Twentieth Meeting Of The Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group On The Harare Declaration (CMAG) - Concluding Statement

Marlborough House, London, 31 October - 1 November 2002

CONCLUDING STATEMENT

1. The Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group on the Harare Declaration (CMAG) met in London, on 31 October and 1 November 2002. This was the Group's second meeting following its reconstitution by Commonwealth Heads of Government at Coolum in March 2002 and the 20th meeting since CMAG's creation at the Auckland Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in November 1995. The meeting was chaired by the Hon Lt-General Mompati S. Merafhe, MP, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation of Botswana, and was attended by the Hon Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Samoa, the Hon Alexander Downer, MP, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Australia (Vice-Chairman), the Hon Fred Mitchell, Minister of Foreign Affairs of The Bahamas, the Hon M Morshed Khan, MP, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh, the Hon Yashwant Sinha, Minister of External Affairs of India, the Hon Sule Lamido, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Nigeria, and HE Dr George Bonello Dupuis, High Commissioner of Malta to the United Kingdom.

2. CMAG adopted its Agenda and reviewed developments in the countries within its remit, namely Fiji Islands, Pakistan, Solomon Islands and Zimbabwe, and reached the following conclusions:

Fiji Islands

3. The Group agreed to continue to monitor the situation in Fiji Islands, in particular the ongoing judicial processes on the constitutionality of Fiji's Government, and requested the Secretary-General to remain engaged with Fiji until these are resolved and to keep CMAG apprised of developments.

4. CMAG also supported the efforts of the Secretary-General to assist Fiji with the securing of judges from other Commonwealth countries to help with the speedy disposal of cases pending with the Fiji Supreme Court. CMAG decided to keep Fiji on its agenda pending the outcome of the court ruling.

Pakistan

5. CMAG received and noted a report from the Secretary-General on recent developments in Pakistan, in particular the National and Provincial Assemblies elections held on 10 October 2002, which were observed by a Commonwealth Observer Group (COG). CMAG looked forward to the early formation of a democratic government with full executive powers and the establishment of elected legislatures with full constitutional and legislative authority.

6. The Group noted the conclusions and recommendations of the COG Report, including its assessment that certain measures introduced in the period preceding the elections have had a limiting effect on the process of restoring democracy. CMAG called upon the Government of Pakistan to take necessary steps to implement the recommendations of the Report related to institutional and procedural issues. The Group expressed concern over the continued promulgation of new laws, even after the elections, which follow extra-constitutional measures introduced through the Legal Framework Order 2002.

7. CMAG requested the Commonwealth Secretary-General to remain fully engaged in monitoring the development of democratic processes and institutions in Pakistan. It agreed that in accordance with the Millbrook Commonwealth Action Programme on the Harare Declaration, the Secretary-General should continue to offer and make available such advice, training and other forms of technical assistance in support of processes and institutions in Pakistan as might be required for the development of democracy.

8. CMAG agreed to maintain the status quo on Pakistan's suspension from the Councils of the Commonwealth pending greater clarity and an assessment of the role and functioning of democratic institutions.
Solomon Islands

9. The Group reviewed the situation in Solomon Islands and commended the efforts of Prime Minister Kemakeza and his government, under difficult circumstances, to restore law and order, consolidate the peace process and promote economic recovery. CMAG expressed appreciation to Australia, New Zealand and other Commonwealth governments for their continued efforts to provide economic assistance and support to Solomon Islands.

10. Recognising Solomon Islands' commitment to the Commonwealth Harare Principles, CMAG decided to keep Solomon Islands on its agenda to maintain a Commonwealth focus and support. It requested the Secretary-General to provide technical and other assistance, including relevant experts as required particularly for strengthening democratic institutions and processes.

Zimbabwe

11. The Group received a report from the Secretary-General on recent developments in Zimbabwe, including the meeting of the Commonwealth Chairpersons' Committee, held in Abuja, Nigeria, in September 2002. CMAG maintained the decision taken at its last meeting to keep Zimbabwe on its agenda but agreed not to take any further action given the decision of the Commonwealth Chairpersons' Committee to remain seized of the issue and continue its on-going efforts.
Next Meeting

12. The Group decided to meet in London in late March or April 2003 on a date to be agreed.