Sunday, November 25, 2007

CIVICUS lauds Commonwealth for walking the talh in suspending Pakistan

BY JOSEPH EIGU ONYANGO
KAMPALA. 25/11/2007

On November 23,2007, the Commonwealth suspended Pakistan from the councils of the Commonwealth during the meeting that took place in Kampala- Uganda. The Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) judged the situation in Pakistan which they said was operating against Commonwealth fundamental political values.

" The improvement in Pakistan in recent days was not nearly enough to meet the Commonwealth criteria." said Kumi Naidoo, Secretary General of CIVICUS, World Alliance for Citizens Participation.

CIVICUS hopes such action will aid restoration of the democratic and constitutional order in Pakistan, as has been demanded by civil society groups in that country. Generl Musharraf of Pakistan responded to the Commonwealth pressure with the release of many political prisoners and human rights defenders, although others remain in detention.

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