open Democracy News Analysis - The Commonwealth and Zimbabwe: no contest, Michael Holman - Comments

maysage260 on "The Commonwealth: punching below weight"

maysage260 — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 20:50:24 +0000

Why does the Commonwealth need to exist? It seems like a way for UK to try to punch above its weight. The smorgesboard of countries ensures it will be a lite weight.

Julius Ojolola on "The Commonwealth: punching below weight"

Julius Ojolola — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 19:20:01 +0000

Dear Sirs, I think the Commonwealth is an important organisation that is playing important roles in the 21st Century. I am quite content to see that the recent CHOGM in Uganda is successful. I am sure members must be concerned about the on-going political and economic situation in Zimbabwe. I suspect there is a resolved to see an end to the dispute between the UK and Zimbabwe on issues that have been raised by both countries. The Communique on Climate Change is apt and it of course addresses on- going issues on climate change. I would wish to see much efforts in intensifying the war on Aids, famine and Poverty. Efforts aimed at strengthening democracy within the Commonwealth is also welcome and of course that is in accordance with the Harare declaration.

The Commonwealth and Zimbabwe: no contest, Michael Holman

Mon, 03 Dec 2007 17:26:58 +0000

We punch above our weight, claimed Commonwealth leaders who held their biennial heads-of-government summit (CHOGM) in the Ugandan capital Kampala on 23-25 November 2007.

Who did they think they were fooling?

Far from having a disproportionate influence on world affairs, the Commonwealth comes across as a punch-drunk fighter living on past memories and false hopes: not trading blows on center-stage, but shadow-boxing outside the main ring, where the real action is taking place.

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