U.N. nuncio urges G-8 leaders to follow up on debt relief agreement

Published: 2005-07-05

UNITED NATIONS (CNS) -- The Vatican appealed July 1 for leaders of the Group of Eight countries to follow up on the recent agreement of their finance ministers to cancel the debts of 18 poor countries. Archbishop Celestino Migliore, nuncio to the United Nations, said the action by the finance ministers at a recent meeting in London was only a proposal, and requires legislative measures "that will lead to the immediate fulfillment of the accord's promises." Such an initiative by the G-8 leaders, meeting July 6-8 in Scotland, would be "just the start" on the path toward development of the poorest countries and marginalized segments in those countries, the archbishop said. He said the debt cancellation should be extended to 38 of the heavily indebted poor countries, and should not be implemented by diverting funds from other aid programs. "The upcoming G-8 meeting must show the world the magnanimity and breadth of vision of its leaders," he said.

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