CHOGM confirmed for March: [2 Edition]
Abstract
THE Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, postponed after the September 11 terrorist attacks, will now be held next March, John Howard has announced.
And the meeting has been moved from Brisbane to the Sunshine Coast, confirming previous speculation.
Heads of government from 52 Commonwealth countries are due to meet at the Hyatt Regency in Coolum from March 2 to 5 for the biennial summit. Terrorism, good governance and the needs of small states will be on the agenda.
The Prime Minister said it was disappointing that the Government had postponed the CHOGM meeting, originally scheduled for the beginning of October.
“I look forward to welcoming Commonwealth leaders to Australia for CHOGM,” Mr Howard said. “The Commonwealth comprises almost a third of the world’s population and a quarter of its nations.”
The Commonwealth secretary-general, Don McKinnon, said it was unfortunate but necessary that CHOGM had to be postponed due to the difficult global circumstances at the time, but he was delighted Australia would now be hosting the meeting in March.
“I wish to thank the Australian Government and people for their patience and support, and for making every effort to convene the meeting in conditions that will enable heads of government to chart a course for the Commonwealth in the 21st century.”