The Commonwealth (of nations) is a free association of independent countries that were once colonies of Britain. It was founded in 1931, and now has 53 member countries.

英联邦是曾为英国殖民地的、但现已独立国家所构成的自由联合体。它成立于1931年，现有53个成员国。

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As vividly depicted in the attached column by William Safire published in today's New York Times, Gorbachev is presently acting as the spoiler, the obstacle to the consolidation of a Commonwealth of Independent States -- a free alliance of sovereign nations explicitly designed to replace and terminate the old Soviet Union.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: "In the name of God, Go!"

At a time of economic austerity and, in some cases, recession in the West, prospects for mobilizing large-scale, taxpayer-underwritten "new money" flows for Russia (and other Commonwealth of Independent States, or CIS, nations) from the United States and other Western nations will be exceedingly difficult.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Center for Security Policy | Doomsday Scenario: Aspin Nomination Sets Stage For Dellums Chairmanship, Grim Tidings For Defense Community

Meeting as the Commonwealth of Independent States, the leaders spoke out in support of enhancing the role of the United Nations in the post-war reconstruction of Iraq.

BBC: Putin rallies divided world leaders