Bush: Aid yes, corruption no

2005-07-06 14:50

Copenhagen - United States President George W Bush made clear on Wednesday that African leaders should not expect American aid unless they make efforts to fight corruption.

Bush said helping Africa overcome poverty and disease is a top priority, but added he expects "good governance" from leaders on the continent.

"We've said we'll give aid, absolutely, we'll cancel debt, you bet, but we want to make sure the governments invest in their people," Bush said on Wednesday during a visit to Denmark on the way to the G8 summit in Scotland.

"We expect there to be good governance on the continent of Africa. I don't know how we can look our taxpayers in the eye and say it's a good deal to give money to countries that are corrupt."

Later on Wednesday, Bush will fly to Scotland to attend the three-day summit of the G8 leaders, where Africa will be a major topic.

Bush plans increased spending in Africa

Last week, Bush announced plans to spend $1.2bn to cut malaria deaths in Africa. He also proposed doubling US spending to $400m to promote education of girls in Africa and said he wanted Congress to approve $55m over three years to improve legal protection of women in Africa against violence and sexual abuse.

Danish prime minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen echoed Bush's comments at a joint news conference.

"I feel a strong obligation to focus more on Africa," he said and added he will make an official visit to the continent in October.

"The president and I share the view that the upcoming G8 summit should focus on how to make poverty history in Africa," Fogh Rasmussen said, and said the European Union and the US should dismantle "trade-distorting agricultural subsidies".

"I urge the G8 to do their part in creating a new balanced and fair trade to benefit Africa," he said.

- AP