Leaders At G8 And G20 Must Be Held Accountable, Says Economic Expert

David Shorr, an economic expert with the Stanley Foundation, tells Talk Radio News Service that leaders at the upcoming G8 and G20 summits in Canada need to be held accountable for their actions and decisions during the meetings. (0:31)
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Political And Security Issues Of The Many Things On G8's Plate, Says Economic Expert

David Shorr, an economic expert with the Stanley Foundation, tells Talk Radio News Service that the old powers and new powers need to work together to find the best solutions at the upcoming G20 meeting in Canada. Shorr adds that political and security issues should not be the only ones discussed at the G8 summit (0:33)
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G20 Must Address Post-Recession Global Economy, Says Expert

David Shorr, economic expert with the Stanley Foundation, tells Talk Radio News Service that the G20 summits coming up in Canada this week will be need to focus somewhat on the post-recession global economy. (0:45)
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Obama: Iran Must Halt Nuclear Program

President Obama stated at the G8 summit in L'Aquila, Italy Friday that the world has "opened a door" to welcome Iran into the international community. Now, Iran must hold up its end of the bargain by discontinuing its nuclear weapons program (1:05).
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Brazil & Mexico should join G8

By Kayleigh Harvey - Talk Radio News Service

Eric Farnsworth, Vice-President for Council of Americas suggests Brazil and Mexico should be allowed to join the G8 at a Subcommittee meeting on the Western Hemisphere. February 4, 2009.
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UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on G8, Climate Change, and Sudan

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon briefed the press at UN headquarters in New York about his recent trip to Asia, including the G8 summit in Hokkaido, Japan.



The SG traveled between his home nation of Korea, China, and Japan.  He expressed that all three nations are "rising" powers, and that their futures are interlinked.

Mr. Ban would not characterize the G8 summit as a success or failure, but did mention that he was pleased with apparent progress.  The Secretary-General noted that the United Nations and international community must focus on three specific areas of growth; climate change, food security, and development.  (Listen to audio.)  He applauded the G8 nations on their commitment to reduce carbon emissions by 50% by 2050.  The SG also acknowledged a financial commitment by G8 nations of $10 billion to help food security, but reminded the nations that true food security requires $25 billion per year.  Regarding development, particularly in Africa, the SG was please by the eventual goal to recruit 1.5 million health care workers over the next several years.  Additionally, the G8 will work towards a donation of 100 insecticide-treated bed nets to help prevent Malaria.

In Sudan, the Secretary-General condemned in the strongest possible language the recent attack on United Nations African Union Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID). (Listen to audio.) According to the UN, the attack was perpetrated by approximately 200 members of the Janjaweed militia, and involved the use of "heavy arms" by forces on horseback and in SUVs.  Seven UNAMID members were killed, and another 22 were injured.  The SG reminded all involved parties to remember their commitments to peace and stability in the region.

During today's press conference, Mr. Ban also condemned violence surrounding the on-going electoral crisis in Zimbabwe.  The SG indicated that all G8 members are "seriously engaged" in finding solutions to crisis.  The Security Council is currently deliberating on potentially sanctioning the government of Zimbabwe.

Finally, Mr. Ban addressed climate change.  He stressed that work towards improving the climate change crisis will greatly assist the UN's other two goals of food security and improved development in Africa. (Listen to audio.) Although there were no consensus agreements on short-term and mid-term reductions in carbon emissions, the Secretary-General was pleased at progress made by G8 nations.

All audio segments streaming and download below.

Video Report by Dan Patterson recorded after the Secretary-General's press conference:

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