Archive · 5 Sep 2026
Gaddafi Attacks US Allies; Zia Raises Kashmir at Summit
In 1986, leaders met in Harare for a Non-Aligned Movement summit.
Muammar Gaddafi strongly criticized the United States and countries allied with it.
He said these countries were trying to take away smaller countries’ freedom.
Gaddafi wanted the movement to create a shared defense plan.
He also wanted members to stop having relations with several countries.
Pakistan’s President Zia-Ul-Haq spoke about Kashmir.
He said Pakistan wanted peaceful and tension-free relations with its neighbors.
The two statements showed different concerns being discussed at the summit.
On September 5, 1986, Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi criticized the United States and its allies.
Gaddafi described the United States and its allies as imperialist forces threatening small countries’ freedom and independence.
He urged the Non-Aligned Movement to create a collective-defense plan against what he called US imperialism.
Gaddafi also called for breaking relations with the United States, United Kingdom, South Africa and Israel.
At the summit in Harare, Pakistan’s President Zia-Ul-Haq raised Kashmir and said Pakistan sought tension-free relations with its neighbors.
- Who
- Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi and Pakistan’s President Zia-Ul-Haq.
- What
- Gaddafi attacked the United States and its allies and proposed collective defense and severed relations; Zia raised Kashmir.
- When
- September 5, 1986; Zia spoke on the fourth day of the summit.
- Where
- The eighth Non-Aligned Movement summit in Harare.
- Why
- Gaddafi said collective action was needed against US imperialism, while Zia addressed Kashmir and Pakistan’s stated goal of tension-free relations with neighbors.
- Date
- September 5, 1986
- Summit
- Eighth Non-Aligned Movement summit
- Location
- Harare
- Gaddafi’s proposal
- A collective-defense plan against what he called US imperialism
- Countries targeted for severed relations
- The United States, United Kingdom, South Africa and Israel
- Zia’s issue
- Kashmir
- Pakistan’s stated position
- Seeking tension-free relations with neighbors and friendly relations with India