![Prime Minister Tony Blair]()
Mr Blair described the G8 agreements as "a
beginning" |
Prime
Minister Tony Blair says the G8 has agreed a $50bn (£28.8bn) aid boost, as
leaders sign the communique.
"It isn't all everyone wanted, but it is progress," the prime minister
said.
He added that the agreement included a signal for a deal on trade,
access to Aids treatment, debt cancellation and $3bn for the Palestinian
authority.
"All of this does not change the world tomorrow, it is a beginning, not
an end," he said, as Nigeria's President Olusegun Obasanjo welcomed the
deal.
"The meeting of G8 leaders and African leaders is a great success," the
Nigerian president said.
Mr Blair said that the communique also included a
promise of a new peacekeeping force for Africa as well as the commitment
"in return by African leaders to democracy and good governance and the
rule of law".
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G8: PROGRESS SO FAR
Stalemate seen on climate change as US position
barely budges
G8 nations agreed to full debt cancellation for 18
countries, while African countries call for debt relief for all
Africa
EU members have pledged to reach a collective aid
target of 0.56% of GDP by 2010, and 0.7% by 2015
The G8 agrees a $50bn (£28.8bn) boost to aid
A ' signal' for a new deal on trade
|
He added that in the wake of Thursday's attacks, the communique is the
"definitive _expression_ of our collective will to act in the face of death.
"It has a pride and a hope and a humanity that can lift the shadow of
terrorism."
Africa aid
The communique is set to be published later on Friday.
The leaders have previously said the debts of 18 of the poorest
countries in Africa will be forgiven.
The communique will probably reconfirm a promise to write off the debts
of a further nine countries if they comply with certain criteria.
It now appears doubtful that agreement has been reached to increase the
share of GDP given to developing countries to the UN target of 0.7%.
Mr Blair's comments also signal that little concrete has been agreed on
trade.
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![]() Security at government buildings, local
airports, bus stations, train stations and ports has been
heightened ![]()
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The so-called G5 developing countries - Brazil, China, India, Mexico
and South Africa - have called for tariffs, subsidies and other barriers
to be removed as part of efforts to eradicate poverty.
However, Mr Bush had said that little meaningful reform of trade was
likely unless Europe reformed its Common Agricultural Policy.
Climate stalemate?
NGOs remained critical of the progress made, particularly on climate
change, with some describing the summit as a " significant lost
opportunity".
Earlier, a leaked draft of the climate change communique suggested that
little progress has been made - with US views on the Kyoto protocol hardly
shifting.
"While uncertainty remains in our understanding of climate science, we
know enough to act now," the leaked draft said.
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WHAT IS THE G8?
Name
Group of eight major industrialised states, inc
Russia
Members
Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia, UK,
US |
It also acknowledged that the UN framework on climate change - of which
the Kyoto protocol is the best-known part - is the "appropriate forum for
negotiating the future of the multilateral regime on climate change".
G8 leaders have indicated the statement represents progress but Stephen
Tindale, a spokesperson for Greenpeace, said: "The G8 has committed to
nothing new but at least we haven't moved backwards on the environment."
The Sustainable Energy and Economy Network, a worldwide coalition of
environmental and development campaigners, said: "Urgent action is now
required to substantially reduce emissions, reduce fossil fuel dependence
and to protect people around the world, especially the vulnerable, the
poor and disappearing
nations."
