Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2002. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

Reuters NewMedia - Tuesday March 5, 2002
Michael Perry

The leaders also called for a united front to combat the HIV -AIDS pandemic, particularly in Africa, and to lower trade barriers in order to defeat poverty in developing states.

But with some of the world's biggest polluters, Australia and Canada, at the table, the Commonwealth leaders merely expressed concern about the consequences of global warming and the fight against rising sea levels faced by low-lying island states.

Zimbabwe dominated the summit, pitting black Africa against the "old" white Commonwealth led by Britain, and its future in the group remains unresolved after leaders decided to take no action against the strife-torn African country until after this weekend's presidential election.

"I hope we don't have another CHOGM like this one," said New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark at the end of the four-day summit. "I think the Commonwealth has to get its act together for the future. It has failed to wrestle effectively with Zimbabwe."

CREDIBILITY ON LINE

Britain, backed by New Zealand and Australia, had sought Zimbabwe's immediate suspension, saying President Robert Mugabe is using intimidation and violence to win the election.

But the move was blocked by African states which forced the 54-nation group of mostly ex-British colonies to delay any measures until after the March 9-10 presidential ballot.

The leaders agreed to form a three nation taskforce to take actions ranging from "collective disapproval to suspension" if Zimbabwe's election was not free and fair.

"The next two weeks are going to be very critical," said Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chretien, who also opposed Zimbabwe's immediate suspension. "I reiterate Canada's position, that if the election observers report of the election was unfair, we would support the suspension of Zimbabwe from the Commonwealth," he said.

A largely symbolic act, suspension would bar Zimbabwe from Commonwealth events. But it opens the door to states imposing sanctions, following the lead of the United States and the European Union.

The lack of unity over Zimbabwe has raised questions over the relevance of the 71-year-old Commonwealth, which represents a diverse range of rich and poor, but has very little power.

"It is important (that the Commonwealth) passes this test of its credibility," said British Prime Minister Tony Blair, who still believes Zimbabwe should be suspended immediately.

The Commonwealth leaders said Pakistan would remain suspended until the return of a democratic government and that they would send observers to the October 2002 poll.

"SCOURGE OF TERRORISM"

In a final communique, the Commonwealth leaders condemned terrorism, saying it was a threat to all cultures, and called for understanding of the "root causes of these despicable acts."

The summit, guarded by 6,000 police and military with fighter jets overhead, was originally due to be held last October. It was deferred after the September 11 attacks on the United States and moved to a luxury resort that could be easily sealed.

"In the aftermath of the events of September 11... we solemnly reaffirm our resolve as a diverse community of nations, individually and collectively, to take concerted and resolute action to eradicate terrorism," the leaders said.

The statement was preceded by a Commonwealth agreement to expel any members harboring, financing or abetting terrorists.

The Commonwealth leaders, representing some 1.7 billion people and some of the world's poorest nations, called for the benefits of globalization to be shared in order to end poverty.

"We can not accept that nearly half the world's population should live in poverty," the leaders said.

With African states making up one third of the Commonwealth, the leaders made special mention of the fight against HIV-AIDS there and called for a renewed effort to stop the deadly disease.

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