|
|
Is the G8 Debt Deal something
to celebrate?
The
G8 Debt Deal is a two edged sword and if you hadn't publicised
the down side of IMF "control", the public would
only have heard of the limited debt relief. The more pressure
we can exert on the World Bank and IMF the better, to help
the African countries develop their own industries and exports
to developed countries at economic prices. It's far too early
to celebrate any G8 debt deal as a success. Maintain the accurate
publicity and create ways of how we, as individuals can pressurise
the World Bank and IMF.
Willian C. Martin
|
Any
celebration of the deal should be qualified by a recognition
of the fact that the status quo of inequality between industrialised
and developing countries has not changed. To tackle that,
focus needs to be placed on trade justice, on allowing developing
countries to protect and manage their economies for their
own benefit, rather than for the benefit of foriegn investors
Paul |
Yes and no. It is a tiny step forward, but it could
be harmful in the long-term: (a) if the public thinks the problem
is now solved; (b) if it simply ties poor countries further into
exploitative processes; (c) if it shores up an internationally exploitative
system by minimising unilateral default on debt by countries who
could not repay in any case.
Alan
Yes in the fact that at long last Western
Leaders actually did something rather than just spoke about
it. But overall No because far too few countries benefited,
and those that did had to accept harmful economic sanctions
and a reduction in aid given to them
Jamie |
I would say emphatically no!
If it were to mean increased independence of Southern Countries
from the G8 powers, then it would be a good thing. Unfortunately,
it seems likely that one form of dependence is simply being displaced
by another, through economic conditionality and liberalisation.
The G8 Debt Deal also seems to have added to the culture of paternalism
in the UK which obscures the true, unjust nature of the G8 relations
with the global south.
Clare
In
response to your question as to whether the G8 deal is something
to celebrate, I have never thought it was, because the problems
are so deepseated, and until the world economy changes, and
balance of power, the 'deal' is scraping the surface only.
I am aware that because of debt cancellation, Zambia has restored
some of its health service (and possibly education for all)
and that must be positive. But remember that until the structural
adjustment came in (in the 80s???) and copper prices fell,
Zambia was a MIDDLE INCOME COUNTRY. Zambia also suffered from
supporting liberation movements from S. Africa, Namibia and
Zimbabwe and no thanks was given by the world for that, or
compensation for keeping refugees.
Economic policies, designed by the rich countries to keep
them rich and even make them richer (GROWTH, it is called)
need to be radically changed and the public helped to REDUCE
our demands, our expectations of ever more 'powerful' transport/gadgets/houses/leaders/shops
shifted to ones of cherishing the earth, life and a clean,
healthy environment as well as looking on the well being of
others as our own well being.
I don't mean to preach and can't always practise what I 'preach'
because the systems and structures don't always allow. So
the structures have to be changed.
Pat
|
No. Simply because many of those countries who
agreed to the deal have not, and as far as I can see have no intention
of actually cancelling any debt.
Dear Jubilee Scotland,
In response to your question as to whether the G8 deal is something
to celebrate, I have never thought it was, because the problems
are so deepseated, and until the world economy changes, and
balance of power, the 'deal' is scraping the surface only.
I am aware that because of debt cancellation, Zambia has restored
some of its health service (and possibly education for all)
and that must be positive. But remember that until the structural
adjustment came in (in the 80s???) and copper prices fell, Zambia
was a MIDDLE INCOME COUNTRY. Zambia also suffered from supporting
liberation movements from S. Africa, Namibia and Zimbabwe and
no thanks was given by the world for that, or compensation for
keeping refugees.
Economic policies, designed by the rich countries to keep them
rich and even make them richer (GROWTH, it is called) need to
be radically changed and the public helped to REDUCE our demands,
our expectations of ever more 'powerful' transport/gadgets/houses/leaders/shops
shifted to ones of cherishing the earth, life and a clean, healthy
environment as well as looking on the well being of others as
our own well being.
I don't mean to preach and can't always practise what I 'preach'
because the systems and structures don't always allow. So the
structures have to be changed.
Regards, Pat Bryden |
My own view is that our, and other, government(s),
indulge in a lot of self-serving rhetoric on this and a host of
other issues. The way we treat asylum seekers, for example, is nothing
less that shameful.
Christine Goldie
no, not at all happy with the results - another
whitewash unfortunately.
Jennifer Leiper |
Back to G8 Watch
back to top >>
|
