Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

EUROPE

BRITAIN: "Useful Weekend For The G-8"

The independent Financial Times editorialized (6/21): "Recovery in the international economy and an agreement on Russian involvement in Kosovo peacekeeping meant that the summit in Cologne this weekend was not as frosty as it might have been. The thawing of top-level relations with Russia is clearly a gain for international stability. Economic improvement stems in large part from the preservation of the open international trading system.... This is why the summit's endorsement of a new world trade round is welcome. Passing references to labor and environmental standards in the communique are harmless as they stand. But leaders should be careful not to allow domestic political considerations to shape the trade agenda. Instead they should focus on what the trading system needs: a new head for the WTO. The agreement on debt relief for highly indebted poor countries should help relieve the plight of millions of people too poor to have been affected by financial crises. Only two countries have so far received debt relief under the Highly Indebted Poor Country initiative, launched in 1996 amid similarly optimistic statements from the G-7. The Cologne initiative should represent a great improvement in relieving poor-country debt. But this is not guaranteed. Rich countries will have to finance most of the cost. To be worthy of the rhetoric, this must come from additional funds. Reallocating existing aid budgets would amount to punishing poor countries that have paid their debts."

"Settling With The Serbs; There Can Be No Repair Without Repentance"

The conservative Times opined (6/21): "The G-8 became not only the deadline that persuaded Moscow to curb its nationalist posturing and agree to an integrated role in the peacemaking; it was also the occasion to shape the future of Kosovo and the wider region. Most importantly, it underlined the moral responsibilities of Serbia's leaders. The message to Belgrade was stark: Until the Serbs renounce their war crimes and remove the perpetrators from office, they will remain outcasts. NATO and Japan will have to find huge sums for reconstruction in Kosovo. Their more ambitious plan for a stability pact for the Balkans, rewarding the frontline states for their steadfastness, will demand years of investment. Eventually Serbia, too, must be integrated into this new democratic order: To leave a ruined country nursing its grievances is to jeopardize the long-term stability that the pact is intended to underpin.... The G-8 meeting was a watershed for Russia. Mr. Yeltsin sets great store by his inclusion as a political equal, however ill qualified his country is for economic membership. It was the prospect that continued wrangling over Russia's demand for its own sector and separate command in Kosovo would isolate it that persuaded the Kremlin, on the eve of the summit, to sign the deal in Helsinki. And since then, the Russians have been telling everyone that they want to put the quarrels over Kosovo behind them."

"No Aid For Serbia Until Milosevic Regime Goes"

The centrist Independent analyzed (6/21): "After strenuous Russian efforts, the communique issued at the end of the G-8 summit betrayed no hint of Serbia's pariah status. But Western leaders left no doubt that very little of the funds made available by a Balkan 'stability pact' would be flowing to Belgrade in the near future. Certainly not while President Milosevic is in power. But...humanitarian help will soon be underway.... That leaves the West with a terrible dilemma. On this issue, the differences will linger among Western donors. As even the United States acknowledged, there is a very fine line between urgent aid and a post-war reconstruction project. 'And where that line is, is not self-evident,' said Sandy Berger, President Bill Clinton's national security adviser. 'Is getting electric lights back on for the winter humanitarian, or is it reconstruction?'"

"Relief, But Not Enough. Only A Modest Dent In Debt Burden"

The left-of-center Guardian judged (6/18): "The Jubilee 2000 coalition's success in mobilizing a global campaign...deserves much credit for getting debt relief on to the agenda in Cologne, and for keeping it there despite Kosovo.... When the debt relief package is announced [this weekend], world leaders will see it as an historic breakthrough which will solve the problem.... It won't. Firstly because, however good the debt package is, it will be a tiny dent in the huge indebtedness of the poorest countries. Most will continue to pay more than 20 percent of government revenue on servicing their debts, directly cutting into spending on essential social services like health and education. Secondly, this weekend's announcement is only the outline.... Key issues such as how debt relief is structured to give top priority to poverty reduction will be hammered out by officials over the summer and finalized in the autumn meetings of the World Bank and IMF. It is vitally important that public pressure is maintained on these multilateral organizations if they are to match their rhetoric with action, which on numerous past occasions, they have failed to do. Thirdly, Cologne was always the best chance for the best deal with public pressure at its peak, which is why campaigners are bitterly disappointed about the expected outcome. Jubilee 2000 shifted the development agenda from aid to debt, from charity to justice. But now there is a real danger that poor countries will end up with neither. What makes the stakes so high is that nothing stands still--Africa's poverty is getting worse and its chances of catching up, smaller."

FRANCE: "Yeltsin Has Pull"

Pascal Aubert observed in centrist La Tribune (6/21): "The G-7 is dead. Long live the G-8. This was the message hammered down by its members, a message that was meant to flatter Russian sensitivity.... Bill Clinton did his best and more to accelerate the healing process of Russia's hurt pride after the affront of the past few weeks.... He described Yeltsin as a 'clear concise and strong interlocutor' when everyone knows that he is obscure, confused, absent and weakened. And a member of the G-8. What a joke! Why is so much done to flatter Russia if not to help a floundering regime fight against the perils of anarchy and uncertainty that can affect the entire planet. Otherwise the acceptance of Russia, which is bankrupt and full of debts, into the club of the world's richest nations might lead even the most indulgent to smile."

"Russia And The West"

Paula Boyer wrote in Catholic La Croix (6/21): "The most severe confrontation between Russia and the West since the end of the Cold War has been avoided.... The West was aware that a solution for Kosovo without Russia would be practically impossible. It was also conscious of the fact that Russia needed to be anchored to Western democracies in order to guarantee world stability. Something everyone agreed on.... For the West, the point was to prove to the Russian people that Yeltsin's choice for democracy and the West carries good returns for the nation.... But more than that, the West still needs Russia to settle the problem of the Balkans in general.... In Cologne, the goal was clearly to give support to Yeltsin and to guarantee his cooperation for the future stability of the Balkans."

"The G-8's Helping Hand"

Pierre Haski maintained in left-of-center Liberation (6/21): "The euphoria of the G-8 appears somewhat theatrical. The seven Western leaders were sitting in front of a Russian president who is but the shadow of himself.... But Russia helped to reach the outcome of the crisis in Kosovo...and that deserves the slightly forced smiles made to the waning leader of a nation full of uncertainties."

GERMANY: "The Cologne Summit"

Werner Adam front-paged this commentary in right-of-center Frankfurter Allgemeine (6/21) "From a political point of view, it may be understandable; from a military point of view, it may even be considered appropriate; but from an economic point of view, it is absurd to accept Russia--which is desperately searching for loans, debts restructuring schemes and a waiving of debts--as a 'full member' in the G-7. However, in the course of time, the G-7 states had disassociated themselves from their original agenda and the term 'global economic summit' is only to a limited degree correct as a description for the summit.... The Western efforts to get Russia on board, something which was characteristic for the Cologne summit, made it much easier for Moscow to accept the NATO military action in Yugoslavia and to approve a Russian participation in the KFOR mission in Kosovo."

"Cologne Was A Success"

Left-of-center Berliner Zeitung held (6/21): "It is true that, as far as its military role is concerned, Moscow's role is not very important, but as far as politics is concerned, Moscow cannot be excluded from Europe. Indeed, the real distribution of power determines events: Russia continues to be dependent on Western financial assistance and debt restructuring schemes to survive. The West knows this, and this is why the West again backed Yeltsin with money and allowed him to improve his political profile. This is called realpolitik, and this is why we must back the view that the meeting in Cologne was a success."

"We Owe Thanks To Yeltsin"

Business newspaper Handelsblatt of Duesseldorf surmised (6/21): "For (Western) relations with Russia, which are difficult anyway, the humiliations were dangerous: the way with which the United States made it clear how superior NATO is, how isolated Russia is in Central Europe, and how little was left of Russia's former superpower status. The costs of this arrogance are high: Russia's domestic situation became even more precarious. Yeltsin turned into a buffer between patriots at home...and the West. We must really think highly of Boris Yeltsin for turning against confrontation and backing NATO's position. In the midst of all anti-Western tirades, Yeltsin realized that Moscow cannot afford a position of blockade. As so often before in a crisis, Yeltsin took control of events and implemented his basically pro-Western policy against resistance from hardliners at home."

"A Gesture To The Poorest"

P. Pastorius commented on regional radio station Hessischer Rundfunk of Frankfurt (6/20): "The world leaders agreed on fundamental aspects, provided suggestions, and gave instructions to the IMF and the World Bank. They must now provide the money that is necessary to pay for the remission of debts of the least developed countries.... It was high time for the Cologne gesture towards the poorest of the poor."

"Generous Action Demonstrates Realism"

Peter Ziller penned this editorial on the debt remission decision in left-of-center Frankfurter Rundschau (6/21): "What seems to be a generous action is only a synonym for growing realism. Chancellor Schroeder openly and honestly admitted it that the creditors would never get a cent back from the money they loaned."

"Debt Cancellation Is Self-Protection"

Centrist Mannheimer Morgen noted (6/21): "The summiteers in Cologne looked beyond their own problems and backed a globalization with a human face.

"The twin brother of nationalism, however, is poverty. The unequal distribution of wealth is a danger for stability in many crises regions of the world. It is threatening free trade and thus us, too. Against this background, the Cologne cancellation of debts is not only a humanitarian gesture but also a bit of self-protection."

ITALY: "America-Russia Break Overcome"

Ennio Caretto observed from Cologne in centrist, top-circulation Corriere della Sera (6/21): "The Cologne summit has achieved what it was expected to achieve: the rescue of the Kremlin on the part of the Americans and the Europeans, and the revival of the Czar with his umpteenth resurrection."

"Yeltsin, The Triumph Of A Sick Leader"

Vittorio Zucconi's commentary in left-leaning, influential La Repubblica held (6/21): "Boris Yeltsin arrives, staggers along and leaves in triumph, sustaining himself on the arm of a West which, in turn, has to cling to Yeltsin's arm.... Yeltsin was the protagonist of this otherwise forgettable G-8 summit which only on its last day, during the one-hour meeting between Clinton and Yeltsin, found its drama and its truth. The drama and the truth of a Europe and an America that have no other Ostpolitik than to hope that Yeltsin may live forever and that, in the meantime, Russia may yet become the prosperous democracy that, as of now, it is not."

"A Concession To Russia"

Alberto Pasolini Zanelli opined from Cologne in leading, rightist opposition Il Giornale (6/21): "The tete-a-tete meeting between Clinton and Yeltsin enabled the latter to obtain concessions that certainly go above his objective strength.... Among other things, the final communique does not make any specific reference to the fact that Serbia will be excluded from reconstruction aid until Milosevic is out of power."

"The Compromise With Russia"

In his analysis in centrist, influential La Stampa (6/21), Aldo Rizzo argued: "We should not be impatient after the victory. The compromise reached yesterday at the G-8 summit by Western nations and Russia seems to be in line with this kind of pragmatic approach: Help for reconstruction should depend on 'democratic reforms.' That is, we should not make an obsession of Milosevic...but we must be aware of the fact that only after [his] fall can the future of the Balkans...really begin."

"Russia And The G-8"

Provocative, classical liberal Il Foglio ran this editorial (6/18): "It is not in the interest of the West to humiliate Moscow, especially President Yeltsin, who, albeit sick and tired, represents a barrier against the emergence of waves of revanchist nationalism mixed with a revival of Communist theories on controlled economy."

RUSSIA: "What Did Stepashin Accomplish?"

Aleksandr Mikhailov in Berlin and Andrei Smirnov reported on page one of reformist Segodnya (6/21): "While it is clear that (Russia's) military and diplomats have done well (3,600 Russian troops are to be deployed in four out of NATO's five sectors in Kosovo), it is hard to tell what the premier has accomplished outside the formally polite recognition of Russia not as a poor cousin but a full G-8 member."

"Truce"

Tatyana Malkina front-paged this comment from Cologne for reformist Vremya-MN (6/21): "Contrary to forecasts, Boris Yeltsin not only went to Cologne for a G-8 summit but he even came back with trophies. A truce with the United States graces the list of his victories.... Mrs. Albright looked depressed--instead of teaching the Russians a lesson, she, unexpectedly, found herself faced with the dull prospect of having to discuss START III with them. That Yeltsin can still fly, walk, talk, crack jokes and make threats is a valuable addition to Russia's gains in Cologne. It became clear in Cologne that as long as Russia is in the Select Club from necessity, not for the love of it, the two are bound to stay together for a while. While Russia does not have much to offer the world economically, it has a lot to share in terms of global geopolitical ideas."

AUSTRIA: "Just Friendly Words"

In prestigious, conservative Die Presse (6/21), Martin Fritzl called the results of the G-8 meeting in Cologne "nothing but friendly words. President Clinton promised Yeltsin to talk with other creditors, without giving the Russian president a lot of hope. The result was a declaration of intent to help the country with the conversion of its debts.... Thus, the Russian strategy of using its status as a superpower to gain an economic advantage, has failed.... The major industrial countries showed more understanding about the wishes of the developing countries.... Whether the discharge of debts will actually lead to an economic upswing in these countries, will depend on whether the industrial nations succeed in consistently enforcing their conditions for financial support."

BELGIUM: "An Open-Armed Welcome"

Pol Mathil commented in independent Le Soir (6/21): "[Yeltsin] knew that the heads of the seven most powerful countries were going to welcome him with open arms. To offer himself this pleasure, Boris Yeltsin had to pay a heavy price. The Russian-American deal brokered Friday in Helsinki amounts to a Russian capitulation, Moscow giving up its most fundamental demands, which until then, Boris Yeltsin himself presented as a precondition to any Russian participation in the Kosovo's pacification.... The question is why Yeltsin so much wanted to reach this agreement. On the one hand, its eighth place at the G-7 constitutes the only expression of Russia' stature on the international scene, and, hence, the only expression of its president's prestige. Besides, Boris Yeltsin knows very well that his good relations with the West--and its financiers--are more important for Russia than Milosevic's and Kosovo's fate. But above all, Yeltsin will soon have to lead the perhaps decisive fight with the Duma, and he cannot fight on two fronts."

DENMARK: "Cologne Marks Turning Point For Kosovo"

Center-right Berlingske Tidende opined (6/20): "The summit in Cologne represented a turning point in the Kosovo crisis. The agreement between Russia and NATO regarding peacekeeping bodes well for the future.... Emergency aid for the region was also discussed in Cologne. Gerhradt Schroeder suggested that a 'stability pact' for the region should be approved by the EU. This would create the necessary framework for the long-term solution for the region's many and complex problems."

POLAND: "More Words Than Actions"

Slawomir Popowski wrote in centrist Rzeczpospolita (6/21): If Russian politicians are to be believed...Russia has achieved what it has striven for so much for the sake of prestige: It became a full-fledged member of the group of the most-affluent countries and, as Prime Minister Sergei Stepashin claims, it can address all issues, including economic and financial.

"This change, however, is of more political than practical importance. To speak about Russia, indebted and threatened with bankruptcy, as one of the wealthiest nations in the world would be a big exaggeration. With similar distance should we treat all other statements of Russian politicians who conclude that no problem--not only of European but also of global scope--can be now resolved without Russia."

SPAIN: "Russia's Back"

Liberal El Pais opined (6/21): "The G-7 leaders plus Russia have clearly set forth the conditions countries need to meet in order to benefit from the Balkans stability plan: democratization and respect for human rights.... Russia's acquiescence to these conditions, however reluctant, demonstrates that its relations with Western countries are returning to normal after the crisis over Kosovo.... And Clinton's agreement with Yeltsin to renew arms reduction talks augurs well for global stability and security."

"Nobody Trusts Boris"

Conservative ABC remarked (6/21): "Yeltsin showed up in Cologne yesterday to make amends. After two months of confrontation with the G-7's foreign policy line, the Russian president had little choice but to return to the language of reconciliation. The problem, however, is that nobody trusts his constantly changing moods. Clinton was quite clear about what Russia has to do if it wants to renegotiate its foreign debt...and, in exchange for Western help, Yeltsin agreed to a new START round and to review the ABM Treaty. It was probably the most that could be expected after what has happened over the past few months."

SWEDEN: "Moscow's Priorities Are At Home, Not In Serbia"

Conservative morning Svenska Dagbladet opined (6/21): "The result of the G-8 summit in Cologne was a compromise.... With regard to the Balkans, the Russians had to give up their demands that Serbia should get a part of the foreign assistance for the rebuilding of the region, even if Slobodan Milosevic remains in power. Consequently it is more important for Russia to get assistance in solving her own economic problems than maintaining cultural ties with...'a Slavic sister nation.'"

TURKEY: "The Cyprus Issue In Cologne"

Yasemin Congar wrote in mass-appeal Milliyet (6/21): "The G-8 declaration on Cyprus was influenced by Moscow's initiative and diplomacy by London, which recently hosted Greek and Greek Cypriot foreign ministers. Despite Turkey's opposition, the Clinton administration supported the G-8 initiative with the thought that there should be movement on the Cyprus question.... Washington does not want the confederation formula to be a prerequisite. The Clinton administration regards both [Turkish Cypriot Leader] Rauf Denktas and Ankara as 'hawks' on the Cyprus issue."

EAST ASIA AND PACIFIC

JAPAN: "Russia Plays Leading Role In Cologne Summit"

Liberal Asahi had this editorial (6/21): "Although Russian President Yeltsin attended only the final day of the meeting, Russia played the leading part in the summit. But for Russia's mediation, there would never been the withdrawal of Serb troops from Kosovo.... While the Yeltsin government scored diplomatic points abroad, voices of criticism or discontent are rising at home over what is called Russia's being a lackey to the U.S. and other NATO allies..... Having been unable to pay back its debts to IMF and other financial organizations, the economically-weakened Russian mindset appears to be distorted.

"The international community cannot drive Russia into a corner. 'Support President Yeltsin' became a password at the Cologne summit."

"Tasks Facing G-8 Nations After Cologne Summit"

An editorial in top-circulation, moderate Yomiuri observed (6/21): "Although the Kosovo issue dominated the political debate, the communique also referred to the leaders' deep concern about North Korea's suspected attempts to test-fire and export missiles. If new, alarming developments concerning North Korea's suspected weapons program emerge, the G-8 nations will consider taking individual or joint action against Pyongyang. The missile issue poses a serious threat to peace and stability in Northeast Asia, along with the North's suspected nuclear program."

CHINA: "Many Topics, Few Results"

Li Changfang and Fang Xiangsheng said in intellectually-oriented Guangming Daily (Guangming Ribao, 6/21): "The reduction of $70 billion in Third World debt, a result of the just-concluded G-8 economic summit, is considered a philanthropic act, but still far from adequate.... There are calls on the developed countries to make greater efforts to reduce the debt of the developing countries."

"How To Understand G-7 Decision To Reduce Third World Debt"

Yang Huasheng said in official Beijing Daily (Beijing Ribao, 6/21): "The G-7 summit sent a positive signal to the world by reaching a consensus to reduce third world debt. However, it should be pointed out that such an act is not a kind of alms to the developing nations since the debts are results of irrational and unfair international economic orders. It is most noteworthy that the debt reduction is conditional, as Western countries link the debt reduction with 'human rights status' and 'democratic situation.'"

INDONESIA: "Cologne G-8 Summit Focused On Russia And Kosovo"

Leading independent Kompas said (6/21): "The summit has little relevance for Asia, but remains an interesting international relations lesson about how Western countries handle difficult issues with Russia. The summit produced a hard Western stance toward regimes perceived to violate, as Milosevic has, humanitarian principles. Relations with Russia are an important aspect of international relations. Russia's unpleasant economic situation does not alter its position as a major nuclear power. Ignoring its wish to remain an international player could prompt it to feel trapped, and carry more serious consequences for the world."

PHILIPPINES: "Making A Virtue Out Of Necessity"

The editorial in independent Malaya said (6/21): "The Group of 7...has decided to cancel $70 billion in loans to the world's 36 poorest countries.... Jubilee 2000 campaigners were disappointed that 11 more countries they targeted for debt forgiveness were not included. Those 11 included the Philippines, where the campaign was led by the Catholic Church.... But the campaign passed with scarce notice. Which is actually good for the Philippines. Who wants to be listed among the world's deadbeats? All the countries benefitting from the Group of 7 decision are in no position to pay their loans. The lenders are making a virtue out of necessity. The Philippines is certainly not a Rwanda. It is religiously paying its loans.... The country was doing well until the Asian regional crisis struck mid-1997.... Crucial to the country's recovery is an increase in capital flows."

MIDDLE EAST

SAUDI ARABIA: "After The Crisis"

London-based, pan-Arab Al-Sharq Al-Awsat ran this editorial (6/21): "The G-8 summit ended without many positive results, but at least it ended the crisis between NATO and Russia over Kosovo.... It is logical that the superpowers, headed by the United States, would be able to give enough support to Russia's leaders (to enable them) to lift the Russian economy out of its current crisis. The Western countries and Japan are not sure, however, that Russian leaders will remain in power after next year's elections, so their aid is only enough to link Russia to the West, but too little to move the Russian economy forward.... Even the summit's decision to abolish the debts of the world's poorest countries is only to satisfy the African regimes to some extent, but not enough to refresh their economies.... The Cologne summit is another new style of world policy--taking enough steps to lessen the affects of conflicts but not enough to end future conflicts."

"A Solution Within One Year"

London-based, pan-Arab Al-Hayat ran this editorial (6/21): "It is no doubt satisfying that the G-8 summit leaders called on both sides--the Israelis and the Palestinians--to adopt measures based on respect for the rights of all people in the region and to aim at allowing the Palestinians to live freely on their land. . . . But it is worrying that the (G-8) leaders insisted that the final status negotiations should be completed within one year, in spite of the fact that the Palestinians have many complicated issues to solve in this short period--Jerusalem, refugees, the borders, settlements, and the water issue."

SYRIA: "Real Peace And Required Action"

Government-owned Al-Bath said (6/21): "The G-8 summit called for an immediate resumption of peace talks and reiterated the importance of commitment to the peace process principles. James Baker said in Beirut that he sees good prospects for progress on the Syrian and Lebanese tracks.... The superpowers are called upon to take serious actions to resume the peace talks and force Israel to abide by the Madrid formula. We need actions more than statements and words."

SOUTH ASIA

INDIA: "Indian Stand Vindicated"

The centrist Hindustan Times said (6/21): "The G-8 statement issued from Cologne on Sunday has unambiguously reiterated the Indian position on the current military operations in kargil. It also provides valuable global empathy to re-open the politico-diplomatic track.... While the nature of this statement is indeed a diplomatic victory for India, it should not be interpreted in a binary manner and lead to a misleading black and white conclusion that the global community, led by the G-8, are now batting for India--and hence ranged against Pakistan. Islamabad's abiding strategic relevance for Washington and Beijing cannot be ignored."

"Kargil Puts Kashmir On The World Map"

The centrist Asian Age said (6/19): "Unfortunately this reliance on the international community is misplaced. For it will not be without returns. A G-8 endorsement of the Indian position can only be looked upon as temporary relief, as any statement from this group will eventually move towards direct interference in what till yesterday all governments in india had claimed to be internal or bilateral issues.... The Kargil infiltration has placed India in a major quandary and the U.S. is now drawing full mileage from the fact."

PAKISTAN: "Debt Relief For The Poorest"

An editorial in the centrist News said (6/21): "The G-7 decision to alleviate the debt burden from poor countries will still leave the poorest nations having to devote a fairly large part of their incomes to repaying the rest of their external liabilities.... In the meantime, the emerging economies will obviously have to learn that they cannot go on living on borrowed money."

WESTERN HEMISPHERE

CANADA: "IMF And World Bank Are Not Solution To Debt Crisis"

The English-language Gazette of Quebec observed (6/18): "When the G-8 leaders...meet tomorrow in Cologne for their annual summit, they should take a long, critical look at the IMF and its sister organization, the World Bank. Close inspection may prove that they are the problem, not the solution to the debt crisis in the world's poorest countries.... Rooting out corruption and bringing Western notions of property rights and civil justice to many of these countries would do far more than another ill-considered round of IMF and World Bank lending."

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6/21/99

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