Gay Mitchell
Question:55 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the recent G8 summit in Birmingham, England; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12664/98]
Written Answers. - G8 Summit.
The G8 met in Birmingham and issued a final communique on 17 May. The major themes with which the communique dealt were: promoting sustainable growth in the global economy; growth, employability, and inclusion; combating drugs and international crime; non-proliferation and export controls; and year 2000 bug.
Under the chapter on sustainable growth, the communique looked forward to a successful EMU which contributes to the health of the world economy. It identified good global prospects and went on to address the financial crisis in Asia where it expressed support for the reforms under way, stressed the importance of sound economic policy, transparency and good governance, welcomed the support by various multilateral and bilateral donors, and expressed concern about the possible emergence of protectionist trends.
In relation to the World Trade Organisation, the communique expressed support for continued trade and investment liberalisation, resistance to protectionism, widening of the WTO's membership, full participation of emerging and developing economies in the multilateral trade system, assistance for the least developed countries in trade access and investment prospects, and commitment to partnership with the poorer developing countries in support of their efforts to reform and develop, including in the areas of democracy and good governance, development assistance, debt relief, co-operation in fighting disease, and conflict prevention and peacekeeping in Africa.
The communique also expressed the intention of continuing co-operation on energy matters in the G8 with a view to ensuring reliable, economic, safe and environmentally-sound energy supplies. The communique also expressed determination to address the problem of climate change.
Under the chapter on growth, employment and inclusion, the communique stressed measures to help young long-term unemployed people and other groups, encouragement for entrepreneurs, structural reforms, lifelong learning, active ageing, and progress towards the implementation of internationally recognised core labour standards.
Under the chapter on combating drugs and international crime, the communique expressed support for international co-operation and singles out a number of areas, such as transnational organised crime, high-tech crime, money-laundering, trafficking of human beings, official corruption, joint law enforcement actions, environmental crime and drugs.
Under the chapter on non-proliferation and export controls, the communique reaffirmed the commitment of the G8 to ensure the effective implementation of controls.
Finally, the communique announced agreement to take further urgent action on the year 2000 computer bug.
The Heads of Government at the G8 summit also agreed statements on political and security issues. These were on Indonesia, Kosovo, Bosnia, the Middle East peace process, and Indian nuclear tests.
While Ireland is not, of course, a member of the G8, the views expressed in Birmingham coincide largely with Irish and EU views on these issues and Ireland is contributing to international efforts in these areas.