28th April 2011 - Minister of Foreign Affairs, H. E. Mr. Ahmed Naseem participated in the thirty-fifth regular meeting of the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) held in London today.
At the meeting chaired by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ghana, Hon. Alhaji Muhammad Mumuni, members deliberated on the functioning of the Group to improve its effectiveness as the custodians of the Commonwealth's fundamental political values. The Group focused on how CMAG could function more proactively and engage more constructively with member countries where such values might be under threat.
In this regard, CMAG reiterated its regret about the lack of progress made towards restoring civilian constitutional democracy in Fiji, necessitating its continued suspension from the Commonwealth. CMAG reaffirmed the Commonwealth's solidarity with the people of Fiji, and urged the Government of Fiji to take concrete steps towards restoring democracy, respecting human rights and upholding the rule of law, in line with Commonwealth values and principles.
CMAG also encouraged the government and all other stakeholders to engage, in good faith and without delay, in efforts toward an inclusive, independent and unrestrictive national dialogue on Fiji's political future.
The outcomes of today's meeting will be presented to Heads of Government at the next CHOGM, to be held in Australia, on 28-30 October 2011.
The meeting was also attended by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Australia, Hon. Kevin Rudd, Minister of Foreign Affairs for Bangladesh, Hon. Dr. Dipu Moni, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Namibia, Hon. Utoni Nujoma, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Murray McCally, High Commissioner of Jamaica to the UK, H.E. Anthony Johson, High Commissioner of Trinidad and Tobago to the UK, H. E. Garvin Nichols, High Commissioner of Vanuatu to the UK, H.E Roy Mickey Joy.
ENDS.