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Japan has proposed, as the basic theme for the G7/G8 Summit three main pillar namely "greater prosperity," "peace of mind" and "world stability" to be realised in the 21st century, with which all the Leaders expressed their agreement.
As the country hosting the Okinawa Summit, Japan prepared to provide basis for almost all the items to be discussed and here are some notable points ;
World stability
Prime Minister Mori as chairman of the Summit performed well on the occasion of working dinner held on Friday 21 July. He appreciated the role of US President Clin?on for Middle East peace talk to such an extent that all the leaders would go to US for assisting the US. It was reported that President Clinton replied "please come all " Then Mr.Chiraqu applauded the skilful manner of chairmanship of Mr. Mori.
The report shows friendly atmosphere of the working dinner. Under these themes, as for world stabilities, the G8 statement on Korean Peninsula was issued on the 21th first July as follows;
We warmly welcome the Summit Meeting between the ROK and the DPRK held in Pyongyang on 13-15 June 2000 and underline the historic importance of this meetings. We fully support positive developments set in train by the meeting, and encourage the south- North dialogs to continue and advance further We sincerely hope such a process including the faithful implementation of the South-North Joint Declaration, will usher in a new era in inter-Korean relations and reduce the tensions in the Korean Peninsula.
We strongly support all efforts by the ROK and the DPRK to reduce tension and establish lasting peace on the Korean Peninsula that contribute to stability in North-East Asia. We reiterate also our strong support for the ROK's engagement policy which is contributing to positive developments. We welcome the constructive attitude shown by the DPRK and take note of the reconfirmation of its moratorium on missile - launch as a positive step. We call on the DPRK to continue such efforts. In this context, we look forward to a constructive response to international concerns over security, non-proliferation , humanitarian and human rights issues.
G8 leaders also have shown the same spirit attitude towards the realization of peace in the Middle East and appealed some apprehension in the Balkans.
Japan focused on the three specific agenda items, namely IT, infectious diseases ,food safety in which G8 countries have expressed strong interests.
1) IT
IT is playing the core role in the structural changes in the global economy. IT is a key to building dynamism in the socio-economy as a whole towards the 21st century. IT will contribute to further development not only in developed countries, but also in developing countries, especially in such areas as education and healthcare. IT is expected to facilitate communication with people all over the world and to allow for deeper understanding of other cultures. In relation to IT, the problem of the "digital divide" has been highlighted by many people.
Japan's suggestion is as follows;
2) Infectious diseases
the three major infectious diseases of AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria are destroying a vast number of precious lives throughout the world, most notably in developing countries. the G8 countries have to co-operate together and strengthen their efforts by mobilizing existing medical, technical and financial resources. In achieving this objective, "new partnerships" must be built. Including the governments of developed countries, NGOs, private companies and international organizations work together and support the efforts of developing countries to take measures for combating infectious diseases.
3) Food safety
the issue of food safety genetically modified organisms (GMOs).It is well known that there have been conflicting opinions in the United States and Europe on this issue. All countries do, however, share the position that international rules based on scientific underpinning should be established on the treatment of GMOs. At the same time, since a great deal of time is taken to conduct scientific analysis, positions on regulations on GMOs significantly differ from those who adopt the "benefit of the doubt" approach and those who adopt the precautionary approach.
4) Financial Architecture
Reflecting on the Asian crisis, the G7 finance ministers submitted a report for the Koln Summit last year called "Strengthening the International Financial Architecture" that addressed such issues as monitoring capital flows and providing international liquidity. At this year's conference on July 8, the finance ministers drafted a proposal for sustainable world economic growth taking information technology as its principal theme, and also stressing IMF reform and welcoming the regional currency agreement on crisis prevention. This is the right direction and should lead to an improved response by international economic organizations at the time of crisis.
5) Enhanced HIPC Initiative
Following Cologne goal,G8 countries reaffirmed commitment to provide 100% debt reduction of ODA claims, and newly commit to 100% debt reduction of eligible commercial claims . The announcement has been made by some non-G7 countries that they too will provide 100% debt relief , and it is urged other donors to follow suits. The efforts by HIPCs to develop comprehensive and country-owned poverty reduction strategies. G8 countries expressed the concern that export credits to HIPCs are not used for non-productive purposes, given the destructive effect of war and crisis.
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