CHOGM profile changing
Focus on democracy at Durban
From Hari Jaisingh

DURBAN, Nov 12 — The historic Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) got going at the International Convention Centre here today in a businesslike manner but amidst plenty of colour provided by South Africa’s gorgeous folk dancers and drummers.

The African domination at the 54-member Commonwealth is very much visible at the summit. This speaks volumes for the changing profile of the Commonwealth. What is more, it is the first time that CHOGM is being held in South Africa, the land of the legendary Nelson Mandela.

The President of South Africa, Mr Thabo Mbeki, reflected the feelings of the Commonwealth by reminding the member-nations that "the democratic project is a matter that must remain at the centre of our focus as the negative developments in the member-state of Pakistan have shown and as recent very happy developments have demonstrated in the member-State of Nigeria". He also decried "racism which continues to deform human relations across the face of our common globe".

The other thrust area at the summit is the economic development. As Mr Emeka Anyaou, the Commonwealth Secretary-General, put it: "The four regional investment funds set up under the aegis of the Commonwealth Private Investment Initiative to help mobilise investment funds for the developing regions of the Commonwealth are now all operational. There is also the Trade and Investment Access Facility to assist small and specially disadvantaged member-states in adjusting to the demands of globalisation".

Some old symbols, however, continue. So do the old bonds of democracy, trade, commerce and language. Queen Elizabeth, who spoke briefly at the summit, continues to be the Head of the Commonwealth. She is a special draw at Durban.

However, more than a routine show of diplomatic niceties and pronouncements, for public consumption, the stress behind the scene at the Executive meetings is on extending the areas of cooperation in trade, commerce and science and technology.

From the Indian point of view, the gathering provided Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee and the large contingent of the Indian delegation yet another opportunity to build bridges of understanding and consolidate the bilateral ties with key Commonwealth nations, especially South Africa and Britain.

From all accounts, India looks determined to pursue its anti-terrorism policy. In his forthright statement, Mr Vajpayee made it clear that India "will focus on matters to meet the challenge of democracy and in the fight against terrorism".

India also gives considerable importance to the Seattle Conference of the WTO scheduled to take place at the end of the month.

The rich nations are expected to press for more concessions at what is called the Millennium Round of the Seattle conference. India is expected to resist it. The Commonwealth Business Council has prepared papers for the Commonwealth’s stand at Seattle.

The Commonwealth is, indeed, at the crossroads. It is not easy to unite a body as disparate as the Commonwealth. And yet it represents about half the human population. It, however, cannot continue to remain an old boys’ association. Herein lies the challenge.

Pak suspended from C'wealth indefinitely

DURBAN, Nov 12 (PTI) — CHOGM today decided to keep Pakistan indefinitely suspended from its councils in the wake of military take over in Pakistan.

The decision to this effect was taken essentially keeping in view the serious concerns expressed by India and several other countries of the 54-member grouping that nothing should be done to impart legitimacy to the rule of Gen Pervez Musharraf, a senior Indian official said.

CHOGM did not accept the recommendation of the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) led by Canada which had visited Pakistan last month that Pakistan should be given two years of return of democracy.

Pakistan will continue to remain suspended from the councils of the Commonwealth and will be barred from attending any of its proceeding, the official said.

The CMAG will continue to monitor closely future developments in Pakistan and report to the Commonwealth accordingly.

The modalities of the decision will be announced later.

The official, however, was not aware if arms sale to Pakistan would be resumed by Commonwealth members.

The Commonwealth also took into account the decision of SAARC to defer the summit owing to the fact that no legitimacy should be provided to the Musharraf regime.

Meanwhile, New Zealand Foreign Minister Donald McKinnon was tonight unanimously elected the new Secretary General of the Commonwealth.

Mr McKinnon was in the race for the coveted post with Bangladesh's former High Commissioner to India Farooq Sobhan.

He will succeed incumbent Secretary General Emeka Anyaoku whose 10-year term will end next year.

No anxious moments for Indian diplomats

DURBAN, Nov 12 — Indian diplomacy, for once, is at ease here. There is no tension or anxiety in the Indian camp, thanks to the absence of Pakistan at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) here.

Islamabad’s suspension from the Commonwealth following the seizure of power by General Musharraf has indeed taken away extra pressures on Indian diplomats generally seen on such occasions. Indian leaders have nothing much to worry about Pakistan’s propaganda on Kashmir and other related issues which are invariably aimed at embarrassing India.

"Nothing can be happier than the present setting. Though we know how to deal with Pakistan, a lot of our time and energy are wasted in countering Pakistan’s lies on Kashmir", an Indian diplomat remarked.

"We are not bothered about Pakistan. Our foreign policy is no longer Pak-centric. We pursue our goals and objectives keeping in mind our national interests", a veteran member of the Indian delegation remarked.

Interestingly, a broad consensus exists among CHOGM leaders on the Commonwealth’s democratic bonds. Pakistan’s military rulers, they feel, have violated one of the principles of the Commonwealth, namely that people have a right to have the government they choose. The military coup, it is acknowledged, has violated the principle by seizing power from a duly elected government.

"The fact that you had a military coup in Pakistan infringed that rule", says Emeke Anyoukh, Secretary-General of the Commonwealth.

Looking beyond Pakistan, the high-powered Indian delegation here is concentrating on strengthening bilateral ties with a number of Commonwealth countries, including South Africa, Britain and Canada. Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee is meeting a number of leaders to renew contact with important members of the world community. — HJ