urged NAM to "close ranks" in the defence of the common rights of its member countries.

On Monday and Tuesday high officials of the group will prepare for ministerial talks later in the week. Heads of state and government are scheduled to meet on Friday and Saturday.