G8 is 'good in parts'

THE G8 summit has taken a big step in its attempt to make poverty history. The Dean, the Very Rev. Canon Paul Mellor, echoed the views of UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan that the deal represented a good day.

He hoped that the promises for the future would be fulfilled rapidly.

'I think the aspiration for debt relief for all the countries of Africa should still be held as a target for world leaders,' he said.

But some of the other decisions by the leaders of the world's most powerful countries have not been as well received.

Neither Mr Mellor nor Health minister Peter Roffey were impressed with the faltering moves on fair trade.

'I think some of them are protecting their own industries, particularly with the import tariffs on goods from the developing world but even more importantly the heavy subsidies for their own producers,' said Deputy Roffey.

He hoped that a successful conclusion would be reached at the World Trade Organisation forum in September, but he remained fairly cynical.

'I think it's good in parts,' was his reaction to the measures agreed at the Gleneagles meeting.

'The pledge to increase aid over the next few years is the positive part, in particular the extra '25bn by 2010. The pledge to have universal access to anti-HIV drugs for Aids sufferers is very welcome.'

But he added these were always going to be soft targets.

Although disappointed with the lack of progress with fair trade, Mr Mellor remained optimistic that things would get better.

'I expected more declarations of intent about it,' adding that he hoped that September's trade discussions would prove fruitful.

Mr Mellor was pleased that the summit was determined to tackle the Aids problem in developing countries, but would welcome immediate action.

'It's fantastic, it can't come a minute too soon. If it can come before 2010, people should work to make it happen,' he said.

'There are questions on why it should take so long when powerful nations can move armies, navies and air forces at the drop of a hat.'

There was disappointment with the stalemate on climate change as the United States remained steadfast in its reluctance to act.

'That was the most disappointing aspect, a complete cop out, and I think it shows that when it comes down to it, the G8 is the G1,' said Deputy Roffey.

'If America doesn't want to play ball, nothing gets agreed.

'The task facing the rest of the world is trying to convince the Americans to take it much more seriously.'

Mr Mellor shared Deputy Roffey's disappointment but was buoyed that the Americans had at least acknowledged the problem.

'Indications have been given that the United States is waking up to acknowledging the problem,' he said.

'Let us hope that they will rouse from their sleep rapidly and come to the table to discuss solutions.'