Vibes from G-8 summit

But such initial vibes would get lost down the road -- in the whirlwind of other most 'pressing considerations' exclusive to the Group of Eight. To that extent, it sounded exclusionary. Their final statement paid little attention to the developing countries, especially Africa, by way of pledging to lift them from the morass of poverty.

On the political side of the summitry, they more or less agreed on two points: first, the bitter divisions on the Iraq war notwithstanding, they signalled a certain readiness to work together not only on reconstructing Iraq but a host of other problems as well. Secondly, they have put on notice North Korea and Iran to comply with the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. As for Iran, differences exist between the US and other G-8 countries over how far they are willing to pressure Tehran. On North Korea, Bush administration's position has been basically reflected, the summiteers having agreed to support the regional approach, especially that of China, to prod Pyongyang to comply with its past commitments on nuclear non-proliferation.

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In the essence, a reassuring signal has been sent to the apprehensive financial markets: "we are ready to work cooperatively to give a boost to the sluggish global economy." This is elaborated by another statement saying, "We are confident in the growth potential of our economies."