The Zimbabwe re-entry issue continued to dog the Commonwealth Heads of Government summit today, with the six-member panel appointed by the host President failing to break the impasse.During his briefing this afternoon, Foreign Secretary Shashank said the process to find a solution would continue when Commonwealth leaders meet at their customary Retreat later today and tomorrow. Yet, there were indications that positions were hardening and a consensus was unlikely.Asked about India’s stand, Shashank reiterated that the country stood for compliance with the letter and spirit of the Harare principles not only on the re-entry of Zimbabwe but also of Pakistan and Fiji. He hastened to add that the sensibilities of the African neighbours needed to be taken into account. This could well be interpreted as an indication of India’s tacit support for finding a way for Zimbabwe’s re-entry.British Prime Minister Tony Blair was the most vocal among those opposed to Zimbabwe’s re-entry. Blair told BBC, ‘‘I hope and remain reasonably confident that the suspension of Zimbabwe will continue until such time as they comply with what the Commonwealth set out in terms of human rights, democracy and proper governance.’’The possibility that is being talked about is that the suspension may continue for the time being with a provision for reviewing or even lifting it if the situation improves.While Pakistan’s continued suspension was a foregone conclusion, Secretary-General McKinnon raised a few eyebrows at the summit when he said it (Pakistan) was moving ‘‘in the right direction’’. Asked for his comment, Shashank said it was a general statement. The fact was that Pakistan had not fulfiled the criteria laid down for its re-entry.New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark, meanwhile, made it clear that the Commonwealth would not re-admit Pakistan until General Musharraf stepped down as head of the armed forces and took up further steps on democratic and judicial reforms.
