Republic Of Yemen And The Commonwealth

EDM number 577 in 1996-97, proposed by Keith Vaz on 25/02/1997.

That this House notes the application of the Republic of Yemen to become a member of the Commonwealth; believes that Yemen's joining the Commonwealth would make a positive contribution to the strengthening of democracy and the promotion of national reconciliation in that country, and to economic development and enhanced trade, particularly in the Aden free zone; further notes that it will positively contribute to regional peace and stability in the Arabian Peninsula and the Red Sea region, as well as to good and harmonious community relations in a number of Britain's towns and cities where there is a substantial Yemeni community, including Sheffield, Newcastle, Birmingham, Liverpool, Cardiff and Tower Hamlets in London; notes that the renewed interest in Commonwealth membership on the part of Yemen, as well as other states in the Middle East and Africa, is testimony to the continued relevance of the Commonwealth and to the integrity of its leadership; and looks forward to seeing the Republic of Yemen welcomed to membership at October's Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Edinburgh.

This motion has been signed by a total of 24 MPs.