Menu
08/10/2004
World's focus must be to support Africa, says Blair
During his visit to the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa, Prime Minister Tony Blair has told the international community it must turn its attention towards Africa as the time for excuses is over.
Mr Blair was speaking ahead of chairing the second session of his Commission for Africa.
He told an audience: "Armed with the evidence from the Commission for Africa about what Africa needs and what has held back progress in the past, I want to turn international attention on Africa into international action to support Africa."
Mr Blair has ordered the commission to report by next spring on how to help Africa. The report is to coincide with the UK presidency of the G8 Group of leading industrialised democracies.
"With that report, the time for excuses will be over," the Prime Minister said. "The world, inside Africa and outside Africa, will know not just what the problems are but also the solutions.
"So next year is the year of decision for Africa and for us - to have the political will to confront the challenge of Africa and overcome it together.''
(gmcg/mb)
Mr Blair was speaking ahead of chairing the second session of his Commission for Africa.
He told an audience: "Armed with the evidence from the Commission for Africa about what Africa needs and what has held back progress in the past, I want to turn international attention on Africa into international action to support Africa."
Mr Blair has ordered the commission to report by next spring on how to help Africa. The report is to coincide with the UK presidency of the G8 Group of leading industrialised democracies.
"With that report, the time for excuses will be over," the Prime Minister said. "The world, inside Africa and outside Africa, will know not just what the problems are but also the solutions.
"So next year is the year of decision for Africa and for us - to have the political will to confront the challenge of Africa and overcome it together.''
(gmcg/mb)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
27 February 2004
New commission to focus on international policy over Africa
Prime Minister Tony Blair announced yesterday that an international commission is set to examine policy relating to Africa. The Commission aims to generate increased support for the G8 Africa Action Plan and the New Partnership for African Development, said Mr Blair at his monthly press conference for journalists yesterday.
New commission to focus on international policy over Africa
Prime Minister Tony Blair announced yesterday that an international commission is set to examine policy relating to Africa. The Commission aims to generate increased support for the G8 Africa Action Plan and the New Partnership for African Development, said Mr Blair at his monthly press conference for journalists yesterday.
01 December 2004
Britain will lead G8 campaign against Aids
The Prime Minister has pledged that Africa and Aids will be a top priority for world economies under Britain's presidency of G8. Speaking today to BBC Radio Five Live in an interview to mark world Aids Day, Tony Blair said that Britain was morally bound to tackle the situation in Africa.
Britain will lead G8 campaign against Aids
The Prime Minister has pledged that Africa and Aids will be a top priority for world economies under Britain's presidency of G8. Speaking today to BBC Radio Five Live in an interview to mark world Aids Day, Tony Blair said that Britain was morally bound to tackle the situation in Africa.
23 February 2012
Cherie Blair Latest To Sue News International
Cherie Blair, the former Labour leaders wife, has become the latest person to begin legal proceedings against News of the World owners, News International.
Cherie Blair Latest To Sue News International
Cherie Blair, the former Labour leaders wife, has become the latest person to begin legal proceedings against News of the World owners, News International.
08 June 2005
Blair faces criticism from aid agencies
Prime Minister Tony Blair has faced criticism from aid agencies, who say that the pledging of $674 million for famine relief in Africa by the US is not enough.
Blair faces criticism from aid agencies
Prime Minister Tony Blair has faced criticism from aid agencies, who say that the pledging of $674 million for famine relief in Africa by the US is not enough.
30 September 2004
U2's Bono urges Blair to focus G8 on plight of Africa
The U2 singer Bono has made an impassioned plea to the Labour Party conference in Brighton and urged Tony Blair to seize the opportunity of Britain's presidency of the G8 and EU to come to the aid of Africa – a "continent bursting into flames".
U2's Bono urges Blair to focus G8 on plight of Africa
The U2 singer Bono has made an impassioned plea to the Labour Party conference in Brighton and urged Tony Blair to seize the opportunity of Britain's presidency of the G8 and EU to come to the aid of Africa – a "continent bursting into flames".
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
