Commonwealth summit set for Australia

The commonwealth heads of government summit, postponed because of the terrorist attacks on the US, will be held on Australia’s Sunshine coast next March.

Newly re-elected Australian prime minister John Howard made the announcement today.

The summit, which is usually opened by the Queen, was originally scheduled for October 6 to 9 in Brisbane. Now it will be held from March 2 to 5, 2002.

Leaders from 52 commonwealth countries will gather for the meeting, which will be held at the Hyatt Regency Coolum, with ministerial and officials’ meetings held at the nearby Mudjimba Novotel Twin Waters complex.

‘‘I look forward to welcoming commonwealth leaders to Australia for CHOGM,’’ Mr Howard told the Australia Press Association.

The commonwealth comprises almost a third of the world’s population and a quarter of its nations.

‘‘At CHOGM, leaders will address issues such as terrorism, good governance and the needs of small states which are of great importance to their countries and the world.’’

It is not known if the Queen will reschedule her visit to Australia to coincide with the new summit dates.