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CHOGM begins in Port of Spain | The meeting of the Commonwealth Heads of Government (CHOGM) began here on Saturday with a call by Queen Elizabeth to take the leadership role at the UN Copenhagen Summit on climate change. Addressing
the summit the Queen said: "The threat to the environment will continue to attract
the security and stability of millions for years to come." "Many of those affected
are among the most vulnerable and live in the Commonwealth," she added. The opening
ceremony included a colourful cultural function with participation from many cultures.
Meanwhile, Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh held separate meetings with France
President Nicolas Sarkozy, British Prime Minster Gordon Brown. According to the
External Affairs Ministry sources, views on climate change and Afghanistan were
exchanged in these meetings. Dr Singh shared India's views that we want a common
but differentiated responsibility between the developed and the developing nations
to mitigate the ill effects of climate change. "Adequate transfer of finances
and technology from the developed countries to the developing countries is necessary
for the purpose," he said. Both Britain and France agreed that there is a need
to continue the present course of action to combat terrorism and stability and
security in Afghanistan and Pakistan is important for the development of the region.
External Affairs ministry sources said, in their hour long meeting, President
Sarkozy and Dr Singh discussed measures to counter terrorism. The two leaders
expressed satisfaction on cooperation in the civil nuclear energy sector. Sharing
India's views, President Sarkozy said the upcoming Copenhagen meet on climate
change should not miss the opportunity to tackle the problem. "India has nothing
to lose and everything to gain by being in Copenhagen," he said. President Sarkozy
said:"If India is to be heard, it needs to be present," and expressed hope that
Dr Singh will attend the Copenhagen summit. According to sources, as of now, Dr
Singh is not going to Copenhagen. Union Environment and Forest Minister Jairam
Ramesh will be representing India. President Sarkozy's views reflect those of
India, which has been insisting that the efforts to take some decision should
not be given up and some results must be achieved at the forthcoming meeting.
The French President said all nations need to get commitments with binding decisions,
adding the industrial and emerging countries like Brazil must commit to a 50 per
cent carbon reduction by 2050. |
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