CHOGM gets tough
Restore democracy or face action, Pak told
From Hari Jaisingh

DURBAN, Nov 15 — The hardline adopted by the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting (CHOGM) on Pakistan’s military regime is expected to put extra pressure on General Musharraf for early restoration of democracy in his country.

The signals from CHOGM’s extensive deliberations at the Retreat, the executive sessions and the wordings of the communiqué are sharp and well-focussed. The Heads of government have not only condemned "the unconstitutional overthrow of the democratically-elected government on October 12, 1999" but have also disfavoured any move which might give legitimacy to the military regime.

They have also reserved the right to take appropriate measures if "progress to democracy is not made speedily".

In yet another significant declaration, CHOGM leaders have sought early release of Mr Nawaz Sharif and have asked the Pakistani General to stick to the rule of law in Islamabad.

India has reasons to feel fully satisfied with the outcome of the summit. From New Delhi’s point of view, all issues of substance have found acceptance and inclusion in the final declaration, though India will have to resolve the dilemma whether a dialogue with General Musharraf’s regime will be seen as providing legitimacy to the coup leader.

It may be recalled that Pakistan has been seeking an early dialogue. India has responded very cautiously so far and has asked General Musharraf to put an end to trans-border terrorism before any meaningful dialogue could be resumed between the two countries.

During his interaction with newsmen here, External Affairs Minister Jaswant Singh did candidly acknowledge the "difficulty" in formally resuming the channels of communication with Pakistan but shared the concern expressed by CHOGM leaders on the questions of democracy and terrorism.

In fact, CHOGM leaders have not minced words in debunking recent happenings in Islamabad. First, they have not approved of overthrow of a democratically-elected government through "extra-constitutional means".

Second, they have come out equally strongly against terrorism of all forms and shades.

Third, the Commonwealth heads have passionately pleaded for proper channelisation of positive forces of globalisation "for the elimination of poverty and the empowerment of human beings to lead fulfilled lives".

In this context, they have called for "greater equity" for countries in global markets and the dismantling of trade barriers "for mutual benefits of all".

The creation of a new economic order will, however, depend on the outcome of the forthcoming ministerial meeting of the World Trade Organisation (WTO). CHOGM leaders have sought a new round of global negotiations on trade with a specific "developmental dimension" so that market access is created in agriculture, industrial products and services.

Significantly, the Durban document has also passionately pleaded for "innovative mechanisms" to promote capital flows to a large number of countries. For this purpose, it has underlined the urgency for reforms in the international financial system for the sake of better financial stability.

The CHOGM document, by and large, reflects the hopes and aspirations of the developing countries. It acknowledges that the "elimination of poverty is achievable" provided determined and concerted action is initiated at the national and international levels.

It recognised that "good governance and economic progress are directly linked" and for this purpose it reiterates the commitment of the Commonwealth countries to the pursuit of "greater transparency, accountability, the rule of law and the elimination of corruption in all spheres of public life and in the private sector".

Stressing the importance of promoting consensus at the national and international levels, CHOGM leaders have underlined the need for providing practical assistance for "the creation of capacities needed to promote people-centred development".

After the colourful closing ceremony of the historic CHOGM this afternoon, Prime Minister left for Mumbai in the evening by special Air India flight. He arrives in New Delhi on Tuesday morning.

Terrorism threat to democracy

DURBAN, Nov 15 — Endorsing India’s concern over terrorism, the Commonwealth summit today strongly condemned acts of terrorism in all its form and manifestations which destabilise the political, economic and social order of sovereign states.

In an eight-page communiqué issued at the end of the four-day summit here, the Commonwealth leaders also renewed its commitment to the fundamental political values of democracy, human rights and independence of judiciary.

Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee, while intervening in the closing session said one of the most serious threats to democracy worldwide was the phenomenon of terrorism.

He said this phenomenon could be fought through collective means and also urged nations to come out with specific action aimed at combating the spread of terrorist violence.

The concern found mention in the communiqué, which called for a comprehensive convention against international terrorism.

Recognising the linkages between terrorism, illegal trafficking in drugs, arms and persons, and money laundering, it further called on all states to enact laws to prevent financing of terrorists and terrorist security council against states, entities and organisation which harbour and train terrorists or promote international terrorism.

The Commonwealth leaders also decided to constitute a high-level group of leaders, including India, to review the role of the 54-member grouping and advise on "how best it could respond to the challenges of the new century".

The 11-member group to be headed by the South African President, Mr Thabo Mbeki, will report to the next CHOGM in Australia in 2001.

The members include heads of governments of India, Australia, Fiji, Malta, Singapore, Tanzania, Trinidad and Tobago, United Kingdom and Zimbabwe.

The summit which took up the Pakistan issue also reconstituted the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) with Bangladesh, Nigeria and Australia as its new members. — HJ