Gist of G-8 communique issued after Okinawa summit

NAGO, Japan, July 23 Kyodo - The following is the gist of the communique issued by Group of Eight (G-8) leaders Sunday after their three-day summit in Nago, Okinawa Prefecture.

(Partnership with non-G-8 countries)

The G-8 countries must engage in a new partnership with non-G-8 countries, particularly developing countries.

(World Economy)

There is no time for complacency as globalization intensifies and the rapid diffusion of IT brings about fundamental structural changes to the G-8 economies.

(Information Technology)

The G-8 will maximize the benefits of IT and ensure that they are spread to those at present with limited access.

(Development)

Poverty can best be overcome in resilient, peaceful and democratic societies with freedom and opportunity for all.

(ODA)

ODA is essential in the fight against poverty. The G-8 countries commit themselves to strengthening the effectiveness of their ODA in support of countries' own efforts to tackle poverty, including through national strategies for poverty reduction.

(Health)

The G-8 countries will convene a conference on infectious diseases in the autumn this year in Japan to deliver agreement on a new strategy.

(WTO)

The G-8 countries agree to intensify their close and fruitful cooperation in order to try together with other WTO members to launch a new round during the course of this year.

(Crime)

The G-8 countries must take a concerted approach to high-tech crime, such as cyber-crime, which could seriously threaten security and confidence in the global information society.

(Food Safety)

The G-8 countries are committed to continued efforts to make systems responsive to the growing public awareness of food safety issues, the potential risks associated with food, the accelerating pace of developments in biotechnology, and the increasing cross-border movement of food and agricultural products.

(Environment)

The G-8 countries are determined to achieve a successful outcome at the Sixth Conference of the Parties to the Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP6), in order to achieve the goals of the Kyoto Protocol through undertaking strong domestic actions and supplemental flexibility mechanisms.

(Conflict Prevention)

All members of the international community should seek to promote the settlement of disputes by peaceful means in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations.

(Nonproliferation)

We remain committed to promoting universal adherence to and compliance with the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.

(2001 Summit)

The next G-8 summit will be held in Genoa, Italy.
==Kyodo

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