CHOGM focuses on terrorism, trade, and problems faced by small states

The Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) took place in Malta from November 25 to 27. The Sri Lanka delegation was led by Anura Bandaranaike, M.P., Minister of Tourism who participated as a Special Envoy of the President of Sri Lanka.

The CHOGM consisted of opening and concluding Executive Sessions and a two day informal retreat during which Heads of Governments discussed global issues. The leaders particularly focused this year on terrorism, trade issues, problems faced by small states as well as the theme of this year's CHOGM "Networking the Commonwealth for development".

Sri Lanka made a significant contribution to the discussions on terrorism, small arms and light weapons, illegal immigration which was reflected in the CHOGM communique' that was released at the conclusion of the meetings.

The CHOGM Communique' among other issues reaffirmed that Heads of Governments strongly condemned all acts of terrorism. They referred to the targeting and deliberate killing of civilians through acts of terrorism and emphasised that these actions cannot be justified or legitimised by any cause or grievance.

They called for comprehensive efforts to counter terrorism and commended various initiatives to promote dialogue, tolerance and understanding among civilisations. The heads of Governments called upon all States to accede to and effectively implement the UN Conventions relating to terrorism. They reiterated the need for all States to tackle the financing of incitement to and other support for terrorist activities.

The Heads of Governments also issued the "Valletta Statement on Multilateral Trade" in which they reaffirmed their commitment to the objectives of the Doha Development Agenda of the WTO and emphasised that the successful conclusion of Doha round negotiations by the end of 2006 would be determined by the willingness of developed countries to make substantial dividends for developing countries and the extent to which the development dimension permeates at the negotiation outcome.

The Heads of Government also issued the "Malta Declaration on Networking the Commonwealth for Development" in which it emphasised the need to make available the benefits of information technology to developing countries.

The Heads of Governments also issued the "Gozo statement on vulnerable small states" in which it urged the international community to take stronger and more effective action to help vulnerable small states address the problems associated with reform and diversification of their economies.

On the sidelines of the retreat Hon. Anura Bandranaike, MP, Minister of Tourism held bilateral meetings with the Rt. Hon. Lord Tribesman, Parliamentary Secretary for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs of the UK and the Hon. Dr. Abdul Kader Shareef, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the United Republic of Tanzania.

The Hon. Minister also held informal talks with several Commonwealth leaders and briefed them on recent developments in Sri Lanka. He also sought their support for Sri Lanka's candidature for the post of UN Secretary-General.