Avoid spread of poverty: PM to G-8

Singh said it was imperative that protection of intellectual property rights be relaxed for new technologies and there should be an additional window to induct affordable technology, Foreign Secretary Shyam Saran told reporters on the outcome of G-5 and G-8 outreach meetings.

The Prime Minister’s observation evoked positive response from world leaders, particularly US President George W Bush, who said any environmental protection and sustainable development should “not neglect the imperatives of development.”

French President Jacques Chirac and leaders from South Africa, Canada, Mexico and China were appreciative of Singh’s suggestion saying it was a “good approach.”

Earlier, G-5 countries comprising India, Brazil, China, Mexico and South Africa adopted a detailed declaration on the concerns of developing countries and suggestions for moving forward on sustainable development.

The terror strikes managed to overshadowed the summit of the world’s eight most industrialised nations, with the focus of the meet shifting from debt relief for Africa and climate change to terrorism.

The attacks occurred just as the leaders of Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia and the United States began formal talks. Apart from India, Brazil, China, Mexico and South Africa, referred to as the G5, are attending the summit as special invitees.

The scheduled release of a declaration and plan of action on climate change was postponed to tomorrow. British Prime Minister Tony Blair, who left the summit for London following the attacks, will return to Gleneagles later.

Condemning the terror strike, participating leaders adopted a joint statement. ‘‘The G8 and G5 countries condemn the utterly barbaric attack and our deep sympathy and condolences go to the families of the victims,’’ the statement said.

Affirming their intention of continuing with the summit, the statement said,‘‘We will not allow violence to change our society or our values nor will we allow it to stop the work of this summit.

‘‘Here, at this summit, the world’s leaders are striving to combat world poverty and save and improve human life. The perpetrators of today’s attack are intent on destroying human life,’’ the statement said adding that the terrorists would not succeed. ‘‘Today’s bombings will not weaken in any way our resolve to uphold the most deeply held principles of our societies and to defeat those who would impose their fanaticism and extremism.’’