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The AEN on World Wide Web
Britain's pioneering independent
Indian Asian English newspaper
-The AEN reaches places
worldwide, serving and
raising a voice for
the humanity globally
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Founding Editor
Mr.Vallabh Kaviraj is a longstanding Indian journalist, Poet and
writer in London, who is the fouding Editor-Publisher-Owner of
the pioneering first independent Indian Asian English newspaper-The
AEN which he has founded in London 1973, and The AEN-The Asian
Express Newspaper is published on World Wide Web daily.
He is also founding Editor-Publisher-Owner of Global Business
Focus.com and The AEN News Diary.com, which are published on World
Wide Web daily
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Commonwealth Newsviews
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News
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In Britain,
Commonwealth's new Secretary General
Sharma assumes office on 1st April
Kamalesh Sharma
new Secretary General
of Commonwealth
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In Britain, Commonwealth's new Secretary General Kamalesh Sharma
assumed office on 1st April 2008.
He succeeded Don McKinnon, who stepped down when his eight-year
tenure ended on 31st March 2008.
Mr Sharma, leading Indian diplomat was appointed to the post last
November by Commonwealth Heads of Government at their biennial
meeting in Kampala,Uganda.
The new Secretary General Sharma stated he intended to put the
potential in sharing mutual strengths, issues of women and young
people, as well as development challenges faced by small states
in particular, among his priority concerns.
-The AENNS (02/04/08)
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UK Queen in Uganda
to open CHOGM
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In Uganda,
UK Queen opens
Commonwealth Heads of
Government Meeting
(CHOGM) 2007
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In Uganda, Her Majesty the Queen Elizabeth II of the UK opened Commonwealth
Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) 2007 in Kampala on 23rd November,
this year to discuss major issues, like democracy and climate
change, hours after the grouping suspended emergency ruled Pakistan
from the Commonwealth.
In her inaugural address, the Queen said the Commonwealth was
committed to addressing the great preoccupations and concerns
of our time, "No single society has achieved perfection, and there
is no single recipe for success", she told the CHOGM 2007.
Our Commonwealth's theme over the whole of this year is respecting
difference and promoting understanding, the Queen, head of the
Commonwealth said.
For the first time, PrinceCharles also attended the CHOGM, news
reports said.
-The AENNS (23/11/07)
Pakistan is suspended
from Commonwealth
In Uganda, on the eve of the CHOGM 2007, reportedly a last-minute
appeal by Pakistan, the Commonwealth has suspended Pakistan from
53 nations grouping over President Gen Pervez Musharraf's failure
to meet a deadline to lift emergency rule, doft uniform and restore
democracy.
Reportedly the decision to suspend Pakistan came after the Commonwealth
Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) expressed disappointment that
the state of emergency has not been lifted, Constitution and independence
of judiciary, had not been restored and the fundamental rights
and rule of law remained curtailed.
The CMAG reportedly rejected last ditch efforts by president gen
Musharraf pleading for more time.
Isslamabad contended that some political prisoners had been freed
and that the president has promised to hold elections early January
2008.
Commonwealth Secretary-General Don McKinnon said Pakistan would
remain suspended from the council ofthe Commonwealth pending the
restoration of democracy and the rule of law in the country,news
reports said.
-The AENNS(23/11/07)
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Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group
meeting in London gives Pakistan 10-days
to lift emergency rule or face suspension
Report by Vallabh Kaviraj in London
The Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group on the Harare Declaration
(CMAG) met at Marlborough House in London on 12 November 2007
in an extraordinary session to consider the situation in Pakistan.
The meeting was chaired by Hon Michael Frendo, Minister of Foreign
Affairs of Malta. Other members of the Group who attended the
meeting were Hon Rohitha Bogoliagama, Minister of Foreign Affairs
of Sri Lanka, Lord (Mark) Malloch-Brown, UK Minister for Africa,
Asia and the UN, Hon Dato Seri Syed Hamid Albar, Minister of Foreign
Affairs of Malaysia (Vice Chairman), Hon Mohlabi Kenneth Tsekoa,
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lesotho, H E Jean Kekedo, High
Commissioner of Oaoua New Guinea to the UK, H E Jim Wright, High
Commissioner of Canada to the UK, H E Mwanaidi Maaja, High Commissioner
of the United Republic of Tanzania to the UK, Ms Maura Felix,
Acting High Commissioner of St Lucia to the UK.
Picture shows: in the middle, Hon Michael Frendo, Foreign AffairsMinister
of Malta
and on his left Don McKinnon, Sevretary-General of the Commonwealth
are announcing a statement at the press conference in London
Picture is taken by Vallabh Kaviraj
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CMAG condemned the abrogation of the constitution of Pakistan
through a Provisional Constitutional order and the Proclamation
of Emergency, which it noted had been undertaken outside the provision
of the Constitution.
The Group agreed that the aforementioned developments seriously
violated the Commonwealth's fundamental political values.
The Group urged the Pakistan Government to fulfil its obligations
in accordance with Commonwealth principles through the implementation
of the following measures: immediate repeal of the emergency provisions
and full restoration of the Constitution and of independence of
the judiciary,icluding full restoration of fundamental rights
and the rule of law that have been curbed under the Proclamation
of Emergency.
The Group also urged President Gen Musharraf to step down as chief
of Army Staff as promised; and immediate release of political
party leaders and activists, human rights activists, lawyers and
journalists detained under the Proclamation of Emergency; and
immediate removal of all curbs on private media broadcasts and
the restrictions on the press; move rapidly towards the creation
of conditions for the holding of free and fair elections in accordance
with the Constitution.
CMAG requested the Secretary-General of the Commonwealth to remain
engaged and to deploy his good offices as appropriate and in consultation
with the Chairperson of CMAG.
Speaking at the press conference, Secretary-General Don McKinnon
told reporters that if Gen Musharraf did not meet this 10-days
deadline Pakistan would be suspended when the Commonwealth ministers
meet in Uganada for the CHOGM on 22nd November 2007.
CMAG agreed in London that at its next meting on 22 November,
if after review of progress Pakistan has failed to implement these
measures, it will suspend Pakistan from the council of the Commonwealth.
-The AENNS(13/11/07)
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Civil Paths to Peace, Report of Commonwealth launched
in London
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Civil Path to Peace, the report of the Commonwealth on Respect
on Understanding, chaired by the Nobel laureate Amartya Sen, was
launched on 9 November 2007, at Marborough House in London.
Professor Sen and fellow Commissiners Lord John Alderdice and
H E Mrs Joan Rwabyomere presented the report to Don McKinnon,
Commonwealth Secretary General, who thanked the Commission for
their work on this important and timely subject.
The Secretary-General said "I am delighted to receive this report
and I hope that each of the Heads of Government receiving it at
the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Kampala will return
home with their practicle responses to it at the topof their priorities."
Civil Paths to Peace is the result of a mandate from Commonwealth
Heads of Government to look into the causes of conflict, violence
and extremism in Commonwealth countries.
It focuses on the problem of group-based violence and its impact
on communities, advocating solutions based on individuals' multiple
identities.
Prof Sen said "The well-meaning but excessively narrow approach
of concentrating single-mindedly on expanding the dialogue betweenreligious
groups-much championed right now-can seriously undermine other
civil engagements, linked with language,literature, cultural functions,
social interactions and political commitments that help to resist
the exploitation of religious differences which begins by downplaying
- or dismissing - all other affiliations.
"The battle for people's minds cannot be won on the basis of a
seriously incomplete understanding of wealth of social differences
that make individual human beings richly diverse in distinct ways."
He added "This report is a modest attempt to present a Commonwealth-based
understanding of the civil demands for world peace." |
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Picture shows:
From the left Don Mckinnon, Secretary-General, Prof Amartya Sen,
Lord John Alderdice and H E Mrs Joan Rwabyomere,during
a launch conference held on 9 November 2007 at Marlborough House
in London.
Picture Taken by Vallabh Kaviraj
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Civil Paths to Peace argues that the solution to conflicts within
the Commonwealth should be rooted in the association's agreed
priciples of human rights, democracy, gender equality, the rule
of law and transparent and accountable political culture.
The report recommends new forms of political participation, an
emphasis on non-sectarian non-parochial education that expands
rather that reduces the reach of understanding, and greater support
to young people, who represent over half of the Commonwealth's
two billioncitizens.
The report, which will be presented to Heads of Government Meeting
(CHOGM) this month, calls on the Secretary-General to develop
an action plan in consultation with member governments.
-Vallabh Kaviraj
-The AENNS (11/11/07) |
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Fiji is suspended again fromCommonwealth following
recent military coup in Island
Report by Vallabh Kaviraj in London
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Picture shows:
From the left Hon. Dr. Michael Frendo,
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Malta
and Commonwealth Secretary General,
Don McKinnon are seen reading out
the statement at the press conference in London
Picture taken by Vallabh Kaviraj
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The Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group on Harare Declaration
met at Marilborogh House in London on Friday 8, December 2006,
in an extraordinary session to consider the situation occured
again in Republic of Fiji Island which is a member of the Commonealth,
a family of 53 nations.
The meeting was chaired by Hon. Dr. Michael Frendo, Minister of
Foreign Affairs of Malta and was attended by Hon. Paul Tiensten,
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Papua New Guinea; Hon. Mr. Seif
Ali Iddi, Deputy-Minister of foreign Affairs and International
Cooperation, United Republic of Tanzania; and Lord David Triesman,
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State, the United Kingdom. The
Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Canada, Lesotho, Malasyia, St
Lucia and Sri Lanka were represented by their High Commissioners
to the United Kingdom.
After the meeting, at a press conference, Commonwealth Secretary
General, Don McKinnon has announced the decision of the suspension,
saying the CMAG decided that, according to the steps set out in
the Millbrook Commonwealth Action Programme on Harare Declaration,
Fiji's military regim should forthwith be suspended from the Council
of the Commonwealth, pending the restoration of democracy and
the rule of law in that country.
-The AENNS (08/12/06)
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Picture shows:
From the left EU President
Jose Manuel Barrose
and on the right Commonwealth
Secretary-General
Don McKinnon are seen
at Marlborough Housein London
Picture taken by Vallabh Kaviraj
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Commonwealth and
EU meet in London for talks
on helping strengthen
governance in Africa
Report by Vallabh Kaviraj in London
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European Union President Jose Manuel Barroso met Commonwealth
Secretar-General Don McKinnon at Marlborough House in London on
Monday 16, October 2006, for talks centred on helping strengthen
good governance in Africa.
Africa requires trade and aid both to combat poverty and to develop
the region, EU President Barrose told journalists at a news briefing
on Monday 16, October, after the meeting at Marlborough House.
Commonwealth Secretary-General Mr. McKinnon stated that continued
partnership between the Commonwealth and the European Union would
boost development in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean and Pacific.
-The AENNS(16/10/06) |
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Malta's PM Dr. Gonzi visits commonwealth
Secretariat's Headquarters in London
Report by Vallabh Kaviraj
in London
Malta's Prime Minister Dr. Lawrence Gonzi who was in London last
week visited Commonwealth Secretarit's Headquarters in London
on Friday 2, June 2006, and had a meeting with Secretary General
Don McKinnon.
Malta has taken on the role of chair for two years following its
hosting of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM)
in November 2005.
During the meeting in London on Friday 2, June 2006, discussion
between Dr, Gonzi and Mr. Don McKinnon, focused on implementation
of important outcomes of the CHOGM 2005, embodied in Meeting's
final documents.
Also Dr. Gonzi and Mr. McKinnon met few journalists who were there
at the meeting and during a press conference a question was asked
on the Commonwealth's role on its immigration policy and training
programme, and how that followed up in this globalised world.
Answering the question, Secretary General Don McKinnon told journalists
that in 1950's, Commonwealth's policy on immigration for Commonwealth
citizens, was widely accepted then within the Commonealth and
it was greatly benefitted by member states as well as by the Head
of the Commonwealth Britain, but now every member state has made
its own immigration policy, therefore, the Commonwealth has no
control over member states' immigration policies.
But he added, regarding training purpose, the Commonwealth has
a fund of £20m, and 500 journalists have been trained so far.
Dr. Gonzi said the immigration issue is becoming more complex
and it is becoming the global issue, and he added, because of
the poverty worldwide, immigrants seemed to find many ways to
immigrate to developed countries who are looking for skill workers
and the migration situation is becoming more confusing than ever
before globally.
-The AENNS(04/06/06)
EVENT NEWS
Commonwealth Games 2006 in Melbourne, Australia
brings end on Sunday 26th March and hand
over flag to 2010 host New Delhi, India
The Commonwealth Games 2006 in Melbourne, Australia, ended on
Sunday 26th March, and hand over the Commonwealth Games flag 2010
host, New Delhi, India.
A spectacular firework desplay provided a rousing finale.
Melbourne 2006, Chairman Ron Walker reportedly said the 18th Commonwealth
Games had been a success.
Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) President Mike Fennel reportedly
said "Now we set our sights on 2010 and Delhi, India.
The Games ended 11 days of competition involving 4,500 athlets,
strengthening relations within the family of Commonwealth nations,
news reported.
-The AENNS
Commonwealth becoming less effective in this modern world
Report by Vallabh Kaviraj
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Pictures shows:
From the left Malta's Prime
Minister Dr. Lawrence Gonzi and
on the right the Commonwealth
Secretary - General
Don McKinnon are seen during
the press conference in Malta
Picture taken by Vallabh Kaviraj
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Picture shows:
UK Queen Elizabeth II delivering
a speech during the opening
ceremony of the CHOGM 2005
in Malta
Picture taken by Vallabh Kaviraj
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Picture shows:
UK Prime Minister Tony Blair
is seen listening the Queen's
speech during the opening
ceremony of the CHOGM 2005 in Malta
Picture taken by Vallabh Kaviraj
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This year, leaders and representatives from 53 countries gathered
in Malta in November for the Commonwealth Heads of Government
Meeting(CHOGM 2005).
But some heads of the governments did not bother to come there,
instead ministers came to represent their countries.
The opening ceremony was held at the Mediterranean Conference
Centre on 25th November 2005. But it was observed as less effective.
The CHOGM lasted on 27th November, and many media persons from
Commonwealth countries, who went to cover the CHOGM there, seemed
disappointed because of lack of facilities provided to them.
Many journalists who went to cover the CHOGM 2005 had to pay their
own expenses and found costly trip to cover this event, therefore
many of them did not bother to give a good coverage because they
felt it was not proper to pay own expenses and the same time to
give free publicity.
Also many media persons felt that the accreditation system was
not properly organised and the system was commercialised.
However, during the opening ceremony, UK Queen Elizabeth II said
that the Commonwealth could be strong and effective when if acted
in collective manner. That message was well noted by the media
persons who covered the event.
Also many observers felt that the Commonwealth seemed to be not
doing well and becoming a talking shop.
Peoples of the Commonealth want positive action in this modern
world rather than just talks, said some of the observers.
There were more questions raised during the CHOGM this year then
answers were given by leaders.
Now the questions yet remain-is the Commonwealth doing enough
for its peoples in this modern world?, Is a spirit of the Commonwealth
fadding away?
( The writer of this article, Mr.Vallabh Kaviraj, a longstanding
Indian journalist and poet in Europe, and founding editor of Britain's
pioneering independent Indian Asian English newspaper The AEN-The
Asian Express newspaper, was there paying his own expenses to
cover the CHOGM 2005 in Malta.
Mr. Kaviraj will be writing more about his trip to cover the CHOGM
2005. He covered a number of CHOGMs since 1970's.)
Viewpoint
Commonwealth and Commonwealth Citizenship
-is the Commonwealth playing enough role for its peoples?
Nowadays, the Commonwealth is known as the peoples' Commonwealth
which had been born out of the British Empire.
All citizens of the Commonwealth, who are the product of the British
Empire, had believed greatly in the Commonwealth because Commonwealth
Citizenship was well recognised in 1950s.
But today, the Commonwealth Citizenship seems to be fading away
and nobody seems to care about it-why is it happening? A question
remains.
On the other hand, a question about the Britishness is being raised
in Britain, because Britain's political masters seem to think
that the Britishness should be imposed upon if anyone wants to
become a British citizen.
But a question remains-is it a right way to promote the Britishness?
Historically, the Britishness had been followed up by nationals
of the Commonwealth countries, believing the oldest democracy
Britain as the head of the Commonwealth where they could have
opportunities to enjoy fundamental rights as the Commonwealth
citizens.
However, the 53 Commonwealth leaders meet every two years called
CHOGM to discuss matters of common interest and progress initiatives
to benefit the Commonwealth member countries. But they seem to
forget to discuss the most concerning issue of the Commonwealth
Citizenship, which is necessary to be discussed in the globalised
world, therefore many commonwealth citizens are raising a question-is
the Commonwealth playing enough role for its citizens?
-Vallabh Kaviraj
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