Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1999. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
The Associated Press - Monday, Nov. 15, 1999
Pat Reber, Associated Press Writer
British Prime Minister Tony Blair and other leaders suggested the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group be allowed to intervene when state leaders overstayed their elected terms, when opposition and the media were suppressed, and when government violated human rights.
Leaders agreed in a closed-door debate to expand the watchdog group's role, according to New Zealand Foreign Minister Don McKinnon, who was elected to succeed Emeka Anyaoku as secretary-general of the group of leaders of former British colonies.
But the summit's final statement instead passed the issue to a separate committee to consider the scope of the watchdog group.
Some leaders - like Kenya's Daniel Arap Moi and Zimbabwe's Robert Mugabe - rule virtual one-party states that suppress dissent and uphold their decades-long holds to power.
British Foreign Secretary Robin Cook was upbeat about the results. "What we have got is what we wanted," he said, "a mandate to monitor not just military and unconstitutional regimes, but to monitor serious and persistent violations" of all democratic principles.
The watchdog group - set up in 1995 - has taken strong steps against military governments. It issued low-level sanctions against Sierra Leone and Pakistan, barring them from Commonwealth meetings.
It was harsher with Nigeria, suspending the country's membership in 1995 after the regime of Gen. Sani Abacha hanged nine dissidents. Abacha since then has died of a heart attack, and Nigeria's membership was restored Monday after it held democratic presidential elections this year.
The 11-page summit statement also declared a global AIDS emergency and gave support for women's rights.
The state leaders "pledged personally to lead the fight against" HIV and AIDS, the document said. Sixty percent of HIV infections are found in former British colonies, a British report said last week.
On other issues, the leaders:
* Demanded Turkish forces withdraw from the divided Mediterranean island of Cyprus. The United Nations on Sunday said talks between Greek and Turkish Cypriots would resume next month.
* Expressed "concern" over a Gambian decree that bans "the political activities of certain political parties and individuals."
* Called for immediate implementation in of the Lome Peace Agreement over civil war in Sierra Leone.
* Reaffirmed support for the "territorial integrity, security and sovereignty" of Belize in relations with Guatemala.
* Urged all parties in the five-country Congo conflict to "adhere to the letter and spirit" of a peace accord adopted in September. Uganda, a Commonwealth member, has backed rebel groups trying to unseat Congolese President Laurent Kabila. Namibia and Zimbabwe, also members of the group, have backed Kabila.
991115
AP991104
Copyright © 1999 - Associated Press. Reproduction of this article (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the AP Permissions Desk.
AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, Elton John AIDS Foundation, National Library of Medicine, Pacific Life Foundation, and donations from users like you.
Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 1999. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.
AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.
Copyright ©1980, 1999. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .