8 group of developed countries to forgive $40 billion of debt owed by 18 of the poorest states. "It's a good signal from the G-8 on debt cancellation," said Surakiart Sathirathai, Thai deputy prime minister and a leading candidate to replace Kofi Annan as secretary general of the United Nations. "At the same time we cannot just sit still." "People seem prepared to make sure this summit is not a talking shop and will achieve concrete action so the millennium goals can be achieved," Thailand's Surakiart told Reuters. Sato Kilman, deputy prime minister of the small South Pacific archipelago of Vanuatu, said more accountable, transparent government had made countries were more willing to help out their weaker neighbours. "Our development partners have been increasing their aid assistance, and I think this is only because we have shown some responsibility."
