(July 15, 2003) This month Thailand is expected to sign a multi-billion-dollar deal to buy power from the decade-old Nam Theun 2 hydro project in central Laos. But the dam’s fate will ultimately be decided in Washington, D.C., not Bangkok.
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UN envoy meets with new Iraqi Governing Council, visits Syria and Iran
(July 15, 2003) Visiting more of Iraq’s neighbours in his efforts to help create a stable, democratic and sovereign country, top United Nations envoy Sergio Vieira de Mello arrived in Damascus today for talks with Syrian President Bashir al Assad. Following the talks, scheduled for tomorrow, Mr. Vieira de Mello, Secretary-General Kofi Annan’s Special Representative, will then leave for Tehran to meet with Iranian President Mohamed Khatami before returning to Baghdad on Thursday.
Outrage at US plan to mortgage Iraqi oil
(July 13, 2003) American plans to mortgage Iraq’s future oil supplies to pay for expensive postwar reconstruction work risk a repeat of mistakes made with Germany after the First World War, debt relief campaigners said this weekend.
U.S. firms seek future oil revenues for reconstruction
(July 12, 2003) The Bush Administration is considering a provocative proposal to pledge a portion of Iraq’s future oil and gas revenue to secure reconstruction loans before a new Iraqi government is in place to approve the idea.
Iraqi debts should be rescheduled – deputy Central Bank chief
(July 12, 2003) Deputy Chairman of the Central Bank of Russia, Oleg Viyugin, said that the decision of the Paris Club to fix a concrete sum of Iraqi debts and the readiness of this organization to initiate the debt rescheduling is a positive factor.
Bush in Africa: By doing less he can achieve more
(July 11, 2003) The United States should express its support for the concept of "odious debt." "Cancellation of debt acquired by corrupt dictatorships will both decrease the overall level of African debt and rationalize future lending," says Marian L. Tupy.
Conference seeks balance in the use of common resources
(July 11, 2003) An international conference at Chiang Mai University on community land and water management, is challenging conventional ideas about the use of common resources.
Iraqi debt to Paris Club nations set at $21bn – plus interest
(July 11, 2003) Iraq is likely to be forgiven two-thirds of its Paris Club debts but for talks to start, Iraq will have to acknowledge the numbers, says the director of Exotix, a brokerage specialising in illiquid emerging market debt.
Iraq owes Paris Club $21bn in pre-1991 debt
(July 11, 2003) "[Iraq’s debt] burden, most [Paris Club] members agree, would be unfair to a people ruled for so long by Saddam Hussein’s oppressive regime and who often saw none of the money earned from the country’s assets," writes Tom Davis.
Reason to rethink Belize hydro dam
(December 10, 2003) There’s time yet for Britain’s Privy Council to grant a Christmas wish
to an indefatigable group of ecologists.
Millenium Development Goals can be achieved
(July 10, 2003) Mark Malloch Brown, Administrator of the UNDP, noted that the United States could not complain if the South Africans reneged on apartheid debt – for the US itself has recently called for the 100 per cent cancellation of all Iraqi debt.
Iraq’s situation towards Paris Club creditors
(July 10, 2003) The total public debt of Iraq vis-a-vis Paris Club creditors amounts to US$21,018 billion. "According to Paris Club standard methodology, these various data will have to be reconciled with Iraqi authorities prior to any negotiation."
Press briefing: Australian agriculture officials discuss rebuilding efforts in Iraq
(July 10, 2003) A team led by Treasury is examining the Iraqi debt situation and evaluating how best to handle it. It’s going to involve the Paris Club, the London Club and debt restructurings, says J.B. Penn.
Southern Africa: Civil society pushes for greater say in AU
(July 9, 2003) "In the past it was the creditors who determined the processes. It must be remembered that there is illegitimate debt. It is not a way of exempting African governments from blame. However, there is debt caused not only be mismanagement by the government concerned, but also by poor lending practices." ?Charles Mutasa, a representative of the African Forum and Network on Debt and Development (AfroDAD), addressing the second African Union (AU) summit of African Governments and Heads of States in Mozambique.
Se San compensation: World Bank
(July 9, 2003) The World Bank claims social responsibility is, and will remain, of vital concern.
Patricia Adams
Dai Qing
Fan Xiao
Lawrence Solomon
Mu Lan
Probe International
Lisa Peryman
Probe Media
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Probe International 