Will Bush make good on his promises at tomorrow’s G8 summit?
Tomorrow’s G8 summit of presidents and prime ministers has been one of the most eagerly anticipated political events in years, thanks to the interest generated around debt relief and trade as a result of the massive “Live 8” concerts. President Bush has added to the build up by announcing that the US would drop their farm subsidies if the European Union did likewise. Billions are paid to Western farmers for excess production, which in turn makes exports from poor countries almost impossible. So Do these moves mean we are getting closer to eliminating third world poverty? And will any G8 outcomes have influence on Australia’s foreign aid policies? Garth Luke is a policy advisor to the Make Poverty History campaign – he spoke to Bill Birtles about President Bush’s farm subsidy promise.