Sanctions Against Zimbabwe is Premature - JAK

POLL The Commonwealth: Is it still relevant?    

There's growing opposition among African leaders for sanctions or other actions to punish Zimbawe, for worsening political intimidation and violence. Commonwealth leaders are trying to reach agreement on the contentious issue at their summit on Queensland's Sunshine Coast in northeastern Australia.

President John Kufuor of Ghana was just one of the African leaders arguing that it remained "premature" to take action against Zimbabwe before next weekend's election.

CHOGM - Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting - is grappling with the question of how to respond to the political crackdown in Zimbabwe. African nations have opposed strong action such as Britain's proposal for Zimbabwe's suspension from the Commonwealth. President Kufour says that's going too far. THIS IS TOO RADICAL TO THINK OF RIGHT NOW.

South African President, Thabo Mbeke says Commonwealth principles must be upheld, but no one country should be unfairly singled out. WE MUST ENSURE THAT WE APPLY THESE FUNDAMENTAL POLITICAL VALUES WITH CONSISTENCY WITH EVEN HANDEDNESS AND PREDICTABILITY. Britain is pushing for a change to the Commonwealth's rules so it can act against Zimbabwe if it doesn't hold free or fair elections next weekend.
Images from CHOGM 2002

Heads of Government Portrait

The Hon Matt Foley, Minister for Employment, Training and Youth, Mr Peter Slipper MP greet the President of Ghana Mr John Agyekum Kufour at Sunshine Coast Airport 1 March