(a) whether India had played an active role in the recently held Commonwealth Foreign Ministers Conference to thwart an attempt to revoke Pakistan`s suspension after the formation of the new government in Islamabad;
(b) if so, the details thereof.
(c) whether India pleaded for continuation of suspension till full restoration of democracy in Pakistan; and
(d) if so, the response of the participating countries thereto?
THE MINISTER OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (SHRI YASHWANT SINHA)
(a to d) The Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) met in London from 31st - 1st November, 2002 to decide whether the recent developments in Pakistan merited reversal of earlier CMAG decision to suspend Pakistan from the Councils of the Commonwealth. Participants took into account the report of the Commonwealth and EU Observer Groups on this issue as well as the constitutional and other changes introduced in Pakistan before the elections which had moved Pakistan towards institutionalised military rule. EAM also strongly articulated India`s concerns on this issue. The Group decided by consensus to maintain the status-quo on Pakistan`s suspension from the Councils of the Commonwealth pending greater clarity and the assessment of the role and function of democratic institutions.