CHOGM 2009: Quotes from the press

The Commonwealth hit the headlines this past week as Heads of Government gathered in Port of Spain for their biennial summit. Here follows a selection of quotes from the worldwide and local media:

International media:

“Many in the Commonwealth, including some - if not all - of its critics, seem to be concluding that the organisation did itself some good in Trinidad and Tobago.” – James Robbins, diplomatic correspondent, BBC News

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/8385540.stm

“In a world of international bombast, there is a place for a modest, decent, amiable club that wants to do some good.” – The Guardian, UK

http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2009/nov/28/commonwealth-summit-trinidad-queen-sarkozy

“Entry into the Commonwealth of Nations does not only mean enhanced bilateral cooperation with the rest of the member states, but other benefits in the areas of trade cooperation and development initiatives.” – The New Times, Rwanda

http://www.newtimes.co.rw/index.php?issue=14095&article=23123

“The once-derided Commonwealth could now wield real influence in the changing landscape of global politics.” – The Telegraph, UK

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/6659029/Commonwealth-Relic-of-empire-returns-to-centre-stage.html

"The Commonwealth put at the forefront of the climate debate the cases of tiny island states like the Maldives in the Indian Ocean and Tuvalu and Kiribati in the Pacific, whose existence would be threatened by swelling ocean levels." – The Guardian, Nigeria

http://www.ngrguardiannews.com/news/article04/indexn2_html?pdate=301109&ptitle=C'wealth%20nations%20build%20alliance%20for%20climate%20deal

“We regard the Commonwealth's initiative in the immediate prelude to Copenhagen as the most propitious development.” – The Daily Star, Bangladesh

http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/news-details.php?nid=115814

Local media:

“Commonwealth leaders yesterday paid glowing tribute to Trinidad and Tobago for hosting one of the most successful Commonwealth Heads of Government Meetings (CHOGM) in the 60-year history of the organisation.” – Clint Chan Tack, Trinidad & Tobago’s Newsday

http://www.newsday.co.tt/news/0,111763.html

“The conference was deemed to be an unqualified success” – Trinidad & Tobago Express

http://www.trinidadexpress.com/index.pl/article_news?id=161563908

“Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Port-of-Spain has been declared a big success” – Trinidad & Tobago Guardian

http://guardian.co.tt/news/politics/2009/11/29/heads-hail-chogm-major-success-pg-3

World leaders:

“There are many skeptics out there who continue to ask the question whether the Commonwealth is still relevant as an institution. I, for one, came here with any open mind ... This CHOGM has truly answered that the Commonwealth as an institution is very much relevant because it is still able to meet and face the global challenges," said Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak. – New Straits Times, Malaysia

http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/articles/20091201142603/Article/index_html 

"I will leave Trinidad fully convinced that it will be possible to reach an ambitious agreement in Copenhagen," Lars Løkke Rasmussen told reporters after the Commonwealth leaders issued their climate change statement. – COP15

http://en.cop15.dk/news/view%20news?newsid=2736

"The agreement on climate change reflects the Commonwealth's readiness to confront serious challenges currently facing the world. This is a very positive step towards a brighter future for the Commonwealth," said South African President Jacob Zuma. – Bua News, South Africa

http://www.buanews.gov.za/news/09/09113010451001

Papua New Guinea's Prime Minister Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare said that the meeting would go down in history as the world's most vulnerable were able to make their voices heard on climate change. "This conference made it possible for our voice to be heard," Somare told the media. – Xinhua News, China

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-11/30/content_12564271.htm