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COOLUM COMMUNIQUÉ
1. Commonwealth Heads of Government met in Coolum from 2-5 March
2002. Of the 51 countries which attended the meeting, 35 were represented
by their Heads of State or Government. The meeting was chaired by
the Prime Minister of Australia, the Hon John Howard.
2. The Opening Ceremony of the Meeting was addressed by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth
II, Head of the Commonwealth. Heads of Government expressed their gratitude
to HM The Queen for her dedication and strong commitment to the association
over half a century. They reaffirmed the warmth and esteem in which she is held
in the Commonwealth family.
3. Heads of Government conveyed deep appreciation to the Government and people
of Australia for the warm hospitality extended to them and for the excellent
meeting arrangements. They congratulated Prime Minister Howard on his admirable
stewardship of the Meeting.
4. Heads of Government welcomed the Prime Minister of Tuvalu which became a
full member of the Commonwealth in 2000 and attended CHOGM for the first time.
Heads of Government were also pleased to welcome Fiji Islands' return to the
Councils of the Commonwealth.
5. Heads of Government adopted the Commonwealth Coolum Declaration, and approved
the recommendations of the High Level Review Group on the Special Theme: 'The
Commonwealth in the 21st Century: Continuity and Renewal'.
Terrorism
6. Heads of Government reiterated their absolute condemnation of all acts of
terrorism in whatever form or wherever they occur or by whomsoever perpetrated,
with the consequent tragic loss of human life and severe damage to political,
economic and social stability. They emphasised that terrorism constitutes a
threat to all countries and peoples, irrespective of faith, nationality, culture
or community. They reaffirmed their commitment to work together as a diverse
community of nations, individually, and collectively under the auspices and
authority of the United Nations, to take concerted and resolute action to eradicate
terrorism. There is no justification for terrorism. While terrorist activities
are unconscionable and should be eradicated forthwith, the challenge is to understand
the root causes of those despicable acts and to deal with them appropriately.
7. Heads of Government welcomed the Report of the Commonwealth Committee on
Terrorism and the Plan of Action based on their Statement on Terrorism of 25
October 2001. They agreed that the Committee should monitor the implementation
of the Plan of Action and to that end meet annually to review progress. They
requested the Secretary-General to implement the measures identified by the
Committee. They urged all member countries to take the steps outlined in the
Plan of Action and to give assistance to small and less developed members of
the Commonwealth to enable them to meet their obligations under United Nations
Security Council Resolution 1373; and agreed to support efforts to mitigate
the economic loss experienced by poor and vulnerable states. Heads of Government
requested all member countries to work for a speedy conclusion of the Comprehensive
United Nations Convention on the Elimination of Terrorism.
Fundamental Political Values
8. Heads of Government reaffirmed their commitment to the fundamental political
values of the Commonwealth as set out in the Harare Commonwealth Declaration
and reinforced by the Millbrook Action Programme. They reiterated in particular
their commitment to international peace and order, democracy, good governance,
human rights, freedom of expression and the rule of law.
9. Heads of Government expressed strong support for the good offices role of
the Secretary-General in conflict prevention and resolution. They also recorded
their support for the Commonwealth's work in reinforcing democratic processes
and institutions in member countries.
Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group on the Harare Declaration
10. Heads of Government received a Report from the Commonwealth Ministerial
Action Group on the Harare Declaration (CMAG) covering CMAG's deliberations
in the period since the Durban Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in 1999.
11. Heads of Government took note of the progress made in the restoration of
democracy in Fiji Islands, particularly through the elections of 25 August to
5 September 2001, and endorsed CMAG's decision to lift Fiji Islands' suspension
from the Councils of the Commonwealth with effect from 20 December 2001. In
recognition of the on-going legal proceedings over the constitutionality of
the Government of Fiji, they agreed that CMAG should keep Fiji Islands on its
agenda.
12. Heads of Government noted CMAG's decision to remove The Gambia from its
agenda following the repeal of Decree 89 in that country.
13. Heads of Government agreed that Pakistan's suspension from the Councils
of the Commonwealth should remain unchanged pending the restoration of a democratic
government. In that regard, they welcomed the commitment of the Government of
Pakistan to hold democratic elections by October 2002, and agreed that the Commonwealth
Secretary-General should have an active monitoring role in the period leading
up to the restoration of democracy, including the deployment of Commonwealth
observers at the Provincial and National Elections and the provision of technical
assistance.
14. Heads of Government welcomed the improvement in the security situation
and the conclusion of the disarmament process in Sierra Leone. They noted CMAG's
decision to remove Sierra Leone from its agenda and the need to provide continued
appropriate technical assistance.
15. Heads of Government welcomed the recent national Parliament elections in
Solomon Islands, and acknowledged the role of regional governments for their
support in assisting with the conduct of those elections. They expressed support
for the Government of Solomon Islands, noting that much remains to be done to
consolidate peace and stability. Heads of Government commended the role of the
International Peace Monitoring Team, led by Australia and New Zealand, in overseeing
the peace process and agreed that in recognition of the difficulties in that
country, Solomon Islands should continue to be on CMAG's agenda for the purpose
of promoting good governance, peace and stability and economic development.
16. Heads of Government adopted a Statement on Zimbabwe on 4 March 2002, which
is attached.
17. Heads of Government decided that CMAG would have the following members
with immediate effect, until the next CHOGM - Australia, The Bahamas, Bangladesh,
Botswana, India, Malta, Nigeria and Samoa.
18. Heads of Government acknowledged that the current limitation of two terms
on membership of CMAG could be made more flexible. They decided that in future
a member could be retained for a third term if this was deemed desirable to
preserve continuity; institutional knowledge; or to provide linkages with relevant
international organisations.
Cyprus
19. Recalling and reaffirming previous United Nations Security Council Resolutions
and reaffirming their previous communiqués on Cyprus, Heads of Government
welcomed the resumption of talks between the two sides under the auspices of
the United Nations Secretary-General within the framework of his mandate of
good offices mission as described in Security Council Resolution 1250.
20. They noted that progress could only be made at the negotiating table and
encouraged all concerned to co-operate fully with the Secretary-General and
his Special Adviser to show flexibility and negotiate to the conclusion of a
just and lasting settlement consistent with relevant Security Council Resolutions.
21. Heads of Government reiterated their support for a Cyprus settlement that
ensures the independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity and unity of a
reunited Cyprus.
Belize
22. Heads of Government reaffirmed their firm support for the territorial integrity,
security and sovereignty of Belize. They welcomed the progress being made in
the dialogue taking place under the auspices of the Organisation of American
States and pledged support for this facilitation process. Heads of Government
mandated the Secretary-General to convene the Ministerial Committee on Belize
whenever necessary. They noted that proposals for a final settlement were expected
to contain a provision for the establishment of a development fund to be used
for the benefit of border communities and urged member countries to contribute
to it generously.
Guyana
23. Heads of Government reaffirmed their solidarity with Guyana in light of
the continuing threat to its sovereignty and territorial integrity by Venezuela.
In this context they regretted Guyana's inability to fully exploit all its natural
resources in the Essequibo region in accordance with the Geneva Agreement.
24. Heads of Government commended the United Nations good offices process in
finding a solution to the controversy and urged both countries to continue to
avail themselves of this mechanism to resolve their differences in a spirit
of good neighbourliness. They further requested the Secretary-General to convene
the Commonwealth Ministerial Group on Guyana when occasion required it.
Landmines / International Criminal Court
25. Heads of Government noted the progress made in addressing the global landmines
problem in recent years through the comprehensive framework for mine action
provided by the Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Protection
and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and on their Destruction, and urged all
countries that are in a position to do so to accede to the Convention. They
also encouraged member countries to accede to the Rome Statute establishing
the International Criminal Court.
World Economic Situation
26. Heads of Government noted that the tragic events of 11 September 2001 had
worsened the global economic slowdown which could threaten achievement of the
Millennium Development Goals. Heads of Government also stressed the need to
assist developing and vulnerable countries to cope with the challenges of a
more adverse external environment.
Multilateral Trade Issues
27. Heads of Government emphasised the crucial importance, especially for developing
countries, of trade liberalisation and access to markets in overcoming poverty.
With particular regard to the development objectives of the Doha Agenda, they
urged the removal of barriers to exports and the elimination of trade-distorting
subsidies, including agricultural subsidies.
28. Heads of Government reiterated their strong support for a transparent,
equitable and rules based multilateral trading system and welcomed the launch
of the WTO Work Programme agreed at Doha, Qatar, in November last year. Heads
of Government welcomed the development agenda adopted at Doha including negotiations
focused on improving market access for agricultural goods, industrial products
and services for the benefit of all members and particularly for developing
and least developed countries; the resolution of outstanding implementation
issues; and the work programme for small economies. Heads of Government pledged
to work together for a successful conclusion of the Doha Work Programme to achieve
an overall balance in the outcome, consistent with the mandate and within the
timeframe set out in the Doha Development Agenda to ensure the early realisation
of these benefits. They noted that a successful conclusion will also support
the multilateral trading system's contribution to sustainable development.
29. Heads of Government confirmed the importance of technical assistance to
help to build capacity so that all members can fully participate in the WTO.
Debt
30. Heads of Government noted the report of the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries
(HIPC) Ministerial Forum, held in Malawi this year, and welcomed the progress
made to implement the HIPC Initiative. They stressed that countries, in the
process, needed to benefit from the flexibility that the Initiative provided
to compensate for exogenous shocks, and, where appropriate, from additional
concessional support to achieve a sustainable exit from their debt burden.
International Economic Co-operation
31. Heads of Government called on the international community to embrace global
dialogue and co-operation aimed at enhancing development and good governance.
They encouraged participation by governments at the highest level in the UN
Conference on Financing for Development and the World Summit on Sustainable
Development. They welcomed the initiative aimed at Africa's renewal through
fostering closer co-operation and partnership among the industrial countries,
Africa and the private sector worldwide, as enunciated in the New Partnership
for Africa's Development (NEPAD) and called upon all Commonwealth institutions
to assist with the effective implementation of NEPAD. They recognised that all
these initiatives provide important opportunities to develop strategies for
tackling poverty and building global stability with a focus on the needs of
developing countries.
Strengthening Financial Systems
32. Heads of Government reaffirmed the right of sovereign nations to determine
their own tax and fiscal policies and welcomed the proposed adjustments being
made to the OECD Harmful Tax Competition Initiative and hoped that the dialogue,
promoted by the Commonwealth, would ensure that the process continued to be
inclusive. They reiterated that the standards and timelines for non-OECD jurisdictions
should be no more onerous than those for OECD members. They requested the Secretariat
to support the affected jurisdictions to mobilise assistance to meet international
standards, strengthen and deepen their financial sectors and diversify their
economies.
Promoting Business
33. Heads of Government endorsed the 16 Investment Principles set out in the
Commonwealth Business Council (CBC) Report and noted the various recommendations
contained in it. They urged the CBC to promote vigorously the implementation
of these Principles. They also commended the CBC initiative establishing the
Friends of Africa Business Group.
Good Corporate Governance
34. Noting that foreign direct investment is crucial for their economies, Heads
of Government reiterated the importance of good corporate governance and urged
foreign investors to act in accordance with national laws, legal requirements
and social obligations.
Technology Management for Development
35. Heads of Government reaffirmed their support for the Commonwealth Partnership
for Technology Management's objectives and activities, including the linking
of technology management to business development, as well as its 'smart partnership'
dialogue initiatives.
Climate Change
36. Heads of Government expressed concern about the consequences of global warming
and climate change, especially for vulnerable small island states and other
low-lying areas. They welcomed progress made by the Iwokrama International Rain
Forest Centre in Guyana in conserving and sustainably utilising tropical rain
forest resources.
Small States
37. Heads of Government reaffirmed their view that small states are particularly
vulnerable to international developments and natural disasters and confront
a range of structural challenges to sustainable development. They stressed the
need for further concerted action by the international community to address
these challenges. Heads of Government regretted the cancellation of the proposed
Summit on Small States due to practical considerations and hoped that it would
be convened at an appropriate time. They welcomed the Report of the Ministerial
Group on Small States (MGSS) and the actions being taken in the Commonwealth,
the World Bank and other international institutions to implement the Recommendations
of the Report of the Joint Commonwealth Secretariat/World Bank Task Force on
Small States.
38 Heads of Government acknowledged, at the same time, the need for systemic
changes in dealing with small states' concerns and the creation of new delivery
and support mechanisms. In that context, they endorsed the New Agenda for the
Commonwealth's work on small states, which identified key priorities for the
short and medium term. These included notably that the Commonwealth should provide
appropriate assistance on trade issues, including working with the international
community to strengthen small states representation at the WTO, promote dialogue
on the OECD Harmful Tax Initiative and take action to help mitigate the impact
on small states of the events of 11 September and their aftermath. They also
stressed that the upcoming UN Conference on Financing for Development and the
World Summit on Sustainable Development were important platforms for promoting
issues particularly relevant to small states. They endorsed the call of their
Ministers that these meetings produce outcomes beneficial to small economies.
39. Heads of Government mandated the Ministerial Group on Small States to develop
a framework of action, for consideration at the next CHOGM, on how the Commonwealth
could work with partner organisations to develop appropriate responses to the
challenges facing small states.
Commonwealth Functional Co-operation
40. Heads of Government considered the various aspects of Commonwealth functional
co-operation, which they reaffirmed as essential for realising the benefits
of the association's membership, and endorsed the Report of the Committee of
the Whole.
Next Meeting
41. Heads of Government accepted with gratitude an offer by the President of
Nigeria to host the next CHOGM in 2003.
Coolum
5 March 2002
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