Commonwealth vital to Zambia - Scott
By Bright Mukwasa
Wed 06 June 2012, 13:23 CAT
VICE-President Guy Scott says Zambia has every interest in playing an active role in Commonwealth dialogue meant to explore issues of common concern.
Meanwhile, British Airways says it is almost impossible to ignore the existing links between Queen Elizabeth II and the airline throughout her 60 years of reign as head of the British monarchy.
Vice-President Scott, during the Queen Elizabeth's Diamond Jubilee celebrations held in Lusaka on Monday night that the Commonwealth was important to Zambia.
"At government level, and through this network of sectoral links, we can meet to explore issues of common concern, and try to come to common views, or at least understand why we differ. Zambia has every interest in playing an active part in such dialogue," Vice-President Scott said.
"The Queen attaches great importance to the Commonwealth. Because of her age, she no longer does long trips overseas. But she has sent members of her family to visit many Commonwealth countries to commemorate her jubilee. I am delighted that we will be hosting Princess Anne here in Zambia later in the year."
He said government was pleased that President Michael Sata had been invited to take part in the celebrations in Britain.
Vice-President Scott said Commonwealth was important to Zambia especially that it was united by belief in democracy and human rights.
"Some are big developed economies, such as the UK and Canada. Others are the powerhouses of the future such as India. Many of the rest are in Africa and elsewhere in the developing world," said Vice-President Scott.
"But Commonwealth is also a network of peoples and groups. The National Assembly of Zambia is an active participant in the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association. And Livingstone will host the biennial conference of the Royal Agriculture Society of the Commonwealth, of which the Agriculture and Commercial Society of Zambia is an important member."
British High Commissioner James Thornton said the celebration was a befitting tribute to the Queen who had been a symbol of a number of other countries, including Canada, and was head of the Commonwealth, a role she took seriously.
"The Queen has been a symbol of unity for us in the United Kingdom and for the Commonwealth. She has worked hard at her representational functions all her life. Sometimes the monarch has been criticised, but she has refrained from responding. She has a real gift for engaging with people," High Commissioner Thornton said.
He said Queen Elizabeth's virtues had been underpinned by a real religious faith.
"The monarchy has been in existence in England for over a thousand years. It has survived, unlike some many others, by evolving. Once, the monarch was all-powerful, now the UK has a robust Parliamentary democracy. Elizabeth II has in her turn enabled the monarch to go on adapting," said High Commissioner Thornton.
"It is now more informal than it used to be. It combines tradition with modernity, just like the nation of which it is part."
Over a thousand beacons were lit on Monday night, many in the UK, across the globe and another in Kenya in the place where the young Elizabeth was staying when she heard her father had died and that she had ascended to the throne.
The event was attended by senior government officials and diplomats.
And British Airways Zambia commercial manager Beatrice Kamanga stated in a press release in commemoration of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee that the airline has had a long-standing connection with Queen Elizabeth even before she ascended to the throne.
"The Queen's association with British European Airways, British Overseas Airways Corporation and British Caledonian Airways - all predecessor airlines of today's British Airways - started while she was still Princess Elizabeth," stated Kamanga.
Labels: COMMON WEALTH, GUY SCOTT, QEII
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Commonwealth shares one humanity, says Queen Elizabeth
By Maluba Jere
Thu 15 Mar. 2012, 12:59 CAT
QUEEN Elizabeth says the Commonwealth treasures and respects wealth of diversity. In her message to commemorate this year's Commonwealth Day which fell on March 12, Queen Elizabeth said connecting cultures is more than observing others and the ways in which they express themselves.
In a statement released by the British High Commission in Lusaka yesterday, she said that this year the Commonwealth seeks to focus on how to explore, share and strengthen the bond of Commonwealth citizenship by using cultural connections.
The Queen said this will help bring the members even closer together as family and friends across the globe.
"‘Connecting cultures', our Commonwealth theme this year, encourages us to consider the special opportunities we have, as members of this unique gathering of nations to celebrate an extraordinary cultural tapestry that reflects our many individual and collective identities," she said.
Queen Elizabeth said circumstances and surroundings may vary enormously such as food and clothes, but "the members share one humanity" which draws them together.
She said the joys of celebration and sympathy of sadness may be expressed differently but that they felt the same way the world over.
"How we express our identities reveals both a rich diversity and many common threads. Through the creative genius of artists, whether they be writers, actors, film makers, dancers or musicians, we can see both the range of our cultures and the elements of our shared humanity," Queen Elizabeth said.
She added that the Commonwealth offers a pathway for a greater understanding and the opportunity to expand upon shared experiences in a wider world.
"A world in which paths to mutual respect and common cause may also be explored and which can draw us together, stronger and better than before," said Queen Elizabeth.
And British High Commissioner to Zambia James Thornton says his government contributes 30 million pounds about K250 billion a year to Commonwealth institutions and programmes.
High Commissioner Thornton said the Commonwealth is about much more than a group of nations.
He said it is a series of links between people embodied in over a hundred organisations as diverse as the Commonwealth Lawyers Association and the Royal Agricultural Society of the Commonwealth.
High Commissioner Thornton stated that the Commonwealth is active in many specific areas such as strengthening democratic processes and institutions.
"For example it sent an observer mission to ensure that the elections here last year were free and fair," he stated. "Another is assisting members in the adoption and implementation of international human rights."
He said the Commonwealth also works towards the Millennium Development Goals, being particularly active in education, gender and health.
High Commissioner Thornton further said the Commonwealth further works to support and empower young people.
The Commonwealth Day is commemorated on the second Monday of March each year to mark the start of a week of Commonwealth activities.
Labels: COMMON WEALTH, QEII
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Commonwealth Secretary-General arrives in Malawi
By Thom Chiumia, Nyasa Times
January 21, 2012
Commonwealth Secretary-General Kamalesh Sharma on Saturday arrived in Malawi where he will hold talks with President Bingu wa Mutharika, political and civil society leaders.
Sharma touched down Kamuzu International Airport aboard Kenyan Airways and was welcomed by deputy minister of foreign affairs Kondwani Nankhumwa.
Commonwelth’s assistant spokesperson for Africa, Julius Mucunguzi, told Nyasa Timesin Lilongwe that the Secretary General will start his tour of duty on Monday.
Malawi Deputy Foreign Minister Kondwani Nankhumwa (left) recieves Commonwealth Secretary-General Kamalesh Sharma (third from left), and his wife Babli, at Kamuzu Banda International Airport, Lilongwe, Malawi on 21 January 2012.
He will meet and brief President Mutharika about current developments in the Commonwealth Secretariat following mandates from the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting which took place in Perth, Australia, in October 2011.
Sharma will also meet Malawi’s Leader of Opposition, John Tembo and other senior political leaders including civil society leaders.
Mucunguzi said Sharma will discuss current political, economic and social developments and “explore the range of support the Commonwealth can mobilise.”
Labels: BINGU WA MUTHARIKA, COMMON WEALTH
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Vice President Guy Scott expected in Australia tomorrow
TIME PUBLISHED - Wednesday, October 26, 2011, 1:58 pm
Vice President Guy Scott is tomorrow expected to arrive in Perth, Australia to represent President Michael Sata at the 2011 Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting (CHOGM 2011).
Foreign Affairs Minister, Chishimba Kambwili confirmed to ZANIS in Perth that upon arrival, Dr. Scott will attend a session of the Commonwealth Executives. He said the Vice President will on Friday join 16 heads of government and representatives from 54 Commonwealth member countries in the official opening of the CHOGM 2011.
Mr. Kambwili said Dr. Scott will also attend a multilateral meeting which has been arranged with the European Union (EU). The Vice President will be accompanied to Australia by Minister of Labour, Fackson Shamenda and while Mr. Kambwili and Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry Bob Sichinga are in the advance party of senior government officials attending pre-CHOGM 2011 meetings.
And Mr. Kambwili has disclosed that Cyprus will in the near future send a team of experts to Zambia to explore the latter’s tourism potential. He said this was discussed during a meeting he held with the Foreign Minister of Cyprus in Perth yesterday.
He said Cyprus has since offered to sponsor Zambian officials that are responsible for the development of the tourism sector through training. He hoped that this bilateral arrangement between Zambia and Cyprus will help market the former’s tourism sector, which he said had not been fully done in the past.
The Queen of England and the Duke of Edinburgh, who have since arrived in Australia, will be among the many dignitaries that will attend CHOGM 2011 at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre. The theme of the CHOGM 2011 is ‘building national resilience, building global resilience’.
And Minister of Foreign Affairs Chishimba Kambwili says Zambia’s membership to the Commonwealth is very beneficial to the country. And the 2011 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM 2011) is scheduled to officially open at Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre on Friday, October 28th and close on the 30th of the same month.
Mr. Kambwili said in Perth today that among the benefits of Zambia’s membership to the Commonwealth is the opening up of the Australian market to African countries to export their products.
During the Commonwealth Business Forum, which preceded the CHOGM 2011, Prime Minister of Australia, Julia Gillard announced the opening up of her country’s market to products from Africa.
Mr. Kambwili said Zambia is already benefitting from the pre-CHOGM Foreign Minister’s meeting, Commonwealth and Small Developing States Foreign Ministers’ meeting and the Commonwealth Business Forum (CBF).
He said Zambia will now take advantage of the opening up of the Australian market to products from Africa.
Mr. Kambwili further said Zambia’s position on issues of climate change has been made clear during the meeting of Commonwealth and Small Developing States yesterday.
He said Zambia’s position, just like other developing countries, is that developed nations should financially assist the poor and developing countries to fight challenges of climate change.
He argued that this is because developing nations were not responsible for the emission of most of the greenhouse gasses to the atmosphere.
The theme of the CHOGM 2011 is ‘building national resilience, building global resilience’.
There are 54 countries in the Commonwealth.
ZANIS
Labels: AUSTRALIA, CHISHIMBA KAMBWILI, COMMON WEALTH, GUY SCOTT
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Zim can apply to rejoin Club: Envoy
Tuesday, 07 June 2011 22:54
Herald Reporter
THE Commonwealth would want to see Zimbabwe rejoin the club but Harare should re-apply if it wants to be part of the club, Australian ambassador to Zimbabwe, Matthew Neuhaus has said.
Australia was instrumental in unilaterally suspending Zimbabwe from the Commonwealth in 2003 before Harare chose to withdraw from the grouping of Britain and its former colonies.
Mr Neuhaus was addressing the media after paying a courtesy call on Vice President, John Landa Nkomo, in Harare yesterday.
He said Zimbabwe would, however, have to be prepared to ascribe to the conditions set by the club.
But Zimbabwe's other reason for withdrawing was its refusal to be subjected to conditions, which were being selectively applied just to find fault with Harare.
Mr Neuhaus said the Commonwealth was distressed to see Zimbabwe withdraw from the club.
"It was distressing when Zimbabwe withdrew from the Commonwealth after they were suspended. We had hoped they would come back shortly after the suspension but they withdrew.
"Zimbabwe need to re-apply and there is big hope that they will rejoin the Commonwealth but they should be ready to ascribe to the conditions of the Commonwealth like free and fair elections and the rule of law and the elections roadmap," Ambassador Neuhaus said.
He said the Commonwealth had welcomed the Global Political Agreement adding that the club was following progress.
"At the last Commonwealth meeting, the membership generally welcomed the GPA and leaders would now want to review the GPA progress," he said.
Zimbabwe withdrew from the Commonwealth on December 7, 2003 on unfounded allegations of failure to hold free and fair elections.
Turning to his meeting with VP Nkomo, Ambassador Neuhaus said they discussed the need for peace and intolerance to political violence.
"The Vice President is a lead member of the Organ of National Healing, Reconciliation and Integration, so we talked a lot on the importance of the need to make sure there is no political violence.
"I told him I have been travelling all over the country and of the support that the Australian Government is giving to Bulawayo in areas of water," said Ambassador Neuhaus.
Labels: COMMON WEALTH, JOHN LANDA NKOMO, ZIMBABWE
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COMMENT - Kagame was trained and sponsored by the Anglo-Saxon bloc. However, who would have predicted that not only would Rwanda change it's official national language from French to English, they would also join the Common Wealth?
Rwanda joins Commonwealth
By Larry Moonze in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago
Tue 01 Dec. 2009, 04:00 CAT
FRENCH speaking Rwanda has become the 54th member of the mostly former British colonies association, the Commonwealth.
Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting in Port of Spain on Saturday agreed to admit Rwanda 15 years after the end of the genocide in which over 500,000 Tutsi minority were massacred. Rwanda becomes the newest member to join the Commonwealth after Mozambique in 1995.
"Commonwealth leaders holding their biennial Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, on 28 November 2009 considered application for membership by the Republic Of Rwanda,” said Commonwealth Secretariat spokesperson Eduardo del Buey. "The leaders agreed to admit Rwanda as the 54th member. Commonwealth Secretary-General Kamalesh Sharma telephoned Rwanda's President, His Excellency Paul Kagame, late on 28th November 2009 to convey the leaders' decision."
The Commonwealth comprises big and vastly industrialised countries but the majority of its members are poor developing countries and smaller vulnerable island states.
The association that espouses democracy, good governance and respect for human rights boasts of 'the same rich diversity of humankind and commonality of spirit.'
British Queen Elizabeth II heads the Commonwealth.
Rwanda has spent the last 15 years canvassing to join the Commonwealth.
The Great Lakes Region country has been subjected to numerous membership accession criteria until 2009 when it won the bid to get on board.
Labels: COMMON WEALTH, RWANDA
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No Zim return to Commonwealth: Mutasa
Ralph Mutema
Mon, 30 Nov 2009 20:01:00 +0000
ZIMBABWE will not return to the Commonwealth at the request of the British government or the group itself as it voluntarily left the grouping, the Minister of State for Presidential Affairs, Didymus Mutasa, said Sunday.
Zimbabwe pulled out of the Commonwealth, a group of mainly former British colonies, in 2003 in protest against treatment by Britain and Australia, over the land reform programme and other domestic affairs. The Commonwealth had also suspended the country from the grouping.
Speaking on the eve of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Trinidad and Tobago on Friday, British Prime Minister Gordon Brown said he expected the conference, which ended yesterday, to outline conditions for Zimbabwe’s return in 2011.
Minister Mutasa, who is the Zanu PF National Secretary for Administration, said Zimbabwe was never expelled from the Commonwealth and when it feels like returning, it would do so on its own accord.
“We were not expelled from the Commonwealth,” said Minister Mutasa.
“We left on our own. If they say they want to offer us to return, they sound as if they expelled us from the Commonwealth. We do not need anybody’s advice. We did not ask anyone for help. They should leave us alone.”
Leaders of Commonwealth countries gathered for their biennial meeting in Trinidad and Tobago from Friday until yesterday.
President Mugabe said at the time fhe withdrawal that the Commonwealth was a "mere club" that had seen its day.
“The Commonwealth is a mere club,” President Mugabe said then, “but it has become like Animal Farm, where some members are more equal than others. How can [British Prime Minister at the time, Tony] Blair claim to regulate and direct events and still say all of us are equals?" he said.
The Commonwealth, which groups 53 countries, mostly former British colonies, has largely been dismissed for being an ineffective body through which Britain seeks to sustain its nostalgia on its long- dead British Empire.
Critics say since the empire collapsed, the Commonwealth has become irrelevant and does not benefit members.
Labels: COMMON WEALTH, DIDYMUS MUTASA, MUGABE
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Commonwealth must commit to serving a new generation – Zuma
By Larry Moonze in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago
Mon 30 Nov. 2009, 04:01 CAT
SOUTH African President Jacob Zuma has said deepening poverty, global economic crisis and climate change directly tests the notion of the globalised world.
Addressing the Commonwealth Heads of Government dinner hosted by Queen Elizabeth II on Friday evening at Hyatt Regency Hotel, President Zuma said at 60 years the Commonwealth must commit to serving a new generation.
"I am most honoured and privileged to be able to address Her Majesty and other dignitaries this evening.
What makes this meeting of the Commonwealth Heads of Government distinctive is that it takes place in the year of the 60th anniversary of the modern Commonwealth," he said.
"It also takes place at a time when the world is faced with two challenges that very directly test the notion of the globalised world and its interpretation. In addition to a global economic crisis and climate change, the world is faced with a widening of the gap between rich and poor, and deepening poverty among the majority."
President Zuma said the Commonwealth was an organisation with a rich history and a worthy heritage.
He said over the course of six decades it had shown itself to be a family of nations committed to the betterment of humanity.
"Yet, while the ties that bind us are rooted in history, the value of the Commonwealth lies in the future," President Zuma said.
"The Commonwealth is composed of a quarter of the world's countries, a third of its population, a fifth of its trade, some of the richest and some of the poorest countries, some of the largest countries and some of the smallest."
He said as the countries of the world became increasingly interdependent the value of an organisation like the Commonwealth became even greater.
President Zuma said the Commonwealth provided an opportunity to build consensus beyond its membership on responses to the challenges facing the globe.
He said consensus building beyond its borders had become more urgent than at any other time in the Commonwealth history.
"As we celebrate 60 years it is appropriate that we commit ourselves to serving a new generation," President Zuma said.
He said the Commonwealth must therefore continue to strive to ensure the youth were able to determine their own future.
"As we look to the needs of a new generation we will hold fast to the principles and values that have characterised our organisation," said President Zuma. "We will hold fast to the vision of the better world we seek to build."
Labels: COMMON WEALTH, JACOB ZUMA
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Development is unequal in Commonwealth – Museveni
By Larry Moonze in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago
Sun 29 Nov. 2009, 04:01 CAT
WEALTH is not common at all in the Commonwealth, Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has said.
President Museveni, the outgoing chairman of the Commonwealth, said there was unequal development in the Commonwealth but was quick to state that black Africa had awoken and the transformation march was unstoppable.
"When I first met Her Majesty the Queen 20 years ago, I said the CHOGM is the only meeting where we do not use interpreters," he said.
President Museveni said in other forums such as the African Union, he had to do with interpretation devices for him to follow discussions in Portuguese, French and Arabic.
"This is why we are popularising Swahili, at least in East Africa, to solve this problem," he said amid laughter from the audience. "This was an asset, English is an asset to the Commonwealth. The only drawback is unequal development in the Commonwealth. Wealth is not common at all."
President Museveni said nations desired prosperity and not just a profile of being rich in natural resources.
He said the problem of underdevelopment called for an understanding and not obstruction from the developed countries.
President Museveni said there was need to transform society in order to achieve economic and political development all over the world.
He said since 500 years ago, Europe underwent socio-economic transformation but black Africa was forced to remain in late Iron-Age society stage.
President Museveni said even that late Iron-Age technology could not be improved upon because of colonialism.
He said Africa had thus remained an economic enclave with seas of backwardness.
President Museveni said in Asia, countries had lifted themselves from those doldrums and that Africa was now following suit.
"Now black Africa is waking up," he said. "Our march is unstoppable."
President Museveni said Africa anchored her transformation on several pillars like education for all, liberalisation but with government intervention when necessary.
He said the continent now saw importance in adding value to its raw materials.
President Museveni said the issue of getting only 10 per cent of international value from Africa's exports was tantamount to modern slavery.
He said Africa was moving into regional integration as it created wider markets for own products.
President Museveni reiterated the call for a fair international trade regime and an end to protectionism.
He said the other pillar was sustaining democracy but not accepting anarchism and opportunism.
President Museveni said a corrupt free judiciary was equally essential.
"Black Africa at last has woken up," he said. "We don't need obstructions."
President Museveni said once Africa and other developing countries reach a certain level of development, it would facilitate the building of a sustainable future for the rest of mankind.
He accused the rich north of causing climate change.
"This is a new form of aggression and it must stop," said President Museveni.
Labels: COMMON WEALTH, YOWERI MUSEVENI
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Zambia improves doing business ranking in Commonwealth
By Larry Moonze
Fri 27 Nov. 2009, 04:00 CAT
THE International Finance Corporation (IFC)’s Doing Business Report 2010 has listed Zambia among Commonwealth countries that have improved their doing business rankings over the past year. And Commonwealth Business Council (CBC) director general Dr Mohan Kaul said 20 of the world’s fastest growing economies were in the Commonwealth.
Addressing the 2009 Commonwealth Business Forum (CBF) in Trinidad and Tobago staged on the Serenade of the Sea cruise liner (ship) on Tuesday, Dr Kaul said for the first time the Forum had a formal link with the Organisation of American States.
“According to the International Finance Corporation’s Doing Business Report 2010, five Commonwealth countries are ranked in the global top ten for ease of doing business: Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Singapore and the United Kingdom,” Dr Kaul said.
“Commonwealth countries that have improved their doing business rankings over the past year include Mauritius, Mozambique, Samoa, Sierra Leone, and Zambia.”
He said the combination of good governance and sound market-friendly policies was working.
Dr Kaul said improvements in the investment climate in many countries had led to increased domestic and foreign investment.
He said CBC had been working to help strengthen the investment climate including through the biennial Business Environment Report.
However, Dr Kaul observed that since the last CBF in Kampala in 2007, the global economic crisis had taken its toll on all Commonwealth economies.
“While the first signs of global economic recovery or stabilisation are now showing, we are acutely aware that most countries have felt a sharp downdraft from declining export revenues and foreign direct investment,” he said. “Nonetheless, over the past decade, for the large majority of our countries, improvements have led to strong economic growth, averaging five to seven per cent in many Commonwealth countries.”
Dr Kaul said the Commonwealth had a distinct advantage in that member countries shared the global language as well as common political and institutional features.
He said member states used those assets to address poverty through growth.
“Now twenty of the world’s fastest growing economies are in the Commonwealth,” Dr Kaul said. “We have seen the emergence of middle income countries like Trinidad and Tobago and others in the region that are successful in attracting investment, engaging in international trade and becoming net contributors to the global economy.”
He said investment in education and skills development stood out because they would provide the foundation for longer-term growth, adaptation and competitiveness.
Dr Kaul said another call to action was acceleration of regional economic integration.
“This is never easy as it often requires short term sacrifices for individual countries,” Dr Kaul said. “But it is an irreversible global trend. Businesses want access to larger markets, which offer economies of scale and operation. This applies to every Commonwealth country.”
He said this year’s forum would issue specific recommendations to governments on priority areas ranging from improved access to finance, developing infrastructure, creating the right foundation for strong and prosperous small and medium enterprise (SME) sector, addressing skills shortage and human resource availability, adopting business friendly tax policies to tackling corruption and improving corporate governance.
Dr Kaul said on its part, the CBC would help remove barriers to trade by pushing for the conclusion of the Doha Development Round of world trade negotiations.
He further said the CBC was developing programmes to involve SMEs and facilitate connections with larger companies to enhance business linkages.
Dr Kaul said the CBC would continue a series of activities and events to mobilise investment.
He said the council was implementing an initiative on Business Action Against Corruption to ensure good governance in Commonwealth member countries.
Dr Kaul said the council was working with partners to expand business engagement for the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals through the United Nations Call to Action.
Labels: BUSINESS, COMMON WEALTH, ZAMBIA
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Zimbabwe could return to the Commonwealth
Philip Murombedzi
Wed, 25 Nov 2009 01:56:00 +0000
THE Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting (CHOGM) which opens on Friday in Trinidad is likely to offer a seat to Zimbabwe to return to the organisation within two years.
President Robert Mugabe pulled the country out of the Commonwealth, which he denounced as an "evil organisation", in 2003. Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai supports a return to the organisation.
The organisation, a jamboree of former British colonies, has gradually lost its purpose and significance. The UK's Foreign and Commonwealth Office rarely mentions it in its foreign policy pronouncements.
CHOGM will send a message to Zimbabwe's leaders that a place at the table could be possible at the next gathering in late 2011.
Reports indicate that the organisation will press for political, economic and legal systems' reform in Zimbabwe to enable the return to the Commonwealth.
It was suspended in 2002, and withdrew from the organisation the following year.
In a report today for the Royal Commonwealth Society, the former Australian prime minister, Malcolm Fraser, says Zimbabwe is one of the organisation's "greatest failures".
"A number of Commonwealth leaders have been quietly involved in Zimbabwe over the years, but the Commonwealth itself could have been more influential and arguably did not marshal its resources early enough or adequately enough," Mr Fraser said.
"The slow road to recovery that we are now witnessing in Zimbabwe shows that it is high time for the Commonwealth to engage proactively with the Government of National Unity."
Labels: CHOGM, COMMON WEALTH, MUGABE
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KK urges Commonwealth to help Zim’s unity govt
Written by Bivan Saluseki
Saturday, August 08, 2009 1:52:02 PM
DR Kenneth Kaunda has said the slow road to recovery in Zimbabwe shows that it is high time for the Commonwealth to engage proactively with the Government of National Unity. And former Australian prime minister Malcom Fraser has said if the Commonwealth is to survive as an effective organisation, it should not be shy and retiring.
In interviews conducted by the Royal Commonwealth Society to mark the Lusaka Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) which took place 30 years ago this week in August 1979 paving the way for Rhodesian independence, Dr Kaunda said if Zimbabwe was one of the Commonwealth's greatest successes, it was also one of its greatest failures.
Dr Kaunda said no one predicted that the country, to which the Commonwealth gave birth, would end up leaving the fold in 2003.
"A number of Commonwealth leaders have been quietly involved in Zimbabwe over the years, but the Commonwealth itself could have been more influential and arguably did not marshal its resources early enough or adequately enough. Zimbabwe belongs within the Commonwealth family, and we should welcome her back. The Commonwealth could be the perfect vehicle to help Zimbabwe bring sustainable economic and social development to its people," he said.
"For this to happen, the relationships between Commonwealth leaders need to be nurtured. One of the unique strengths of the Commonwealth is the CHOGM retreat. Sitting down for two days with your fellow Heads of Government and really getting to know one another better might terrify our officials, but it is an invaluable way to engender trust and build fruitful relationships. Retreats are times to roll up our sleeves and get down to business - as we demonstrated in Lusaka."
But, as the time available for retreats is curtailed by leaders' increasingly crowded schedules, Dr Kaunda said the CHOGM risked becoming just another meeting and, if it did not take decisive action on topical issues, it would become indistinguishable from other international summits.
Dr Kaunda said there could be no doubt that the role of the Commonwealth remained as important today as ever.
He said the myriad of problems facing the world needed resolute action from international organisations such as the Commonwealth.
"Our current leaders should continue to use this organisation to search for solutions to the challenges confronting the human race," he said.
Dr Kaunda said white rule in Rhodesia had been a thorny issue in Commonwealth debates for many years before 1979.
He said but in Lusaka, it was clear that something had to be done or the Commonwealth risked becoming irrelevant in global peace building
"We knew when we gathered at the CHOGM leaders' retreat, that reaching agreement would not be easy, particularly given the apparent intransigence of the British position," he said. "But the Commonwealth did what it does best: among its hugely diverse members and in the face of complex negotiations, it found consensus. We emerged from the CHOGM not only with a commitment to genuine majority rule, but with a promise from Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher to hold a London conference - Lancaster House - that led to Zimbabwean independence in 1980. The CHOGM's accompanying Lusaka Declaration on Racism and Racial Prejudice was a clarion call to equality, and remains a fundamental Commonwealth document to this day."
Dr Kaunda said as the chair of that important conference, he looked back on it with a deep sense of nostalgia.
"After years of conflict and devastation, and the protracted efforts to resolve the question of Zimbabwe, the Lusaka summit enabled us to find a just and lasting solution to that vexing issue. It was an epoch-making moment," he said.
Dr Kaunda said there was little doubt that the Lusaka CHOGM was one of the Commonwealth's greatest accomplishments.
"Where many other organisations had failed, the Commonwealth succeeded in effecting radical and lasting change. We came together with a collective unity of purpose and a determination to move beyond rhetoric into action," he said.
Dr Kaunda said alongside everything, the Commonwealth needed a Secretary-General who was committed to action; someone who could lead discussions on the most difficult of issues with the right balance of force and moderation.
"I am pleased that the Commonwealth has always been blessed with vibrant and visionary Secretaries-General," he said.
And Fraser said current leaders, and a strong Secretary-General, must put more effort in to make sure that the Commonwealth achieves its potential.
Labels: COMMON WEALTH, KENNETH KAUNDA, MALCOLM FRASER, NATIONAL UNITY GOVERNMENT
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Zimbabwe, Britain in talks
Ralph Mutema
Thu, 14 May 2009 02:32:00 +0000
THE British Government is dispatching a team of diplomats to Harare to hold talks with the country's inclusive Government leaders and explore prospects for a renewed bilateral dialogue.
A Foreign Office spokesman said the team, led by Foreign and Commonwealth Office Director Adam Wood, would arrive in Harare some time next week.
The visit follows talks in Pretoria on the weekend between British Minister of State for Africa Mark Malloch-Brown, attending the inauguration of South African President Jacob Zuma, and Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai with Foreign Minister Simbarashe Mumbengegwi.
It was the first high-level political meeting between the two governments since the inauguration in mid-February of Zimbabwe's inclusive Government between President Robert Mugabe's Zanu PF party and Tsvangirai's Movement for Democratic Change.
Observers said the meeting marked a significant rapprochement between London and Harare.
A statement from the Zimbabwe Embassy in Pretoria said the ministers had held "a frank exchange of views" and had "committed themselves to continue dialogue in an effort to normalise relations between Zimbabwe and the UK".
Malloch-Brown said that he "welcomed areas of progress" following the establishment of the inclusive Government, but added: "I also underline the need for further reform," and that "progress is needed... before the UK and the international community as a whole can engage more fully".
Britain and most other Western governments have been providing humanitarian aid to Harare, but are demanding that major human rights and political reforms need to be undertaken before they can provide direct government aid.
Relations between Zimbabwe and Britain have been far from cordial and at times bitter over the past decade with London criticizing the economic policies and human rights record of President Robert Mugabe, who accused Britain of neo-colonialist ambitions.
The International Monetary Fund is also sending a team to Zimbabwe next week to follow through on an offer of technical assistance made earlier this month.
The five-person team will be looking at payments systems, central bank management and other key aspects of Zimbabwe's fiscal operations and financial system.
Though the IMF lifted a suspension on technical assistance two weeks ago, the country is still barred from receiving new credits until it has cleared its arrears to multilateral lenders totaling more than US$1.2 billion to the IMF, World Bank and African Development Bank.
Labels: COMMON WEALTH, MARK MALLOCH-BROWN, UK, ZIMBABWE
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MPs should find solutions to economic challenges in Africa - CPA chair
By Mutale Kapekele in Livingstone
Sunday July 20, 2008 [04:00]
MEMBERS of parliament should find solutions to economic challenges in Africa, Commonwealth Parliamentarians Association (CPA) Africa region chairperson Mninwa Mahlangu has said. And CPA secretary general Dr William Shija said parliaments in the Commonwealth should participate more actively in conflict resolution.
Meanwhile, the 39th CPA African Region conference and annual general meeting on Friday unanimously adopted the resolutions on climate change, fighting corruption in Africa, gender issues and addressing issues of the disabled on the continent.
Speaking at the just-ended 39th CPA Africa region conference in Livingstone, Mahlangu said the economic challenges the world was experiencing had serious consequences that members of parliament should seek to address.
"We are aware that the world is experiencing serious economic challenges as a result of rising food prices and soaring fuel prices. Unfortunately, these developments have serious consequences for developing countries, especially its poor citizens," Mahlangu said. "As representatives of our parliaments, we have the unenviable task of presiding over the search for solutions that are aimed at alleviating the conditions under which our people find themselves."
Mahlangu said members of parliament should also plan for future generations by making decisions that would not endanger the future of the young.
And Dr Shija said parliaments should participate actively in conflict resolution.
"Since we have witnessed conflict emanating from incidents of democratic practices such as elections, members of parliament should seek the best way to participate in the area of conflict management and resolution," Dr Shija said.
And the CPA Africa region has unanimously agreed to take a leading role in climate change, gender, corruption and disability issues.
The Speaker of the National Assembly of Zambia Amusaa Mwanamwambwa takes up the one-year chairmanship of the CPA Africa region.
Labels: COMMON WEALTH, MPs
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Combating systematic corruption
By Editor
Tuesday November 27, 2007 [03:00]
The stand taken by the Commonwealth heads of government reaffirming their commitment to combating systematic corruption at both national and international levels deserves support. It is also very important that Commonwealth member states which have not yet become parties to the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) consider doing so as soon as possible.
We say this because this convention provides an opportunity for the much-needed global response to a global problem. Corruption strikes at the core of the priority concerns of the Commonwealth. The links between corruption and organised crime, terrorism, conflict, human rights abuses and poverty are now universally recognised.
Preventing and combating corruption must be seen by the Commonwealth as part of an overall effort to create the foundation for democracy, development, justice and effective governance.
This convention is important because under it, ratifying countries enter into a legal obligation to criminalise an array of corrupt practices; develop national institutions to prevent corrupt practices and to prosecute offenders; cooperate with other governments to recover stolen assets; and help each other, including with technical and financial institutions, to fight corruption, reduce its occurrence and reinforce integrity.
There is need for all Commonwealth member states to ratify this convention because it offers a unique opportunity to respond effectively to corruption - and by doing so, enhance the prospects for personal and societal development in our countries where this is not possible in the current context.
This convention marks an important breakthrough in the global fight against corruption, making the prohibition of corruption an integral part of the international public order. We therefore urge Commonwealth member states who are signatory countries to this convention to work towards its rapid ratification and implementation into national law.
We have been concerned about corruption, bribery and extortion and their effect on business for a long time. When business transactions are affected by payment of bribes, resources are diverted from more productive uses. Corruption undermines public and business confidence in the fair and efficient operation of institutions, distorts competition and discourages productive economic activity.
The Commonwealth therefore has good reasons to support efforts to fight corruption and should have a very strong interest in the success of the UN Convention Against Corruption. The adoption of the UN Convention Against Corruption represents a major step forward in the global recognition of the harmful nature of extortion and bribery.
It brings to the forefront the notion that corruption is wrong, whatever the transaction, in every country and in all circumstances. And it must be noted that the UN Convention is the first truly global instrument against corruption. Its provisions cover a very broad scope of issues likely to bring fundamental changes to the environment in which governments and businesses operate.
This convention prohibits both active and passive corruption. We believe that fighting corruption requires action against extortion as much as against bribery. And without effective action to address the "demand-side" of corruption, the fight against corruption cannot be won.
This convention also condemns both public and private corruption. In view of the huge role played by the private sector in the global economy and the continuing privatisation of government enterprises and activities, the time has come to make sure that effective measures are taken to control corruption within the private sector. We are happy to note that the critical matter of private-to-private bribery has been addressed in the convention. But we regret that the article prohibiting bribery in the private sector has not been made mandatory.
The UN Convention addresses serious shortcomings in mutual legal assistance, a key tool for combating international corruption that can only be strengthened from comprehensive worldwide efforts. The convention's worldwide participation raises hopes for major progress in this respect, particularly on issues that require North-South cooperation.
But it shouldn't be forgotten that the adoption of a convention is only the beginning. Whether the convention will make a practical impact will depend on whether there will be an effective follow-up monitoring process. Without such a process, the convention could be interpreted differently from one country to the next, making the conduct of international business unnecessarily complex and uncertain. An unequal implementation of the convention's provisions would result in substantial divergences between national laws, thereby defeating the very purpose of the convention.
We place high hopes in the UN Convention Against Corruption and the support the Commonwealth member states have declared for it, but we remain convinced that no tangible progress will be achieved without a proper monitoring mechanism to ensure its effective implementation and enforcement by all signatory countries.
Consistent with our long-standing view that the fight against corruption can only be won through complementary and mutually supportive action by governments, inter-governmental bodies and the business world, we urge the Commonwealth member states to work with the United Nations towards ratification of the convention and to make sure that the convention accomplishes its objectives. This is the best way the Commonwealth can contribute effectively to the fight against corruption.
Labels: COMMON WEALTH, CORRUPTION
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Commonwealth pledges to combat systemic corruption
By George Chellah in Kampala, Uganda
Tuesday November 27, 2007 [03:00]
COMMONWEALTH heads of government have reaffirmed their commitment to combating systemic corruption at both national and international levels. And the heads of government encouraged member states to consider implementing the recommendations of the 2005 Commonwealth Expert Working Group on the Recovery and Repatriation of Assets of Illicit Origin.
According to the 2007 Commonwealth Heads Of Government Meeting (CHOGM) Kampala communiqué, the heads of government expressed their enthusiasm to combating corruption and the tracing and recovery of assets of illicit origin.
“Recognising that extortion, bribery and corruption undermine good governance, respect for human rights and economic development, heads of government reaffirmed their commitment to combat systemic corruption at both national and international levels,” they stated.
“Heads of government urged member states which had not already done so to consider becoming parties to the UN Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC). They acknowledged the on-going activities of the secretariat designed to build institutional capacity and awareness in member states so as to assist them with its implementation and enforcement.
“They also recognised the resolutions of the first conference of the states parties to UNCAC, which address asset recovery and international co-operation and affirm those twin pillars among principal objectives of the convention.”
The heads of government also stressed the importance of ending impunity for the perpetrators of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes.
They further took note of the work of the international criminal tribunals.
“Heads of government called on states to consider further contributions to the valuable work of the special court for Sierra Leone. Heads of government of those member countries that have ratified the Rome statute of the International Criminal Court emphasised their support for the court and urged those states that have not yet done so to accede to the Rome statute at the earliest opportunity,” they stated.
On trade, the heads of government expressed their commitment to constructive and meaningful engagement and called on all World Trade Organisation (WTO) members to demonstrate goodwill and flexibility.
“Heads of government recognised the fundamental contribution of international trade to global prosperity, sustainable development and to the elimination of poverty.
They acknowledged the core role of the WTO and emphasised the need to give priority to fuller participation of all Commonwealth members in multilateral trade as well as the critical importance of all countries obtaining a fair and equitable share of the gains of trade,” they stated.
They welcomed the continued global expansion of output and the improved growth performance of some developing countries in recent years.
“However, they noted that a significant number of developing countries, including many small states, have not been part of this trend and called for measures to address the special vulnerabilities of these economies,” they stated. “They also noted the risk factors that could affect future growth performance; the sub-prime crisis and the resulting reduction in available credit, high and increasing in oil prices, the prospect of increasing food prices, global macroeconomic imbalances, lack of progress in multilateral trade negotiations and increasing protectionism, and demographic changes in developed countries.
“Heads of government acknowledged the need to strengthen the voice and participation of developing countries in international economic decision-making and norm-setting and, in this regard, stressed the importance of continuing efforts to reform the international financial architecture, including the Bretton Woods institutions.”
On health, the heads of government urged the implementation of the political declaration on HIV and AIDS adopted at the 2006 UN general assembly high-level meeting on the disease.
“Heads of government reaffirmed their commitment to the attainment of the health related MDGs, especially improving maternal and child health and combating HIV/AIDS, malaria, tuberculosis and other diseases.
They acknowledged the need to invest in services and prevention tools, including vaccines and microbicides, to contribute towards the goal of universal access to HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment, care and support by 2010,” stated the heads of government.
The heads of government also reaffirmed their decision to meet in Trinidad and Tobago in 2009 at the invitation of the government of that country.
Labels: COMMON WEALTH, CORRUPTION
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