(October 15, 2004) By all means, pay Saddam’s victims – but surely that means Iraqis, not rich corporations, says Naomi Klein.
Debt deal controversy: Iraq
(October 15, 2004) High-profile author-activist Naomi Klein this week alleged a consortium, involving a US investment firm linked to President George Bush’s Iraq debt envoy, James Baker, had offered to use its influence to help Kuwait collect $27 billion in reparations from Iraq.
Controversy over Iraq debt deepens
(October 14, 2004) US investment firm linked to Bush envoy may never have told White House of planned backstairs deal.
Carlyle disavows plan to get Kuwait business
(October 14, 2004) The Carlyle Group yesterday said it was not part of a consortium that touted its political ties in an attempt to win business collecting and managing billions of dollars owed to Kuwait by Iraq.
Corruption a two-way street
(October 14, 2004) The only way to find a solution to corruption is to address the problem from both the supply-side and the demand side, say participants at an African conference on governance.
Japan wants vast majority of Iraq’s debt forgiven
(October 14, 2004) Japan’s top financial diplomat on Thursday said Tokyo wants the vast majority of Iraq’s debt to be written off, but did not specify an exact percentage.
Oil-for-food probe gets $30 million fund
(October 14, 2004) An investigation into corruption within the UN’s oil-for-food programme for Iraq will be funded with $30 million (£17m) from the programme itself. UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan announced the money would be put into an account dedicated to the inquiry.
World Bank decision on Lao dam due by year end: Thai official
(October 13, 2004) The World Bank is likely to finalize its decision on providing financial support to the $1.2 billion Nam Theun 2 hydropower project in Laos by the end of this year, a senior official at Thailand’s Energy Ministry said Wednesday.
Jubilee Iraq Press Release: Condemnation of James Baker’s double dealing on Iraq
(October 13, 2004) Naomi Kline revealed today that James Baker has serious conflicts as regards Saddam’s debt. Jubilee Iraq has been critical of Baker’s involvement in this issue since his appointment last December. The latest revelations are particularly shocking, but are in harmony with the odious nature of the original loans to Saddam.
Consultations continue over funding guarantee for controversial power project in Lao PDR
(October 13, 2004) The World Bank would do well to take more than usual care over this decision: powerful people in the U.S. Government are taking a close interest in its lending policies and aren’t happy with the Bank in relation to development funding.
Bush special envoy embroiled in controversy over Iraq debt
(October 13, 2004) Consortium plans to cash in as Baker asks countries to end £200 billion burden.
Amount of Iraqi debt to Russia not established so far
(October 13, 2004) The exact amount of the Iraqi debt to Russia has not been established so far, which makes it impossible to adopt any resolutions on writing it off, Sergei Kirpichenko, ambassador at large of the Russian Foreign Ministry, told reporters.
Iraq pleads for financial assistance
(October 13, 2004) Iraq’s acting deputy leader pleaded with donors Wednesday to fulfill their promises of aid to help rebuild his war-ravaged nation.
PI News Release: World Bank report confirms Nam Theun 2 is not Thailand’s least-cost power option
(October 12, 2004) A study commissioned by the World Bank reports Thailand has alternatives to the Nam Theun 2 hydro project in Laos that are cheaper and commercially viable, but that they were excluded from the country’s official power development plans.
PRESS RELEASE World Bank report confirms Nam Theun 2 is not Thailand’s least-cost power option
(October 12, 2004) A study commissioned by the World Bank reports Thailand has alternatives to the Nam Theun 2 hydro project in Laos that are cheaper and commercially viable, but that they were excluded from the country’s official power development plans.
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