08/10/2004

World's focus must be to support Africa, says Blair

During his visit to the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa, Prime Minister Tony Blair has told the international community it must turn its attention towards Africa as the time for excuses is over.

Mr Blair was speaking ahead of chairing the second session of his Commission for Africa.

He told an audience: "Armed with the evidence from the Commission for Africa about what Africa needs and what has held back progress in the past, I want to turn international attention on Africa into international action to support Africa."

Mr Blair has ordered the commission to report by next spring on how to help Africa. The report is to coincide with the UK presidency of the G8 Group of leading industrialised democracies.

"With that report, the time for excuses will be over," the Prime Minister said. "The world, inside Africa and outside Africa, will know not just what the problems are but also the solutions.

"So next year is the year of decision for Africa and for us - to have the political will to confront the challenge of Africa and overcome it together.''

(gmcg/mb)

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