Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group to meet in London, 20 December 2001

The Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group on the Harare Declaration (CMAG) will meet in Marlborough House, London, on Thursday, 20 December 2001.

The Group comprises Ministers from Australia, Bangladesh, Barbados (Vice-chair), Botswana (Chair), Canada, Malaysia, Nigeria and the United Kingdom. It is convened by the Commonwealth Secretary-General.

The Group's mandate from Commonwealth Heads of Government is to address serious or persistent violations of the Harare principles on democracy, human rights and fundamental freedoms, the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary, and good governance.

A press conference will be held at Marlborough House by Ministers and the Secretary-General at the end of the meeting on Thursday, 20 December 2001, at approximately16.30 hrs (4.30 pm).

01/82 17 December 2001