CHOGM to draw action plan on military coups

DURBAN, NOV 9: Over 40 Heads of Government, including Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee and British Premier Tony Blair will participate...

DURBAN, NOV 9: Over 40 Heads of Government, including Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee and British Premier Tony Blair will participate in the Commonwealth Summit, beginning here from Friday to draw an action plan to fight 8220;rising intolerance and xenophobia8221;, marginalisation of developing nations in trade and investment and threat to democracies from military coups.

The four-day summit, which marks the 50th anniversary of the Commonwealth, will be inaugurated by Britain8217;s Queen Elizabeth-II. Terrorism, which has posed a serious threat to the unity and integrity of various memmber countries, and promotion of democracy and human rights are also high on the agenda of the CHOGM.

The Heads of Government will also hold in-depth discussions on the suspension of Pakistan from the grouping following the military coup there. It wil take a final decision on the suspension after studying the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group CMAG report on the situation in Pakistan. The CMAG had sent a team to Pakistan toascertain from the military ruler Gen Pervez Musharaff the time-frame for restoration of democracy.

The leaders will travel to George for traditional retreat on the weekend. The summit will provide an opportunity to the Commonwealth leaders to review international political and economic situation and examine avenues of cooperation in various economic sectors, which have become a major concern for the developing world.

Bangladesh Prime Minister Shiekh Hasina Wajed, Sri Lankan President Chandrika Kumaratunga, Malaysian Prime Minister Mahatir Mohammed, and Prime Minister of Mauritius Dr Navin Ramgoolam are among other leaders, who will attend the CHOGM.

The Commonwealth had already agreed on a set of economic principles, which were designed to promote shared prosperity, specific measures on trade, investment and environment. The summit would closely examine the 8220;concept of globalisation8221; and its ramification for developing countries apart from widening the gap in income, access to technology and humanresources. The protection of natural resources would get greater attention from the member nations. Commonwealth Secretary General Emeka Anyaoku in his report said the Commonwealth has acquired the capacity to play an effective role in addressing emerging global challenges. He said the Harare Declaration of 1991 has transformed the Commonwealth morally and politically. It had added immeasurably to the credibility of the association. 8220;Even more indicative of the strength of the Commonwealth is its commitment to entrench democracy with the member states.8221;