VALLETTA (Malta), Nov 27: The Commonwealth summit in Malta ended with a strong condemnation of terrorism in all its manifestations, acknowledged the threat posed by weapons of mass destruction and noted that its ministerial action group would retain Pakistan on its agenda pending the resolution of the issue connected with the holding of two offices by Gen Pervez Musharraf.
The final communiqué issued at the end of the summit on Sunday in this island nation says that heads of governments reaffirmed their commitment to the Commonwealth’s “fundamental political values of tolerance, respect, international peace and security, democracy, good governance, human rights, gender equality, rule of law, the independence of judiciary, freedom of expression and political culture that promote transparency, accountability and economic development.
The communiqué was in addition to the Valletta Statement on multilateral trade for combating global poverty issued here on Saturday. While the final document was released by the Maltese Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi and Commonwealth Secretary General Don McKinnon at a news conference here Sunday, there were speculations that those countries who are also members of the EU would not be able to convince Europe on the Commonwealth’s position on the Doha Round. There were also speculations that divergent views on sugar subsidy issue may obviate the outcome of the Hong Kong meeting next month.
The Commonwealth heads of government also issued the Gozo statement on vulnerable small states and the Malta declaration on networking the Commonwealth for development.
The heads of government, according to the final communiqué, endorsed the report of the ministerial action group on the Harare Declaration covering the group’s deliberations in the period since the Abuja Commonwealth heads of government meeting in December 2003.
They were of the view that “holding by the same person of the offices of head of state and chief of army staff is incompatible with the basic principles of democracy and the spirit of Harare Commonwealth principles.”
They noted that “until the two offices are separated, the process of democratization in Pakistan will not be irreversible”.
They urged Pakistan to “resolve this issue as early as possible, and not beyond the end of the current presidential term in 2007 at the least”. The communiqué said that leaders noted that the ministerial action group would retain Pakistan on its agenda pending the resolution of this outstanding issue.
Heads of government requested the Commonwealth chief to “maintain high-level contacts with Pakistan and utilize his good offices and technical assistance, as appropriate, to support the strengthening of democracy, institution building and democratic governance.”
They expressed sympathy with the government and the people of Pakistan for the massive loss of life and devastation caused by the earthquake and “welcomed the progress made by Pakistan in restoring democracy and rebuilding democratic institutions as well as Pakistan’s participation in the Commonwealth since its reinstatement by CMAG in 2004.
The CMAG was reconstituted to include Canada, Lesotho, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, St Lucia, Sri Lanka, United Kingdom and Tanzania. Malta will also remain on the CMAG in its capacity as representative of the chairperson in office.
TERRORISM: The communiqué failed to make any categorical statement about addressing the root cause of terrorism nor has it dwelt on the issue of terrorists and freedom fighters.
The Commonwealth leaders, however, reaffirmed their strong condemnation of all acts of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.
Although the leaders did not engage in defining terrorism, they emphasized that targeting and deliberate killing of civilians cannot be justified or legitimized by any cause or grievance.
They also commended the various initiatives for promoting dialogue, tolerance and understanding among civilizations. The leaders stressed the need for comprehensive efforts at local, national, regional and international levels, to counter terrorism, which also took into account the conditions conducive to the spread of terrorism, in this context. They recognized that international cooperation to fight terrorism must be conducted in conformity with international law.
The communiqué also stressed the need to conclude a Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism during the 60th session of the UN General Assembly, and support the early entry into force of the International Convention for the Suppression of Act of Nuclear Terrorism.
The leaders reiterated the need to build a UN fit to meet the challenges of the 21st century and called for urgent reforms in the UN decision-making structure, including expansion of the Security Council and effective multilateral system based on the principles of international law.
In the communiqué, the heads of government maintained that drug trafficking and related transitional criminal activities were serious threats to stability, security and development. They emphasized the need for all countries to fight the harmful effects of drug trafficking.
The 19-page document also dealt with the issue of human trafficking, arms trade treaty, landmines, human rights, combating corruption, digital divide, effects of migration and development, meeting the Millennium Development Goals, multilateral trade issue and debt relief, sustainable development investment and strengthening financial systems, small states , gender issues and host of other issues.
In the context of debt relief, the leaders welcomed the proposal of the G-8 countries for a fully-funded 100 per cent debt cancellation for eligible heavily indebted poor countries on their debt to International Development Association, IMF and the African Development Fund (AFDF).
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