Neoliberal Conditions Attached to G8 Debt Relief Plan for Poor Nations Exacerbate Poverty

Interview with Bill Fletcher, president of Trans Africa Forum, conducted by Scott Harris

After years of petition drives, protests and direct action by grassroots organizations across the globe the Group of 8 industrialized nations agreed to cancel at least $40 billion of debt owed to international lending agencies by 18 of the world's poorest countries. The nations affected - 14 of them in Africa, must adhere to neo-liberal free market economic policy and anti-corruption measures. Money not going to debt service will be dedicated to funding health, education and other anti-poverty programs.

Non-governmental organizations from around the world that had long campaigned for debt relief greeted the G-8 agreement with guarded optimism. Some pointed out that economic conditions attached to the debt relief program exacerbated poverty. Other organizations noted that 44 impoverished nations not covered in the G-8 agreement will continue to be burdened by devastating debt.

British Prime Minister Tony Blair, chairman of the upcoming G-8 Summit in Scotland, had lead the effort for debt relief and is still hoping to gain commitments to double current levels of international aid to poor African nations. But Blair's appeal for Washington to sign onto an expansion of Africa aid was rejected by President Bush. Between The Lines' Scott Harris spoke with Bill Fletcher, president of TransAfrica Forum, who examines the G-8 debt agreement and the continuing struggle to combat poverty in Africa.

Call Trans Africa Forum at (202) 223-1960 or visit their Web site at: www.transafricaforum.org

Related links:

Africa Action www.africaaction.org

Health GAP (Global Access Project) www.healthgap.org

50 Years Is Enough Network www.50years.org

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