AAP
The Queen has arrived in Perth ready to officially open the Commonwealth leaders’ meeting on Friday.
She touched down in the West Australian capital on Wednesday to be greeted by hundreds of wellwishers before being whisked to Government House in central Perth.
Commonwealth foreign ministers have been meeting in the city ahead of the three-day Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM).
They have been discussing whether to appoint a Commonwealth commissioner for democracy, human rights and the rule of law as recommended by an Eminent Persons Group.
But some members are known to oppose the idea and could block its approval.
Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa has arrived in Perth to find himself the target of human rights abuse accusations, relating to his country’s recent civil war.
Prime Minister Julia Gillard met him on Wednesday and urged him to ensure his country’s reconciliation commission addressed the allegations.
The foreign ministers continue their talks on Thursday as a three-day Commonwealth Business Forum wraps up in the city.
Hundreds of extra police from around Australia and New Zealand have been flown in to assist with security during CHOGM.
Protesters are planning a march to the CHOGM venue on Friday but say they do not plan to breach restricted security zones.
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