LONDON, Nov 9: A senior Commonwealth official said here on Monday it expected both Pakistan and India to settle their bilateral issues, adding that the organisation could extend assistance only on issues relating to good governance and social and economic development.

Addressing a news conference, Commonwealth Secretary-General Kamalesh Sharma said the 53-member organisation did not interfere in bilateral relations and expected all member countries to sort out their mutual issues among themselves without third party mediation.

He was responding to a question if Commonwealth could play a role in helping Pakistan and India to resume their stalled dialogue.

Mr Sharma pointed out that Commonwealth had once played a mediatory role in Africa during the process of decolonisation, but now its emphasis was on rule of law, good governance and promotion of democracy and constitutionalism.

He said that the theme of the biennial meeting of heads of governments of Commonwealth states to be held in Port of Spain from Nov 27 to 29 was “Partnering for a more equitable and sustainable future”.

The summit brings Commonwealth leaders together to review global political and economic developments, discuss Commonwealth’s work in supporting interests of member countries and to confirm existing or new priorities and initiatives.

Mr Sharma said the summit would discuss international trade, debt management, climate changes, youth empowerment and ways of helping vulnerable and poor states in overcoming the financial crisis brought about by global recession.

He said since its founding 60 years ago, Commonwealth had grown from eight founding members to 53, representing a population of two billion and accounting for about a fifth of world trade.—APP
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