NewsWhore
02-23-2010, 09:20 PM
In a TV interview upon his arrival in Mexico to attend the Rio Summit, President Fernandez told Telesur that it was a source of shame for the region that a devastating earthquake had to happen in Haiti to raise awareness to the historic poverty that has always affected Haiti. Fernandez said that 80% of the population lives in extreme poverty, and 20% below the poverty level. He said the world has a debt to Haiti because for 200 years its independence was not politically recognized, leaving the nation to endure long periods of oppression, dictatorships and impoverishment. "I believe if there is a will at international level much can be achieved. If trillions of dollars have been found to save banks, why can't they find two billion a year to save 10 million human beings who deserve better luck and better destiny," said Fernandez. He said that the Haitian authorities are developing proposals, such as allocating part of Latin America and the Caribbean's foreign debt with the Paris Club to development in Haiti. He said this would become a Solidarity Fund with Haiti to finance programs and concrete initiatives for infrastructure, highways, potable water, electricity, housing, schools and universities. He said the assistance of the Inter-American Development Bank, World Bank, Andean Promotion Corporation and the European Union are also needed. He said that Haiti could not wait. Rapid solutions are needed. He urged for efforts to promote farming in Haiti as a way of contributing to self-sufficient food production.
President Leonel Fernandez arrived for the 2-day summit with 26 heads of state and government from Latin America and the Caribbean. 32 countries are meeting at the Hotel Grand Velas in the Riviera Maya resort area.
The Rio Group seeks to create an alternative group to the Organization of American States, but excluding the US and Canada. But top of the agenda this year is Haiti.
The Rio Group was created in 1986 with the initial participation of Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, Panama, Peru, Uruguay and Venezuela. The summits are held every two years.
More... (http://www.dr1.com/index.html#1)
President Leonel Fernandez arrived for the 2-day summit with 26 heads of state and government from Latin America and the Caribbean. 32 countries are meeting at the Hotel Grand Velas in the Riviera Maya resort area.
The Rio Group seeks to create an alternative group to the Organization of American States, but excluding the US and Canada. But top of the agenda this year is Haiti.
The Rio Group was created in 1986 with the initial participation of Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, Panama, Peru, Uruguay and Venezuela. The summits are held every two years.
More... (http://www.dr1.com/index.html#1)