Brussels: Europe and Arabs

The prime minister of Antigua and Barbuda, a two-island nation in the Caribbean, wants to make his country a republic, following the death of Queen Elizabeth II. Although the British monarch is now the official head of state, but government leader Gaston Brown wants to get rid of it. He told British broadcaster ITV that he wanted to organize a referendum on the issue within three years. According to what was reported by the Belgian news agency on Sunday, which added that Charles III was installed as head of state in the capital, Saint John, on Saturday evening, but shortly thereafter the Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda announced his intention. "This is not contempt for the monarchy," he said. "This is the last step to complete the circle of independence and become a truly sovereign state."

The country of the two islands of the same name in the eastern Caribbean has a population of about 100,000. Antigua and Barbuda, independent since 1981, is one of the fourteen independent states in the Commonwealth where the British monarch remains the official head of state.

Barbados, another island country in the Caribbean, took the same step to switch from a "commonwealth realm" to a republic last year.

Sandra Mason became the country's first president. But so far it describes itself as representing the British Crown on the island in its capacity as Governor General.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on Sunday there would be no referendum on whether Australia should become a republic during his first term.

In exclusive statements to the British "Sky News" network in its English-language publication, Albanese expressed his gratitude to Queen Elizabeth II for her service to Australia, the Commonwealth and the world.

He pointed out that this is the time to pay tribute to Queen Elizabeth II and show her deep respect and admiration, not to follow and answer questions about his country's constitution.

These developments come one day after the Council of Ascension to the British Throne announced King Charles III as the official king of the country, following the death of Queen Elizabeth II, who had the longest reign in the country's history. The king pledged - during his speech after his proclamation as king - to devote the rest of his life to doing his role. towards the country, which was entrusted to him by the death of his mother, the Queen

Source: agencies