India and South Africa - are represented in Malta. Most of the 53-strong Commonwealth members are developing countries, and the organization's secretary general, Don McKinnon, made it clear on Thursday that they have "no intention of lowering their expectations" in Hong Kong, as the E.U. has suggested. Their leaders are expected to direct their concerns at British Prime Minister Tony Blair, due in Valletta later on Thursday. In total, some 50 heads of state and government leaders are scheduled hold talks in Malta and arrange bilateral discussions while being secluded away at an exclusive beach tourist resort on the island. However, there was rain greeting visitors Thursday as planes carrying the delegations landed in rapid succession on the wet tarmac of the Malta International Airport. The Commonwealth is a broad and voluntary association of 53 countries, most of which are former British colonies, representing 1.8 billion people. CHOGMs, which take place every two years, provide leaders with a unique chance to get to know each other, exchange views and hold informal discussions on a variety of global issues. Friday's opening ceremony was being presided over by Britain's Queen Elizabeth II, with the summit drawing to a close on Sunday. --SP 2238 Local Time 1938 GMT
