"The original World Wide Web"

true lilly Fri Oct 28, 2011 3:08 am

Queen Elizabeth II calls for bold reform amid CHOGM protests
by:AAP and staff
From:AAP
October 28, 2011 5:05PM
"The original World Wide Web" 654528-pn-chogm-opener

"The original World Wide Web" 654528-pn-chogm-opener

PerthNow

POLICE have stopped several hundred protesters marching on a
Commonwealth leaders meeting where the Queen called for bold reforms
today.

Protesters heading to the venue of the Commonwealth leaders meeting
in Perth were halted by police at a road block not far from the CHOGM
venue.
Just after midday the protesters approached an intersection
in the city centre where they planned to stage a sit-in but they were
blocked beforehand with a fence and lines of riot police waiting with
hands crossed.
Amid tight security, police on horseback, on foot, and in helicopters kept a close eye on
the protesters.
Earlier those at a rally headed through the city towards the Perth Exhibition
and Convention Centre where the summit is taking place.

The Queen opened the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) earlier
on Friday with more than 50 Commonwealth leaders in attendance.

Related Coverage
Queen opens CHOGM amid protests Adelaide Now, 1 hour ago
Queen opens CHOGM as protesters go peacefully Perth Now, 1 hour ago
Gillard welcomes CHOGM leaders Perth Now, 1 hour ago
Pictures: Queen opens CHOGM Perth Now, 1 hour ago
Queen endorses Commonwealth reform Foundation, 1 hour ago

Protest leaders earlier said they did not intend to breach the
security zones but had a right to get their messages across to the leaders.

Earlier the Queen called for bold reforms of the Commonwealth.

Having dubbed the Commonwealth the "original world wide web'', a monarch born
soon after the age of steam has urged leaders of more than 50 nations to
implement bold reforms that will keep their institution "fresh and fit for tomorrow''.

The 85-year-old Queen appealed for vibrancy and renewal
as she opened the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Perth,
the largest gathering of world leaders Australia has ever hosted.

"This meeting is the perfect opportunity to find responses to
today's crises and challenges,'' she told leaders representing one-third of humanity
across six continents.

The last time Australia hosted a CHOGM, at Coolum in 2002,
the world was still reeling from a new chapter of global terrorism.

"Almost a decade later we find ourselves confronting new challenges -
insecurity and uncertainty in finance, food supply, climate change,
trade and development,'' the Queen said.

"This meeting promises to bring new vibrancy to the Commonwealth.
''The Queen thanked the Eminent Persons Group, a collection of prominent
thinkers who have proposed a blueprint for reform of the institution.
"I wish heads of government well in agreeing further reforms that respond
boldly to the aspirations of today and that keep the Commonwealth fresh
and fit for tomorrow.''
She urged leaders not to forget the Commonwealth was a body
not just of governments but of people.

"That is what makes it so relevant in this age of global information and communication,
''she said.
Although only seven of the 53 Commonwealth leaders present were women, the Queen
encapsulated the summit's theme of women as agents of change.

As female monarch she watched the CHOGM reins pass from one female prime
minister to another, from Trinidad's Kamla Persad-Bissessar to Australia's Julia Gillard.
And for good measure, Australia's female Governor-General Quentin Bryce was in the audience.
"We must continue to strive together to promote that theme in a lasting way beyond this year,'' the Queen said.

She concluded by reciting an Aboriginal saying: "We are all visitors to
this time, this place. We are just passing through. Our purpose here is
to observe, to learn, to grow, to love, and then we return home.''
Earlier she was presented with an Aboriginal message stick during a
welcome to country by elders of the local Noongar people.
She was entertained by singers, dancers and musicians, capped by a finale
featuring Guy Sebastian.

The lavish opening ceremony featured a diverse procession of
heads of government which included 25 prime ministers, 10 presidents,
five vice-presidents, two deputy prime ministers, one high commissioner,
a lord and the Sultan of Brunei.

The Queen's plea for reform was echoed by Commonwealth Secretary-General Kamalesh Sharma, who said renewal was needed to make sure the Commonwealth was resilient
and relevant for the future.
He also revealed it was the Queen who had described the Commonwealth as the
"original world wide web''.

The Queen had the chance to take her message to the Commonwealth's
newest leaders at a luncheon she hosted for them on Friday
before she officiates at the CHOGM banquet on Friday night.

Ciggy Fri Oct 28, 2011 7:51 am

Shut the hell up about bloody Queen Lizardbreath.

"The original World Wide Web"

"The original World Wide Web"

Re: "The original World Wide Web"