Middle East and North Africa Dominate G8 Declaration
G8 leaders issued a declaration focusing on peace and security at the end of their May 26-27 summit in Deauville, France. Here are some of the main points:
Last updated on: May 26, 2011 8:00 PM
Peace and Security:
Libya: Demands the Libyan government stop violence against civilians and calls on Moammar Gadhafi to step down.
Syria: Appalled by deaths of peaceful protesters, calls for a negotiated move toward democracy.
Yemen: Expresses increasing concern about the violent political crisis.
Iran: Calls on the government to end repression against its people.
North Korea: Condemns the government's provocative behavior.
Zimbabwe: Criticizes its culture of impunity.
Israeli-Palestinian Conflict: Expresses support for negotiations and says now is the time to resume the peace process.
Afghanistan: Maintains support for Kabul’s transition to Afghan-led security.
Pakistan: Offers continued support for reform efforts.
Internet: Calls for a broad framework to govern the Internet that respects the rule of law, human rights and fundamental freedoms.
Global Economy: Expresses concern about remaining risks to global economic recovery, as well as a lack of progress in efforts to negotiate a stronger multilateral free trade system. Seeks to incorporate policies that respect the environment.
Accountability and Development: Calls for more effective aid coordination. Recognizes that the global economic crisis prevented donors from reaching development assistance goals but promises to maintain efforts. Promises to continue work to improve health and food security.
Nuclear Safety: Recognizes Japan’s nuclear disaster as a reminder to continue efforts to strengthen and maintain international nuclear safety.
Climate Change and Biodiversity: Reaffirms commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and encourages major emerging economies to work harder to reduce them.
Solidarity with Japan: Maintains readiness to help Japan’s economy recover from the March 11, 2011 earthquake and tsunami that caused one of the world’s worst nuclear energy disasters.
Full text available: http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2011/05/27/deauville-g-8-declaration Soon to be available: http://www.g20-g8.com/g8-g20/g8/english/home.18.html