G8 Leaders Focus on Africa in Final Summit Session

08 June 2007 -- The leaders of the world's major industrialized nations, meeting in Germany, are focusing on Africa Friday, the final session of their three-day annual summit.

President Bush and other national leaders from the Group of Eight are expected to announce a $60 billion program to fight AIDS, malaria, tuberculosis and other diseases in Africa.

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Mr. Bush's administration already has pledged $30 billion to fight AIDS in areas where the virus is a major problem, including much of Africa.

British Prime Minister Tony Blair says the G8 nations must recommit themselves to the promises of debt relief and fighting poverty they made to Africa at their 2005 summit in Scotland.

Some activists say a recommitment is not enough. Rock star and anti-poverty campaigner Bono met with German Chancellor Angela Merkel but said he is not convinced the G8 has a robust plan.

Russian President Vladimir Putin made a surprise announcement at the summit Thursday, offering to work with the United States on its planned missile defense bases in Central Europe if the weapons system is broadened to include a Soviet-built radar base in Azerbaijan.

Mr. Putin disclosed his proposal during a meeting with President Bush, who says it is an interesting idea that should be explored further when the two men meet next month in the United States.

Until now, the Kremlin has been a strong critic of the missile plan. The United States says the defensive missiles will not be aimed at Russia or any other European target, but that they are intended to ward off rockets fired from countries such as North Korea or Iran.

Also Thursday, Chancellor Merkel said the G8 leaders agreed to pursue substantial cuts in greenhouse gas emissions that are blamed for global warming. She said a strategy will be worked out in the United Nations. Ms. Merkel, who is hosting this year's summit, put global warming at the top of the agenda.

Source: VOA News