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The 2005 G8 Summit will take place at Gleneagles Hotel, Perthshire, Scotland from July 6-8, 2005.
Official Website: http://www.perthshireg8.com/ |
Press BriefingsMake Poverty History Press BriefingJuly 6 2005/14:00 - Media Centre, Gleneagles, Scotland (by Sarah Brun) Six of these groups were represented at a G8 press conference on the eve of the summit: John Hilary from War on Want, John Samuel from Action Aid, Monica Anagafa from Oxfam Uganda, Kunin Naidoo from GCAP, Matt Phillips from the Save the Children Fund and Yassine Fall from Senegal. These six people stood together in their criticism of the G8 nations. While recognizing that the debt relief is a step in the right direction, they reminded the press that it is a small, very conditional step. Only eighteen countries will receive immediate relief, while the group estimates that at least sixty other nations are in need of the same relief. In addition, debt relief is not enough; increased foreign aid is needed in order for the nations to build up a solid and compatible infrastructure. While an approximate $50 billion have been pledged by 2010, the group says that this is not enough. The money is needed right away to ensure that people have a dignified life and an opportunity to go to school and see a doctor. Perhaps most important, however, is trade justice. The relief and aid should be unconditional without forced liberalization of trade as enforced by the World Trade Organization, the group said. They also called for an "elimination of agricultural export support and all trade distorting support to agriculture by 2010." Lastly, the group stated that a failure to eradicate poverty was not due to a lack of awareness as people around the world and civil society organizations have spoken with a sense of solidarity. The blame lays with the G8 leaders alone. |
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