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Chogm to promote peaceful resolution of conflicts

The Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (Chogm) today vowed to combat terrorism and expressed determination to promote processes that help prevent or resolve conflicts in a peaceful manner.

The Commonwealth declaration adopted by the leaders also extended support to measures to stabilise post-conflict situations and combat terrorism.

The declaration said fully exploiting the opportunities for development created by globalisation was not possible without political stability and peace.

Commonwealth Secretary General Emeka Anyaoku observed that the Commonwealth should play a greater role in the resolution of conflicts. It has succeeded in ending crisis and conflicts in many member nations, however, many areas remained unattended and need urgent resolution, he added.

The four-day summit, which ended in Durban today, also stressed the need for good governance, stating it required inclusive and participatory processes at both the national and international levels.

We call upon the global community to search for the inclusive process of multilateralism, which gives developing countries a more effective role in the operations of the international institutions and recognise the particular vulnerabilities of small states, it said.

The heads of government also condemned the unconstitutional over- throw of the democratically elected government in Pakistan and said legitimacy should not be accorded to the military regime.

They called for restoration of civilian democratic rule without any delay. They endorsed the decision to suspend the military regime in Pakistan from Commonwealth, pending restoration of democracy in the country.

The leaders also warned of ''further measures'' if process to restore democracy was not speeded up.

The declaration also welcomed spread of ideas, information and knowledge in building civil support for social equality and in opposing all forms of discrimination and other injustices based on ''enthnicity, gender, race and religion.''

The summit called for renewed commitment to eliminate all forms of discrimination and to take measures that promote respect for the diverse languages, culture and beliefs and traditions of the world, which enrich all our lives.

The summit, was attended by presidents and prime ministers of 47 countries and senior ministers of six nations.

The leaders said the Commonwealth had a vital role to play in promoting consensus at national and international levels and in providing practical assistance for the creation of capacities needed to promote people centered development.

It stressed the need for elimination of poverty and demanded urgent action to tackle the unsustainable debt burden of developing countries, particularly the poorest.

UNI

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