Twenty-First Meeting of The Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group on The Harare Declaration (CMAG)

CONCLUDING STATEMENT

1. The Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group on the Harare Declaration (CMAG) met in London, on 19-20 May 2003. This was the Group's third meeting following its reconstitution by Commonwealth Heads of Government at Coolum in March 2002 and the twenty-first meeting since CMAG's establishment 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 Alexander Downer, MP, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Australia (Vice-Chairman), the Hon Frederick Mitchell, MP, Minister of Foreign Affairs of The Bahamas, the Hon M. Morshed Khan, MP, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh, the Hon Yashwant Sinha, MP, Minister of External Affairs of India, the Hon Joe Borg, MP, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Malta, the Hon Sule Lamido, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Nigeria, and HE Tau'ili'ili Uili Meredith, High Commissioner for Samoa to the United Kingdom.

2. CMAG reviewed developments in the countries on its Agenda, namely Pakistan, Fiji Islands, Solomon Islands and Zimbabwe.

Pakistan

3. CMAG received a report from the Secretary-General on recent developments in Pakistan, in particular the role and functioning of democratic institutions since the October 2002 elections. The Group welcomed the progress made by Pakistan in the establishment of democratic institutions including the election of the National Assembly, the Senate and Provincial Assemblies, and the formation of democratic governments at the national and provincial levels. It also welcomed the positive measures taken for women's representation in the parliament, the representation of minorities and the determination to enhance public accountability and end corruption.

4. The Group was encouraged by the continuing progress in the development and growth of democratic institutions. It requested the Secretary-General to remain engaged with the Government of Pakistan including with the provision of technical assistance to strengthen democratic processes and institutions.

5. CMAG noted that Parliament has remained deadlocked over the status of the Legal Framework Orders (LFO). The Group hoped that the dialogue between the Government and the opposition parties on outstanding issues, including the LFO, would be concluded successfully in the spirit of parliamentary practice and process. 6. CMAG agreed to review Pakistan's suspension at its next meeting.

Fiji Islands

7. The Group received a report from the Secretary-General on developments in Fiji Islands. It welcomed the co-operation received from the Government of Fiji and progress made towards establishing the Supreme Court. CMAG noted that the case relating to the constitutionality of the formation of Fiji's Government was due to be heard on 18 June 2003.

8. CMAG agreed to continue to monitor the situation in Fiji Islands pending the outcome of the court case. CMAG also requested the Secretary-General to remain engaged with Fiji Islands and offer appropriate technical assistance, as may be required by both parties following the court's decision. CMAG decided to keep Fiji on its agenda. Solomon Islands

9. CMAG received a report from the Secretary-General on the situation in Solomon Islands. The Group appreciated the economic assistance and support provided to Solomon Islands by Commonwealth Governments, especially by Australia and New Zealand.

10. CMAG agreed to continue monitoring the situation in Solomon Islands and keep it on its agenda. It requested the Secretary-General to remain engaged and provide appropriate technical assistance to the Solomon Islands.

Zimbabwe

1. CMAG received an update from the Secretary-General on recent developments in Zimbabwe. The Group noted the Commonwealth Statement on Zimbabwe of 16 March 2003, and the Secretary-General's Report to the 'Troika' subsequently circulated by the Chairperson-in-Office to all Commonwealth Heads of Government. CMAG maintained the decision taken at its last meeting to keep Zimbabwe on its agenda.

Next Meeting

12. The Group decided to meet in New York in September 2003 in the margins of the UN General Assembly.