As the G8 leaders prepared to meet with African leaders Thursday in Germany, Action Aid International, a non- governmental organization, Wednesday in Abuja urged the wealthiest nations of the world to enhance the fortunes of poor African countries, according to dpa. It said this would improve the credibility of the G8 as a serious partner of the African continent. The leaders of the world's richest countries would be discussing security and the global climate and economy at the summit. Nigeria's country representative of Action Aid International, Otive Igbuzor, advised the G8 in Abuja Wednesday to ensure that the outcome of the meeting impacted positively on poor African nations. "If the G8 pursues a course of 'business as usual' at its June summit in Germany, its credibility as a serious partner of Africa and other developing countries will be in jeopardy," Igbuzor said. The pro-poor non-governmental organization urged the G8 to "put their promises back on track" by restoring public trust in politicians and start closing the gap existing between rich and poor nations. It suggested that the G8 should earmark not less than 50 billion dollars annually to fight the HIV and AIDS pandemic, and violence against women and girls. The NGO also recommended a 100 per cent debt cancellation for 45 poor countries. It urged the group to establish its operational presence in poor African countries to tackle specific problems in education, health, agriculture, science and technology as well as environmental degradation. Igbuzor said Action Aid International had submitted a comprehensive recommendation to Nigeria's President Umaru Yar'Adua and his delegation for delivery at the German meeting.
