(September 24, 2003) A Spanish language version of Patricia Adams’ article on odious debt, first published by the National Post newspaper in Canada. Translated and reproduced on the El Cato Institute Web site.
Administration’s $87 billion Iraq plan hits more turbulence in Congress
(September 24, 2003) Rep. Dana Rohrabacher, R-Calif., said the result of the administration’s proposal would be for U.S. taxpayers to help repay debt that Saddam Hussein owed to European nations before his government was toppled.
Toppling of Saddam leaves debt questions to be solved
(September 24, 2003) Policymakers and debt watchers are considering a scheme that two economists have drawn up to eliminate lending to odious regimes, such as Saddam Hussein’s Iraq.
Global economic recovery underway: G-7
(September 24, 2003) Finance ministers and central bank chiefs from the Group of Seven creditor nations ended their one-day meeting in Dubai, urging all bilateral creditors to join them in canceling "100 percent of their eligible claims."
Senator Biden calls for Iraqi debt cancelation
(September 22, 2003) All the countries, all the countries, are going to have to engage in debt forgiveness for . . . this new country to have any possibility of getting off the ground.
Iraqi debt forgiveness urged
(September 22, 2003) "About 90 percent of Iraq’s potential, virtual debt is war-related . . . I cannot see how a country like Iraq can bear this burden," said Marek Belka, head of the Coalition Provisional Authority body raising money for Iraq’s reconstruction. "A serious, serious write off [is needed]," he added.
Russia wants $2B from Kabul
(September 22, 2003) A U.S. official said Saturday that Russian Finance Minister Alexei Kudrin told U.S. Treasury Secretary John Snow that Russia would contribute aid to Afghanistan once the issue of Afghan debts owed to Russia was settled.
Fortis steps into spotlight
(September 22, 2003) Operating primarily in the low-key electricity sector has kept Fortis Inc. a relative unknown – until last Monday, when it announced a leap forward with the biggest acquisition in its 16-year history.
G7 leaders pledge to get solution for Iraqi debt by end of 2004
(September 21, 2003) U.S. Treasury Secretary John Snow welcomed the pledge, saying a solution was necessary "to help provide a sound footing for the future" of postwar Iraq.
G7 meeting endorses reform process of PNA
(September 21, 2003) Finance ministers of the world’s richest nations yesterday gave their endorsement to reform efforts by the Palestinian National Authority.
G7 seeks Iraq debt restructuring by end ’04
(September 20, 2003) Germany’s deputy finance minister Caio Koch-Weser said the Group of Seven wealthy nations wanted to reach a deal by the end of next year on restructuring Iraq’s massive debts.
The economics of corruption
(September 19, 2003) Corruption is not new in India. It was, in fact, a part of the wages of the agents of the state in Mughal times (and before as well). It used to be called mamool or customary payment. It was not, as it has become now, speed money.
Shape of Iraq’s economic landscape watched closely
(September 19, 2003) The direction of Iraq’s economic future will be closely watched during the upcoming meetings of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), where discussions about the country’s development landscape are expected.
The taint of the greased palm
(September 19, 2003) Presidents who come to office promising to fight graft almost always fail ?occasionally leaving office several million dollars richer themselves. Arrests are made but often only of political rivals. Anticorruption campaigns come and go and still it requires a 30 percent payoff to build a highway, buildings fall down because inspectors are bribed and drivers prepare for an assault on their wallets when they see a cop.
Corruption bill ready next sitting
(September 18, 2003) Attorney General Peter Fachi Thursday said that a bill to amend the Corrupt Practices Act would be tabled during the next sitting of Parliament, but pointed out not all the recommendations will be taken on board.
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