Chogm: the Abuja Communiqué

Vanguard (Lagos)
DOCUMENT
December 11, 2003
Posted to the web December 11, 2003
Abuja
Commonwealth Heads of Government met in Abuja, from 5-8 December 2003 at the
invitation of President Olusegun Obasanjo of Nigeria, the host Head of
Government and Chairman of CHOGM. Of the 51 countries that attended the
meeting, 38 were represented by their Heads of State or Government.
2. The Opening Ceremony of the Meeting included an address by Her Majesty Queen
Elizabeth II, Head of the Commonwealth.
3. Heads of Government conveyed their deep appreciation to the Government and
people of Nigeria for the warm hospitality extended to them and for the
excellent arrangements made for the meeting.
They also congratulated President Obasanjo for his leadership in chairing their
meeting.
4. Heads of Government welcomed the new Heads of Government who attended CHOGM
for the first time.
5. Heads of Government received the Report of the Expert Group on Development
and Democracy and the Report of the Secretary-General, which complemented the
CHOGM Theme: "Development and Democracy: Partnership for Peace and Prosperity."
6. Heads of Government adopted the Aso Rock Declaration on the CHOGM Theme and
also issued the Aso Rock Statement on Multilateral Trade, which is attached to
the Declaration.
Fundamental Political Values
7. Heads of Government reaffirmed their commitment to the fundamental political
values of the Commonwealth as set out in the Singapore and Harare Declarations
and subsequent CHOGM Communiqués, and reinforced by the Millbrook Action
Programme. They reiterated their commitment to non-racism, international peace
and security, democracy, good governance, human rights, rule of law, the
independence of the judiciary, freedom of expression, and a political culture
that promotes transparency, accountability and economic development.
8. Heads of Government endorsed the recommendations of their Law Ministers on
Commonwealth Principles on the accountability of and relationship between the
three branches of government. They acknowledged that judicial independence and
delivery of efficient justice services were important for maintaining the
balance of power between the Executive, Legislature and Judiciary.
9. Heads of Government expressed their full support for the good offices role
of the Secretary-General in conflict prevention and resolution, and post-
conflict reconstruction and development. They also expressed their continuing
support for the Commonwealth Secretariat's work for strengthening democratic
institutions, processes and culture. They acknowledged the value of election
observation, provision of technical assistance and training and other
activities. They welcomed the Secretariat's collaboration with the Commonwealth
Parliamentary Association, the Commonwealth Local Government Forum and other
relevant organisations to promote best democratic practice.Commonwealth
Ministerial Action Group on the Harare Declaration (CMAG)
10. Heads of Government received the Report of the Commonwealth Ministerial
Action Group on the Harare Declaration (CMAG) covering its deliberations in the
period since the Coolum Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in 2002 and
approved its recommendations in regard to Fiji Islands, Pakistan, Solomon
Islands and Zimbabwe.
11. Heads of Government welcomed the commitment of the Government of Fiji
Islands to abide by the decision of the Fiji Supreme Court on the
constitutionality of the formation of Government and in this context looked
forward to the Court's Session scheduled for May 2004. They requested the
Secretary-General to continue to monitor the situation in Fiji Islands and
provide appropriate technical assistance, as required, in pursuance of his good
offices role.
12. Heads of Government welcomed the continuing progress in the development and
growth of democratic institutions in Pakistan, as evident by the election of
the National Assembly, the Senate and Provincial Assemblies, and the formation
of democratic governments at the national and provincial levels. They also
welcomed the positive measures taken for women's representation in Parliament,
the representation of minorities and the determination to enhance public
accountability and to end corruption. They noted that the outstanding issues in
the Legal Framework Orders (LFOs) were an obstacle to Pakistan's full return to
democracy.
13. Heads of Government hoped that the negotiations between the government and
the political parties on the outstanding issues in the LFOs would be concluded
successfully in the spirit of Commonwealth parliamentary practice and process
and a comprehensive package would be passed in Parliament in accordance with
the constitution, thus leading to the full restoration of democracy and
enabling the lifting of Pakistan's suspension from the Councils of the
Commonwealth. They requested the Secretary-General to continue to monitor
developments and provide technical assistance, as might be required, to
strengthen democratic institutions.
14. Heads of Government endorsed CMAG's decision to remove Solomon Islands from
its agenda but continue to receive reports from the Secretary-General on
developments in that country.15. Heads of Government reconstituted the
membership of CMAG for the next biennium as follows: The Bahamas, Canada,
India, Lesotho, Malta, Samoa, Sri Lanka and Tanzania. They further agreed that
Nigeria would continue to be a member of CMAG in its capacity as the
representative of the Chairperson in Office, as its ninth member.Zimbabwe
16. Heads of Government adopted a CHOGM Statement on Zimbabwe on 7 December
2003, which is attached.
Belize
17. Heads of Government welcomed the Agreement to establish a Transition
Process and Confidence-Building Measures of February 2003, signed by Belize,
Guatemala and the Organisation of American States (OAS). They called on all
parties involved to honour their commitments under the agreement, in particular
taking the proposals for a just and definitive resolution of the territorial
dispute to popular referenda in both countries.
18. Heads of Government reiterated their full support for the sovereignty and
territorial integrity of Belize. They commended the Group of Friends of the
Process and expressed appreciation for the constructive role played by the OAS
in facilitating a peaceful settlement of the dispute. They noted that the
proposals for a final settlement contain a provision for the establishment of a
development fund to be used for the benefit of both countries and urged member
states to contribute to it generously.
19. They mandated the Secretary-General to convene the Ministerial Committee on
Belize whenever necessary.
Cyprus
20. Heads of Government welcomed the signing by the Republic of Cyprus of the
Accession Treaty to the European Union on 16 April, 2003 and expressed the wish
that a solution of the Cyprus problem would be found before 1 May 2004 that
would allow a reunited Cyprus to become a member of the European Union.
21. Heads of Government reaffirmed their support for the independence,
sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of Cyprus.
22. They regretted that the latest effort of the United Nations Secretary-
General under his mission of Good Offices in Cyprus collapsed at The Hague
meeting on 10 March 2003 due to the negative approach taken by the Turkish
Cypriot leader.
23. They further regretted that the Turkish Cypriot leader continues to
maintain the same negative approach, thus hindering the resumption of
negotiations based on the Annan Plan.
24. Recalling and reaffirming previous UN Security Council Resolutions and
reaffirming their previous Communiqués on Cyprus, Heads of Government called
upon all parties concerned and in particular Turkey and the Turkish Cypriot
leadership to co-operate fully with the UN Secretary-General so as to enable
the early resumption of substantive negotiations based on the UN Secretary-
General's proposals, aimed at the conclusion of a just, lasting and functional
settlement consistent with relevant UN Security Council Resolutions.Guyana
25. Heads of Government reaffirmed their support for the maintenance by Guyana
of its territorial integrity and sovereignty and the unimpeded development by
Guyana of the natural resources of its entire territory. They noted that the
Commonwealth Ministerial Group on Guyana met in September 2003 and recognised
the important role of this Group in support of Guyana.
26. Heads of Government expressed satisfaction at the recent meeting between
the Foreign Ministers of Guyana and Venezuela with the UN Secretary-General
noting that it was a positive indication of the continued commitment by both
Guyana and Venezuela to discussions under the aegis of the UN Secretary-General
aimed at the peaceful solution of the controversy.
Small Arms and Light Weapons
27. Heads of Government expressed concern at the continued destabilising
accumulation and proliferation of small arms, ammunition and light weapons,
which had contributed to the intensity and duration of armed conflicts as well
as to international terrorism. They noted that many Commonwealth governments
were adversely affected by the uncontrolled flow and misuse of these lethal
weapons. They expressed concern that the spread of small arms threatens
national, regional and global security and impedes basic social and economic
development. They also noted that the challenge posed by the proliferation of
small arms involves security, humanitarian, health and development dimensions.
28. Heads of Government supported the adoption of the United Nations Programme
of Action on the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in all its
aspects that emerged from the 2001 UN Conference on Small Arms. They urged
member states to support further implementation of the programme at the
international, state and regional levels to curb and prevent their illicit
production, trafficking and misuse.
Landmines
29. Heads of Government recalled the progress made in addressing the global
landmines problem through the Comprehensive Framework for Mine Action provided
by the Ottawa Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production
and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and on their Destruction. They urged all
countries that are in a position to do so to accede to the Convention.
International Criminal Court
30. Heads of Government of those member countries that have ratified the Rome
Statute establishing the International Criminal Court (ICC) urged other states,
which have not yet done so, to accede to the Rome Statute in a timely manner.
Terrorism
31. Heads of Government received the Report of the Commonwealth Committee on
Terrorism (CCT) and endorsed its recommendations.
They recalled their statement on terrorism of 25 October 2001 and reiterated
their strong condemnation of all acts of terrorism, with the consequent tragic
loss of human life and damage to political, economic and social stability. They
emphasised that terrorism can never be justified and continues to constitute a
threat to all countries and peoples, irrespective of religion, nationality,
tradition or ideology.
They agreed that the war against terrorism cannot be won by military force and
that comprehensive measures against terrorism require building bridges within
and across communities of diverse faiths and cultures as well as addressing
economic and social disparities and injustice. They agreed that the
Commonwealth is ideally positioned to encourage activities to address these
issues.
32. Heads of Government decided to work together as a diverse community of
nations to individually and collectively take concerted and resolute action to
eradicate terrorism.
33. They called upon member states to increase co-operation and assistance
through consultation, information sharing, training and capacity building in
counter-terrorism activities and to implement measures to prevent the financing
of terrorist acts. They also called upon member states to support the early
conclusion of the Comprehensive Convention Against International Terrorism.
34. Heads of Government encouraged all member governments to continue to follow
steps outlined in the Commonwealth Plan of Action and to implement the UNSCR
1373. In this context they also commended the work of the Commonwealth
Secretariat in assisting member countries. They agreed that the CCT be
maintained as a Standing Committee, which could be convened by the Secretary-
General or at the request of member governments, as and when required.
35. Heads of Government recognised that travel advisories associated with the
threat of terrorism have a negative impact on the economies of a number of
member states, including the loss of tourism revenue and the burden of
increased costs of implementing new security measures. Noting that national
travel advisories are issued by certain countries for the protection of their
citizens, they urged that the information about the perceived threat should be
conveyed in advance to the countries concerned and in co-operation with them,
measures should be taken to counteract the threat of terrorism. They noted that
those countries which issue such advisories indicate that it is not always
possible to consult in advance.
World Economic Situation
36. Heads of Government noted that the global economic recovery continues to be
fragile and subject to many risks. In view of the fact that one-third of the
Commonwealth's nearly 2 billion people live on less than US$1 per day and
nearly two-thirds on under US$2 per day, they stressed that a concerted effort
is required for sustainable broadbased growth in all areas to enable countries
to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and cope with the challenges
of poverty reduction and investment in human development. They underlined the
importance of nationally owned poverty reduction strategies and urged that
policy action in developing countries be matched by developed countries
providing more effective development assistance.
37. In order to support the necessary monitoring of progress and removing
impediments to the achievement of the MDGs, Heads of Government stressed the
need for action to implement all the elements of the Monterrey Consensus and
the related Commonwealth Action Plan, as well as the need to examine
constructively all proposals for securing a further increase in aid
commitments. In particular, Heads of Government welcomed further elaboration of
the initiative for an International Finance Facility (IFF) and looked forward
to the consideration of this or other similar options.
38. Heads of Government called for the timely implementation of the Brussels
Programme of Action for the Least Developed Countries (LDCs) for the Decade
2001-2010 adopted at the Third UN Conference on LDCs in May 2001.
Multilateral Trade Issues
39. Heads of Government re-affirmed their commitment to a transparent, rules-
based multilateral trading system and called for an immediate resumption of the
WTO multilateral trade negotiations.
They urged all parties to show the flexibility and political will necessary to
achieve positive results in the areas of agriculture, non-agricultural market
access, special and differential treatment and all other areas mandated in the
Doha Development Agenda. They reiterated the need to build up the capacity of
developing, and particularly the least developed, small and vulnerable WTO
members to negotiate more effectively and to implement their obligations within
the WTO system.
Debt Relief
40. Heads of Government called on international financial institutions to adopt
a broader and more flexible approach to debt relief designed to achieve long-
term debt sustainability and release resources particularly for health and
education.
41. Heads of Government reaffirmed their commitment to a successful HIPC
Initiative, and recognised that some HIPCs, particularly conflict-affected
countries, face a continued challenge in reaching decision point and require a
flexible approach to address their special problems. They called on all non-
Paris Club creditors that are not yet participating in this initiative to do
so. Heads of Government also called for topping up to be applied so that HIPCs
achieve a sustainable exit from their debt burden at their completion points.
42. Heads of Government stressed that long-term debt sustainability for poor
countries requires sound debt management, improved market access, more
financing in the form of grants and consideration of new arrangements for
concessionary contingency finance.
Investment
43. Heads of Government stressed the importance of developing the capacity to
produce internationally competitive goods and services to take advantage of the
opportunities generated by globalisation. They recognised the importance of
private capital flows in promoting the development of such capacity and
expressed disappointment at the difficulties that poor and vulnerable economies
were experiencing in attracting such flows, even when they had implemented wide
ranging reform programmes. They called for innovative and cost effective ways
of utilising official resources to promote private capital flows to pre-
emerging markets.
44. In this connection, Heads of Government noted the progress made by the
Commonwealth Secretariat in examining the feasibility of proposals to address
the special difficulties faced by small, vulnerable economies and LDCs in
attracting investment and welcomed the interest expressed by commercial banks,
international financial institutions, regional development banks and other
development partners in exploring more effective ways to promote domestic and
foreign investment in such economies, and in developing a new "Small and
Vulnerable Economies Facility", to be launched initially in the Pacific region.
They called upon the Secretariat to continue to work towards developing similar
cost effective facilities for other regions of the Commonwealth.
Strengthening Financial Systems
45. Heads of Government welcomed the fact that the recent meeting of the OECD
Global Forum focused on the issue of a level playing field and stressed that
the way forward required a satisfactory resolution of this issue. They
emphasised the importance of tax and fiscal sovereignty, transparency and
inclusiveness in the dialogue between OECD and international financial centres
in non-OECD jurisdictions.
They urged the Commonwealth to remain engaged on this issue and 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.
Combating Corruption
46. Heads of Government welcomed the recent adoption of the United Nations
Convention Against Corruption and requested member states to sign and ratify
it. They noted that systemic corruption, extortion and bribery undermine good
governance. They called for enhanced mutual co-operation in the repatriation of
illegally acquired public funds and assets to the countries of their origin in
accordance with the provisions of the Convention.
International Economic Co-operation
47. Heads of Government appreciated the need for constructive dialogue and co-
operation to achieve sustainable development. They welcomed the outcomes of the
International Conference on Financing for Development and urged implementation
and follow up to the outcomes of this conference. New Partnership for Africa's
Development (NEPAD)48. Heads of Government reaffirmed their strong support for
the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD), which was internationally
accepted as a socio-economic and political framework to support the development
efforts of countries in Africa. They requested the Secretariat to bring its
various programmes in Africa within the NEPAD framework and strengthen its
partnership with NEPAD, both in the delivery and implementation of its Action
Plan for the benefit of African member countries and specifically to promote
the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals.Sustainable Development
49. Heads of Government welcomed the outcomes of the World Summit on
Sustainable Development (WSSD) and pledged to work towards the full and
effective implementation of Agenda 21, and the Johannesburg Plan of
Implementation.
50. Heads of Government stressed that Climate Change is one of the greatest
challenges facing Commonwealth member states and the wider international
community. They undertook to continue efforts towards the conclusion of
effective international approaches to climate change mitigation and reaffirmed
Commonwealth support through technical assistance to address the adaptation
concerns of small island and other states that are particularly vulnerable to
global warming and sea level rise. They also supported the efforts under the
Convention to Combat Desertification and the Johannesburg Plan of
Implementation to address climate and drought concerns, particularly in Africa.
HIV/AIDS
51. Heads of Government highlighted the devastating impact of HIV/AIDS and the
fundamental importance of confronting it in order to meet the Millennium
Development Goals. They noted there were promising signs of a reduction in new
cases in some countries and welcomed the political commitment and called for
increased financial resources including the Global Fund to combat HIV/AIDS and
other funds to combat malaria, tuberculosis and other communicable diseases.
52. Heads of Government acknowledged that many developing countries and
particularly LDCs, small and vulnerable economies could not provide universal
treatment to victims of HIV/AIDS without further access to concessionary
financing. They also acknowledged that this goal will only be achieved if a
broad range of partners accelerate and coordinate their efforts, and pledge to
play their role in these efforts.
They welcomed the recent agreement in the WTO on the manufacturing of life
saving generic drugs in the developing countries under certain conditions and
circumstances to help ensure the provision and availability of affordable drugs
at low cost to poor developing countries.
53. Heads of Government re-emphasised the importance of a broad based and
balanced response to HIV/AIDS integrating prevention, care and treatment and
impact mitigation. They agreed that progress in fighting the global HIV/AIDS
pandemic requires enhanced international effort and coordination.
Small States
54. Heads of Government received the Report of the Ministerial Group on Small
States (MGSS) and endorsed its recommendations.
55. Heads of Government reaffirmed the Doha Mandate to integrate special and
differential treatment into the international trading system.
They emphasised the need for access to international development finance on
concessionary terms to assist the sustainable development programmes of
vulnerable and small states. They noted in this regard that there were also
other countries that were not small states but whose proportion of world trade
was similarly small and with whom small states could seek to find common cause
and build partnership.
56. Heads of Government noted further that terrorism and its consequences had
placed additional burdens on small states in the form of high costs of security
and possible loss of tourism revenue, including the impact on their national
budgets in the form of diversion of funds away from the critical areas of
development. They cautioned that the current efforts in dealing with terrorism
and the significant level of resources, which are being allocated to fight it
should not derail their development agenda. Heads of Government therefore
called on the international community to assist with appropriate additional
resources in the context of supporting the global development agenda.
57. Heads of Government noted that small states were increasingly vulnerable to
the spread of HIV/AIDS and other communicable diseases. They called on the
international community to provide assistance in these areas.
58. Heads of Government stressed the importance of capacity building and its
retention in critical areas such as trade-related technical assistance in small
states.
59. Heads of Government noted that global warming and climate change were life
threatening to small island states and other low lying areas.

   

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