20 June 1997
A majority of scenesetters overseas saw the strength of the
American economy providing President Clinton an ideal
platform on which to host the Summit of the Eight at
Denver. Commentators generally agreed that there is plenty
for America to celebrate. Milan's leading business-
oriented Il Sole-24 Ore, for example, held that "Superstar
America" is "not just..the only unchallenged political-
military superpower, but also...the economic giant...the
boss of globalization and technological innovation." In
many instances, the superpower's strengths and influence
were contrasted with that of Europe. Paris's right-of-
center Le Figaro contended that "the U.S. plays a decisive
role at the UN, NATO and the G-8. Three major world
meeting places where Europe does not have its place....
And so, on the eve of the Denver summit, the U.S. is bound
for clear sailing." Pundits also believed that President
Clinton would take full advantage of America's standing to
put forth U.S. views on a wide range of economic and
political issues. The president's announcement just days
before the start of the summit of a series of U.S. trade
measures with Africa to promote free-market reforms was
seen as one such instance where Washington was setting the
pace. European observers--especially in France and
Belgium--determined that President Clinton's African
initiative, while "pragmatic," was also opportunistic, and
fills a "vacuum" left by former European colonial powers.
Dailies in Africa and elsewhere noted the apparent "change"
in the U.S.-African relationship from "donor-beggar" to
"seller-buyer." Kampala's government-supported New Vision
saw the plan as offering Africa "a chance to...become part
of the global economic phenomenon."
Russian President Yeltsin's fuller participation in the
summit was another aspect underscored by the media. Most
saw Russia's expanded role in the Group as desirable and
one way to ensure the continuation of economic reform in
that country. But opinion was mixed on whether now was the
proper time for Russia's inclusion. Naysayers stressed
that Russia is "far from being an advanced industrial
power." London's conservative Daily Telegraph noted that
Russia "does not, by any financial yardstick, merit a place
at the top table." A considerable number determined that
Mr. Yeltsin's presence this year was part of President
Clinton's "bargaining chip in exchange for Russian
acceptance of NATO expansion." In Moscow, a number of
analysts were convinced that Russia is already "one of the
Eight." Others, however, suggested that the Russian
economy would have to improve before it can really join
"the big league." In Japan, where the government at first
objected to Russian participation in the summit because a
dispute over northern territories remains unresolved,
several dailies noted that Russia's membership in the Group
was already a "given fact." They urged the Tokyo
government to "deal with the situation in a positive
manner" by working with Russia on the territorial issue.
Commentators from all quarters suggested that Russia's
participation in the G-7 summit fundamentally changes the
Group's objective, making it a political--rather than
economic--forum. Finally, ruminations about the usefulness
of G-7 summitry in general was the focus in several
commentaries. Opinion about this year's summit seemed to
echo the sentiment of years past. Seoul's pro-business
Joong-Ang Ilbo,for example, concluded: "At the end of the
summit there will probably be a statement full of rhetoric
but empty of substance."
This survey is based on 66 reports from 17 countries, June
10-20.
EDITOR: Diana McCaffrey
G-7 AND RUSSIA
GERMANY: "Spirit Of The West Experienced Boom And Bust"
Carola Kaps reported in right-of-center Frankfurter
Allgemeine (6/20): "For the 'Summit of the Eight'' Denver
offers a perfect scenery. The development of the city at
the foot of the Rocky Mountains shows how people can come
to terms with crises and meet the challenges of
globalization through diligence, inventiveness, openness,
flexibility and self-confidence. With the example of this
dynamic city, President Clinton can demonstrate to his
foreign guests what is lending wings to the United States
and the 'young generation' compared to the old Europe....
But it is of even greater significance for Clinton to give
his guests an impression of the 'Western spirit,' which is
so characteristic for the United States. The tough
experiences during the pioneering times resulted in the
development of the unbridled will for freedom, the striving
for independence, and the unshakable belief in one's own
capabilities."
"Doubts About Russia"
Werner Adam noted in an editorial in right-of-center
Frankfurter Allgemeine (6/20): "We must wonder whether
Russia's acceptance in the this round is justified by the
current outcome of Moscow's reform efforts. In this
respect, we must have considerable doubts. This is
especially the case, because there are a number of
Yeltsin's aides who blame others, preferably Western
powers, for their own failure. One example is First Deputy
Premier Nemzow's nonsensical accusations about the WTO and
his insulting behavior towards its representatives. But
maybe this will change under the banner of the new 'G-8.'"
"Bill Clinton Discovers Africa"
Wolfgang Drechsler had this to say in business Handelsblatt
of Duesseldorf (6/20): "With Washington's policy toward
China entangled in political scandals, the time seems to be
ripe for a cost-efficient and, at the same time, effective
public relations initiative for Africa. There is no doubt
that the new American diplomatic interest in Africa
contributed to this. Because of the hegemony of the former
colonial powers from Europe, Washington has hardly shown an
interest in Africa. But after Mobutu's toppling, a power
vacuum developed which U.S. diplomacy very much wants to
fill."
"Clinton In Enviable Position"
Yvonne Esterhazy editorialized in business Handelsblatt of
Duesseldorf (6/19): "When host Bill Clinton looks around
next week at the economic summit in Denver next week, he
can be quite satisfied, since he does not cut a bad figure
among his guests from the industrialized nations and
Russia. Helmut Kohl is an embattled leader, Jacques
Chirac comes as a loser, Canada's Premier Chretien as
someone who narrowly survived elections, and newcomer Tony
Blair, who received lots of premature praise, must still
prove that he is able to withstand his first endurance
test. Japan's Premier Hashimoto, let alone Boris Yeltsin
have problems at home. Clinton in turn is carrying around
a number of potentially explosive scandals which could
prove to be very unpleasant in the long run, but currently
he has no problems in economic, domestic or foreign
policy.... According to the latest opinion poll, 57
percent of Americans consider Bill Clinton to be a good
president. As long as the economy is booming and as long
as there is no threatening foreign policy crisis in sight,
this could remain so. The president is now directing his
attention to long-term shortcomings in the United
States...and over the weekend, Clinton launched a widely
hailed initiative to harmonize racial segregation, which he
tried to give a new momentum with lots of rhetoric but
little substance. In the fall, the president also wants to
launch a campaign against hate crimes.... All this is
laudable, but in view of a tightly knotted budget corset,
it should not cost too much money. Some of Clinton's
guests in Denver, however, would be happy if they only had
to deal with such problems."
"Trade Instead Of Aid--America's New Slogan For Africa"
Achim Remde wrote in right-of-center Die Welt of Berlin
(6/18): "Without great fuss, the United States has again
reduced its development aid for Africa by formulating a
new policy that is based on the principle 'trade instead of
aid' and concentrates on customs preferences and debt
forgiveness, as well as on the support of the private
sector. The reconstruction program for Africa that was
presented at the end of April emphasizes trade and
investment.... This policy is in accordance with the view
that, on the one hand, the damage that is caused by
protectionism and trade obstacles of the industrialized
nations in the Third World cannot be made up by more
extensive development assistance, while, on the other hand,
development assistance has often proved to be useless,
even detrimental.... North-South relations are now
dominated by human rights rather than by questions of
development assistance. Here, too, the United States seems
to be pursuing a more pragmatic policy than Germany or the
European Union. While the EU demands, in principle, the
introduction of multi-party democracy, the United States
considers this question of secondary importance compared
to human rights questions. This is why the Unites States
has had, for instance, good relations with Uganda's leader,
Mr. Museveni."
"Clinton's Skillfulness"
Washington correspondent Uwe Knuepfer filed the following
editorial for centrist General-Anzeiger of Bonn (6/14):
"If Clinton receives his colleagues at the G-8 summit in
Denver at the end of this week, nobody will act in a more
relaxed and self-assured way than he on the mine field of
international politics. This vivid class (of state
leaders) is still secretively whispering, but in Denver
this class will quietly and radiantly gather for a photo
opportunity with their teacher."
BRITAIN: "Booming American Economy: Perfect Backdrop For
Summit"
BBC-TV reported (6/20): "The booming American economy is a
perfect backdrop for President Clinton to boast about the
economic strategy he says the rest of the world should
follow. But above all, this is a cause for celebration for
the Americans, who not only run the only military
superpower left but also the world's most productive and
dynamic economy."
"Righteous Clinton Free To Preach To G-8"
The centrist weekly European had this commentary by
diplomatic editor Ian Mather (6/20): "Rarely can the host
country of an international gathering have been better
placed to preach to the other participants as the United
States will be at the Denver summit.... With the American
economy in sparkling form and that of Europe lackluster at
best, as debate at Amsterdam demonstrated, President
Clinton's aides say this year's meeting will be in marked
contrast to previous ones at which the leaders of the other
industrialized countries tore into the United States for
its huge deficits. This time it will be the United States
that will take to the pulpit, and Clinton does not intend
to waste the opportunity.... He is expected to go on the
offensive, pressing Europe to reform its welfare programs
and urging Japan to open up domestic-led growth to foreign
imports."
"Bill Clinton's Golden Moment"
The independent weekly Economist opined (6/20): "Every
host likes to show off; and few have more chance than Bill
Clinton at the opening this weekend of the Summit of the
Eight... Best of all is the fact that he presides over an
economy that is now the wonder of the world.... To the
perplexity and envy of the Denver summiteers, America, with
over 12 million new jobs since 1991, now seems to be an
unstoppable job-creating machine.... The question is
whether he (President Clinton), and Americans in general,
are making the most of these extraordinary times. Economic
booms bring governments more revenue, as well as more
breathing space. These can be frittered away, or they can
be used to tackle deep-seated problems and invest in future
growth.
"America at present, like the proverbial summer
grasshopper, is doing more frittering than stockpiling....
If America's fiscal management begins to wobble, the
country will start to lose its attraction as a model for
the world to emulate. And Bill Clinton (by then either on
the Little Rock golf course, or in disgrace) may well
lament that when he had his golden moment, he mostly basked
in it."
"Yeltsin Has Place At Top Table For 'Summit Of Eight'"
The conservative Daily Telegraph commented from Moscow
(6/19): "President Yeltsin will see a personal dream come
true tomorrow when Russia is accepted as practically a full
member of the top industrialized nations' club, the Group
of Seven, at Denver. In honor of his close relationship
with Mr. Yeltsin, President Clinton has renamed the
occasion the 'Summit of the Eight', to the delight of the
Kremlin. Moscow sees it as a sign that Russia is at last
accepted not as a threat but as a useful member of the
international community.... Mr. Yeltsin delights in
summitry. But his enjoyment of these affairs cannot
disguise the fact that Russia does not, by any financial
yardstick, merit a place at the top table.... Far from
being an advanced industrial power, much of the population
depends on growing their own vegetables to survive."
"Clinton To Offer Africa A New Deal'
The centrist Independent noted (6/18): "The United States
is to embark on a major economic initiative for sub-Saharan
Africa, designed to shift the focus of policy from aid and
development toward trade and investment. The package was
unveiled yesterday at the White House.... The timing was
seen in Washington partly as a move by the United States to
pre-empt criticism from other G-7 countries at Denver,
notably France, that it was not doing as much as it could
to assist developing countries in general and African
countries in particular. However, the initiative was also
seen as an attempt to steer discussions at Denver, where a
session will be devoted to Africa, away from the themes of
African poverty and civil strife towards the successes
among African states that have adopted free market
principles."
"U.S. Plan To Boost African Economies"
The independent Financial Times stated (6/18): "President
Clinton yesterday invoked the support of both American
political parties, and the private sector, for an ambitious
plan to revitalize the economies of Africa through trade
and investment.... The White House has pledged to use
this week's G-7 summit in Denver to lobby support for the
idea of debt relief for Africa's poorest nations."
"Leading Muslim States Unite To Challenge G-7"
The liberal Guardian reported from Istanbul (6/16):
"Leaders of eight of the world's biggest Muslim states,
meeting in Istanbul yesterday, launched a new group for
economic and political cooperation. The organization,
called the Developing Eight, or D-8, links Nigeria, Egypt,
Iran, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Indonesia and Turkey.
It is seen as an Islamic counterweight to balance the G-7
group of industrialized democracies, meeting in Denver
later this week. Twenty years ago a meeting of the D-8
leaders would probably have agreed that the West had a
moral obligation to give aid to promote economic
development. Now the talk is of globalization and
technology transfer.... The eight share a population of
800 million but together represent less than one 40th of
world economic output."
FRANCE: "In Denver, Europe As Union Absent--As At UN And
NATO"
Baudoin Bollaert wrote in right-of-center Le Figaro (6/20):
"The Amsterdam summit has certainly not helped bring about
a counterweight to U.S. hegemony. As the sole major
superpower, the United States plays a decisive role at the
UN, NATO and the G-8--three major world meeting places
where Europe does not have its place.... And so, on the
eve of the Denver summit, the United States is bound for
clear sailing.
"As a French diplomat said: 'The division of power favors
the U.S. and not the European Union.' He added that U.S.
hegemony is such 'that in today's world, Europeans couldn't
even sign the Rome Treaty.'"
"Clinton Launches 'Afro-American' Partnership For Growth"
Patrick Sabatier said in left-of-center Liberation (6/19):
"President Clinton has officially launched his 'Afro-
American partnership for growth.' It is a policy adapted
to the post-Cold War era, to budgetary constraints and to
Clinton's new African ambitions...for a 'democratic and
stable Africa.'... Clinton plans to urge his Denver
partners to do the same and to wipe out the staggering
bilateral and multilateral African debts.... His
initiative holds no surprises: It officially confirms the
changes that have taken place since the start of the
Clinton administration which were initiated by Commerce
Secretary Ron Brown.... The point is to change the
relationship of `donor-beggar' into a relationship of
'seller-buyer.' This is an easy enough policy for Clinton.
It brings together liberal Democrats, conservative
Republicans and all Afro-American politicians who want the
United States to pay attention to Africa. There is also a
strategic motivation behind the initiative: traditional
networks of influence left over from the post-colonial era
are falling apart, leaving a 'strategic vacuum.' A new
generation of Africans is emerging, open to the U.S. model
of economic liberalism."
"U.S. As Lesson-Giver In Denver"
Jean-Marie Macabrey observed in centrist La Tribune (6/18):
"With two days to go before the opening of the Denver
summit, the United States is having difficulty in
remaining modest. Its economic and financial situation is
in far better shape than Europe's or Japan's.... The
Clinton administration is sure to exploit this success
story as a domestic policy ploy, even if it means
irritating other participants.... Regarding Europe, the
United States plans to speak about economic growth and the
single currency. Says Daniel Tarullo, the president's
advisor for international economic affairs: 'It is in our
best interest to have European economies proceed with the
structural changes needed to reduce unemployment and
stimulate growth.'... New measures to limit the risks to
financial markets due to globalization will be announced at
the summit.... Africa will also be a major theme. But
here again the United States will impose its own view.
Under pressure from Congress, the Clinton administration
will speak in favor of foreign investment and bilateral
trade, as opposed to traditional financial aid."
CANADA: "The Rocky Mountain 8"
Under the above headline, the liberal Toronto Star asserted
(6/20): "It's official. Economics take a back seat when
Jean Chretien and the Summit of Eight leaders gather
tonight in Denver. The old Group of Seven, assembled in
1975 as an economic talkshop, is no more. Now it's the
'P-8,' including Russia. The political eight. So heavy
hitters like host Bill Clinton, Ryutaro Hashimoto and
Helmut Kohl plan to spend barely 90 mnutes tomorrow chewing
over trade, interest rate and currency values--even though
their economies are meshed as never before, through
globalization. Still, ushering Boris Yeltsin into the
political club will boost economic stability throughout
Eurasia, as well as political stability. Moscow's enhanced
status is a payback for Yeltsin's acquiescence to the
eastward expansion of NATO and a bow to his democratic and
economic reforms. But thre's no denying that a more
cooperative northern hemisphere, in which Russia plays a
positive role, will be good for business.... So while much
of the 'P-8' agenda is not 'economic' in the narrowest
sense, it does mirror the 'era of ever-widening and
deepening global integration' in which we live, as a U.S.
official put it.... Building the global village always has
been as much a political, as an economic, challenge."
"Summit Of The Eight Won't Add Up To Much"
The business-oriented Financial Post opined (6/20):
"Russia hasn't looked back since it got its foot in the
door of the exclusive G-7 club in 1991....
"This year's meeting is being turned into a string of
banquets, parties and receptions where Yeltsin will be the
focus of attention--a payback for big-power Russia going
along with NATO's expansion eastward. The result,
however, is that pressing economic problems will be given
short shrift.... However, if a new G-8 wants to avoid the
criticisms of the past--the 'media circus,' 'hot-air fest'-
-it cannot afford to repeat the kind of summit Denver is
shaping up to be, that is, long on pageantry and short on
substance."
"Political Mountain Climbing"
Montreal's liberal La Presse concluded (6/20): "The
presence of the Russian president...at the summit will
allow questions such as terrorism, organized crime and drug
trafficking to be brought up in a useful way. One has the
impression that Yeltsin's presence is calculated to deflect
attention from the more difficult problems of the hour:
(un)employment and international trade."
ITALY: "Superstar America"
Adriana Cerretelli wrote from Denver in leading business Il
Sole-24 Ore (6/20): "This summit will be different than
previous ones, for it will be exclusively and
exaggeratedly American: It will be the celebration of
Superstar America, not just as the only unchallenged
political-military superpower, but also as the economic
giant which has restored the full supremacy of its model
for development, the boss of globalization and
technological innovation from which it is now in a
position to get maximum benefit. Denver, in sum, will be a
spotlight on the triumph of the United States over the rest
of the Western world."
"Clinton Has Achieved All His Goals"
Giulietto Chiesa wrote on the front page of centrist,
influential La Stampa (6/20): "The Denver summit promises
to go down in history books as a turning point.... It is
America, successful all along the line...that will 'create
the context.' We already knew which nation was the
strongest, but its glory is shining today and the rest of
the world's leaders--those who rely on its power, its
military power among these--can only line up at its side.
The differences with the Lyon summit last year are
enormous. Bill Clinton had yet to win his second mandate.
Encouraging economic signals were there already, but the
certainty of the triumph was still far off. And Russia
was still immersed in uncertainty..... Everything has gone
for the better since then. The U.S. economy is an
impressive locomotive. NATO is expanding its borders to
include a conspicuous share of what used to be the enemy's
territory. The Russian leadership not only does not
protest but, apart from inevitable recriminations,
smilingly negotiates loans with the World Bank and the
IMF.... Clinton has achieved all his goals. Even the most
difficult one, 'a policy toward Russia.'"
"An 'Italian Model' For Developing Countries"
Centrist, top-circulation Corriere della Sera wrote (6/19):
"There is the privatization wave: Made in Britain. There
is the Washington consensus: Made in the USA. In a few
days, at the G-7 summit, an 'Italian model' may be
officially born: Small- and medium-sized business firms as
the key to development in Third World countries....
Italian foreign Minister Dini will arrive in Denver with a
proposal he would like to be included in the final
communique of the summit: an invitation to international
organizations which deal with development, beginning with
the World Bank, to begin testing throughout the world the
Italian model of small and medium businesses.... At least
on one occasion, President Clinton also referred to the
success of the Italian system. The foreign ministry's
initiative is now seeking to turn recognition into
something exportable: After all, this is also how the
reputation of a country is built."
JAPAN: "Let's Go Back To Rambouillet"
In the editorial view of liberal Mainichi (6/18): "With
the change of format from G-7 to G-8 and Russia
participating fully for the first time, the summit has
become an increasingly political event. There will be a
plethora of subjects for discussion.... These include
macroeconomic policies, stabilization of international
financial markets, aid for Africa, policies for our aging
societies and anti-terrorism coordinaton. However, there
are no critical issues requiring immediate world attention.
In fact, there have been few notable achievements from the
past 22 G-7 summits. The Denver summit will likely end up
being another political stage show managed by its host,
President Clinton."
"Japan Should Make Good Use Of Denver Summit"
Conservative Sankei maintained (6/18): "The G-7 summit has
been changed to a G-8 format in order to accept Russia as a
full member. The Denver summit, to the extent that it
clears the way for Russia to fall into step with the
Western world, will make an important contribution to world
stability. Russia's full participation is already an
established fact. Japan should deal with the situation in
a positive manner and urge Russia, in a way consistent with
the responsibilities of a major world power, to settle the
northern territorial issue.... Japan should also ask other
G-7 nations to support its position on the territorial
dispute and put the issue on the summit agenda."
"Russia's Full Participation In The Denver Summit Is Good
For Japan"
The liberal Tokyo Shimbun held (6/17): "Japan still has at
best mixed feelings about Russia's full participation in
the Denver summit. At the same time, Japanese and Russian
participation at multilateral conferences like this may
help pave the way for resolving individual bilateral
problems. Russia's full participation is a highlight at
the this year's summit but such participation certainly
shows how far we have come from the original objectives of
a summit of economically advanced Western nations....
Russia has attended political sessions of G-7 summits since
1994 and Russia's full participation in the Denver summit
appears to be an inevitable consequence of the post-Cold
War era.... This was a 'deal' Mr. Clinton made (with
Russian President Yeltsin) in exchange for Russia's
acceptance of NATO eastward expansion."
"Clinton And Hashimoto Should Address Defense Cooperation"
Quasi-governmental NHK-TV's guest commentator Yukio
Matsuyama observed (6/17), "The Denver summit and pre-
summit talks between President Clinton and Prime Minister
Hashimoto are important diplomatic events for Japan. The
prime minister should use these occasions to establish
Japan's importance in the post-Cold War international
community. In particular, we will pay attention to how
President Clinton and Prime Minister Hashimoto address the
ongoing review of the U.S. Japan defense cooperation
guidelines. In Japan, some criticize the review as a de
facto establishment of a new, strengthened U.S.-Japan
security treaty. Japanese politicians and the Japanese
people should discuss the pros and cons of the defense
guidelines."
"Russia's Participation Causes Changes In G-7 Summit
Structure"
Business-oriented Nihon Keizai editorialized (6/13),
"Twenty-two years after the first summit of advanced
industrialized countries in Rambouillet, France, Russia is
attending the June 20-22 Denver summit as a full member.
This is the first major change in the 'G-7 summit'
structure, a mechanism that serve as a 'command tower' for
advanced Western countries. It has been pointed out,
however, that Russia has already attended political
sessions of previous G-7 summits and full membership is not
surprising. We wonder if President Clinton has not made
membership in the summit structure less significant by
offering it to Russian President Yeltsin as a bargaining
chip in exchange for Russian acceptance of NATO expansion.
"Any major change in the characteristics of G-7 summits is
significant, especially for a an organization whose
membership had been limited to advanced Western countries.
Subjects for discussion at the Denver summit will probably
be different from those of previous summits. First and
foremost, Japan will find it more difficult to bring up the
Northern Territories issue. A major change, indeed.
Russia's full participation may also provide the
opportunity to review G-7 membership for other countries."
"Japan Is Placed On Top Of Other Summit Nations"
Liberal Tokyo Shimbun said (6/10), "The U.S. government on
Monday unveiled its official logo for the Denver summit.
The logo features the national flags of eight summit
members and the European Commission. It also carries the
title 'Denver Summit of the Eight, June 20-22,' indicating
a change from the G-7 summit to a G-8 summit including
Russia. What attracts our attention to the Denver summit
logo is the design showing two mountain peaks upon which
the Japanese and the U.S. flags are placed at the
respective summits. Although it is understandable that the
United States, as host nation, is placed at the summit of
the lower peak, the Rising Sun is raised atop the highest
mountain. Is this some kind of a consolation given Japan
because of her earlier reluctance to accept Russia as a
full member at the Denver summit?"
RUSSIA: "Promising Mission"
Official government Rossiyskaya Gazeta (6/20) pointed out
editorially: "By and large, the mission to Denver looks
promising. Russia is one of the Eight now."
"Benevolent Attitude"
Dmitry Kamyshev wrote on page one of reformist Segodnya
(6/20): "Working from the first minute of the meeting to
its last, Boris Yeltsin will attend all sessions with the
exception of one, an hour-long discussion of matters
concerning currency rates and financial aid. Those
questions not being of immediate concern, mildly speaking,
to Russia, Yeltsin's non-attendance, according to officials
in Moscow, can in no way be considered as an infringement
on the rights of the new member. The general atmosphere of
benevolence to Russia on the eve of the meeting, Moscow
analysts suggest, will greatly facilitate the work of the
Russian mission. The first lines of the final communique,
'We, the eight leading industrial democracies....' must
have a particularly palliative effect on wounded souls
pining for Russia's 'imperial' past. It is great to be in
such mighty company, if only on paper."
"Clinton Keeps Word"
Centrist Nezavisimaya Gazeta (6/20) front-paged an article
by Dmitry Gornostayev: "The 'Eight' formula in Denver is
Russia's undisputed accomplishment in the Boris Yeltsin
era. But it is true also that the Russian economy today
does not measure up to the status of a 'leading
industrialized power,' one of the Group of Seven. Many
realize that membership in the elite club is compensation
for the geopolitical losses Russia has sustained recently.
Clinton has kept his word by persuading Japan to lift her
objections to having the Seven transform itself into an
Eight. The West wants stability in Russia--it wants
social, economic and military stability, not might--and is
ready to pay for it."
"New Status: Privileges, Responsibilities"
Vadim Markushin pointed out in centrist, army Krasnaya
Zvezda (6/20): "Russia's new status certainly spells not
only possible privileges but additional responsibilities,
as well. With a babble in our system of government, that
creates a risky, slippery ground for the new relationship."
"Poor Cousin"
Andrei Kabannikov field from Washington for reformist,
youth-oriented Komsomolskaya Pravda (6/20): "Eating at the
same table with those moneybags, Russia, in her current
condition, feels like a poor cousin taking advantage of the
rest of the company's good disposition to ask for a new
loan or a reprieve on old ones."
"Road To Eight Open"
Reformist Rossiyskiye Vesti (6/19), a newspaper of the
Russian presidential administration, ran this comment by
Ilya Baranikas in Denver: "There is a high degree of
agreement among G-7 members seeking to integrate Russia
into the global economy. The Denver summit is a major step
to that goal."
"To Be Equal, Russia Needs Strong Economy"
Alexei Portansky said in the Finansoviye Izvestia
supplement to reformist Izvestia (6/19): "Transforming the
Seven into an Eight is not an aim unto itself. The main
idea is for this country to secure the status that belongs
to her by right and to promote domestic reform as best she
can. It is certainly wrong to view Russia as an absolutely
equal member of the club of the world's industrialized
nations. As she claims a place in that club, Russia can't
expect to have her voice really heard until there is a
strong and booming economy behind it."
"Being In Big League Helps Reform"
Viktor Kremenyuk, deputy director of the U.S. and Canada
Institute, wrote in reformist weekly Obshchaya Gazeta (#
24, 6/19): "Participation in the Big Seven's work will
stimulate the Russian leadership more vigorously to tackle
internal problems, resolve the economic crisis, and draw on
successful experience. Being in the big league is a long-
term investment."
"No Way We Can Get In. Not Yet"
Andrei Kabannikov filed from Denver for reformist, youth-
oriented Komsomolskaya Pravda (6/19): "Try as we might, we
can't be an eighth member now. That is why they call the
Denver event a 'Summit of the Eight.' In addition to a
photo of himself in the company of the well-off leaders of
the Seven, Boris Yeltsin would be happy to bring home
something for Russia, like a decision on her admission to
the Paris Club. At least, that would feel like real
money."
"G-7 Likely To Accept Russia--Step By Step"
Gennady Sysoyev wrote in reformist weekly Moskovskiye
Novosti (# 24, 6/17): "Those expecting sensational news
from the G-8 summit in Denver are sure to be disappointed.
Coming back from the meeting, President Yeltsin will have
no membership card to prove Russia has indeed become a full
member of the world's elite club. But feeling hurt because
of the Western partners' being too cautious would be like
complaining that you cannot have a high-rise built
overnight. Though the Big Seven is ready to accept Russia,
it would like to do so gradually, step by step. That is
reality. You may or may not like it, but you can hardly
change it. Take it or leave it. To take it means to
accept the rules of the game. To leave it means to confess
to not being ready to join civilized society. The Group of
Seven (or Eight) is certainly not a governing body or the
world's politburo. But its decisions may open doors to
global financial institutions. A G-8 membership card, if
secured, is just evidence that Russian reform is
irreversible."
"G-7 Bound To Become G-8"
Ilya Baranikas filed from New York for reformist
Rossiyskiye Vesti , a newspaper of the presidential
administration (6/17): "In Washington, Eight is only
mentioned in the context of the
coming summit in Denver, not as the name of a permanent
international institution.... Russia may some day be in
NATO, who knows. But she will much sooner be fully
integrated into the world's system of economic
organizations. No matter how long they take, the leaders
of the Group of Seven will finally take Russia aboard,
transforming itself into a Group of Eight."
"Summit Won't Make Life Better"
Reformist, youth-oriented Moskovskiy Komsomolets (6/17)
remarked editorially: "The Russian president's trip to
Denver will have a most vivid coverage. But, however
successful the outcome, it will have little effect on
Russians. Whether Russia is still one of the world's
authorities is not among the public's biggest concerns
today."
"Seven Not To Become Full Eight"
Vasily Safronchuk said in nationalist opposition Sovetskaya
Rossiya (6/17): "Eager for access to the club of the chosen
few, Boris Yeltsin has pulled all stops to prove to the
West that Russia will never return to socialism and that he
is going to bury the communist ideology for good, along
with Lenin.... Judging by reports, at the summit in
Denver, Russia will hardly become a member of the group of
the world's leading nations, and the Big Seven will not
turn into a full Eight."
EUROPE
BELGIUM: "The G-8 Discovers The Outcasts"
Pierre Lefevre wrote in independent Le Soir (6/20): "An
alarm bell has rung.... The emphasis will be placed in
Denver on the need to put back into the race those who have
remained on the side of the road. This does not stem from
nice feelings, but from political and geopolitical unrest.
The gap is widening between those who benefit from the
internationalization and those who are unable to follow,
and they are a source of instability.... In terms of
countries, the outcasts of internationalization are
particularly concentrated in black Africa. The United
States, for reasons of world stability and of national
interest, has begun to take an interest itself about it.
As a result, Bill Clinton put them on the agenda of the
summit, setting the tone with his own African initiative,
two days before the Denver meeting. Here too, the Anglo-
Saxon approach seems likely to prevail. It results from
the observation that young African economic 'tigers' have
been born: Uganda, Ethiopia, Mozambique, Zambia. With
'Asian' growth rates which can reach 12 percent, those
countries have adopted the principles of market economy....
Washington believes that they are the ones via whom the
development of Africa will take place and that they are the
ones to be helped, not through traditional bilateral
assistance which gets lost in the quicksand of corruption,
but by alleviating their debt during the transition
period."
HUNGARY: "The American Model"
Conservative Magyar Nemzet commented (6/20): "By renaming
the G-7 to G-8, Western powers have demonstrated that their
number one priority is to include Moscow in the mainstream
of globalization..... The main focus of the summit will
of course be the state of the economy. In this respect,
the United States is in an excellent situation.... The G-7
summits have rarely ended in surprise in the past but they
have always resulted in reaching significant decisions.
Denver's message will be that of globalization."
"World Economy Has Become Irreversibly Global"
Influential Magyar Hirlap wrote (6/19): "The admission of
the Russian president in the group carries a symbolic
meaning: Its basic message is that the economies of former
communist countries cannot avoid globalization, either.
Yeltsin at the moment has only one trump card: the Russian
market. Since the Russian economy depends entirely on
foreign capital, Yeltsin has no real say in this world
government...but his invitation definitely means that yet
another
psychological barrier between the East and the West was
removed. Bill Clinton will have a very pleasant time in
Denver: the U.S. economy could not be healthier and the
cooperation between the Democratic president and the
Congress with its Republican majority seems to be
excellent."
NORWAY: "Chewing The Fat In Denver"
Business-oriented Dagens Naeringsliv commented (6/19):
"New initiatives are few and far between as the world's
self-proclaimed leadership, the G-7 group, have their
annual meeting in Denver this weekend.... The absence of
fast growing economies like China and India, and the
weakening of the economies of the G-7 countries (with
United States as the only exception), illustrates how the
G-7 increasingly is becoming a forum for the world's 'old'
industrialized countries. The question of whether the G-7
can maintain its authority in these changing times will be
discussed quietly over some cognac. However, we think a
change in the G-7 membership seems very unlikely."
POLAND: "Russia Game"
Leopold Unger wrote in center-left Gazeta Wyborcza (6/20):
"The accession to the exclusive club of the richest of the
world would determine according to Yeltsin (probably
wrongly) the final certification of his democratic
political morality, acknowledgement for his statesman's
status on the global scale and Russia's position as a
global power. Yeltsin states that by signing the agreement
with NATO in Paris and thus opening the path to non-
conflictual (temporary) expansion of the treaty, he has
paid a high and sufficiant price for entering the G-7
salons and not only for the Seven and a half but for a
whole Eight.
"Yeltsin maintains that moving into the eighth position by
him is essential not only to save face after the Paris
concessions but to stand against the Duma.... The highest
educated among the G-7 say that the policy of humiliating
Russia, such as was imposed upon the Germans...should be
avoided. The West is right when it tries to encircle
Russia with the arms of a world network of various
institutions and also to strengthen Yeltsin's prestige in
his homeland. Neither the first nor second guarantees
unconditional continuity of Russian democracy. But it is
worth trying. Something must be paid for that. Turning the
Seven into the Eight doesn't seem too high a price."
EAST ASIA AND PACIFIC
AUSTRALIA: "Accent On Africa At Denver Summit"
The Washington correspondent for the national, conservative
Australian observed (6/20): "President Clinton says he
wants the Denver meeting to launch an African initiative
to encourage...investment and promote trade with Africa.
Much of the summit schedule, he says, will be devoted to
African problems, ranging from debt relief and trade
access to the hoped-for creation of an indigenous regional
peacekeeping force.... The emphasis should be on the
United States showing the way for other nations to help
bring Africa into the global economy and concentrating, as
the Marshall Plan did, on helping the recipients make their
own reforms. If Clinton and his colleagues get anywhere on
that agenda in Denver, this summit will be much more
important than the annual gabfest and photo opportunity
these meetings have become."
CHINA: "With Russia, Group Becomes More Political"
Su Haihe wrote in the official Communist Youth League China
Youth Daily (Zhongguo Qingnian Bao, 6/20): "Russia's
admission to the G-8 represents a significant turning point
in the composition of this gathering of developed nations.
First, confrontations have been reduced between two major
factions of the G-8. The U.S. secretary of state recently
observed that in organizing this summit, the G-7 members
have cast off a psychological barrier in dealing with
Russia. Second, the summit's agenda has been changed.
"Economic issues used to top the agenda, but political
issues have emerged as important additions to the
discussion. With Russia's addition to the group, the
influence of the G-8 in the international political arena
will surely become obvious."
SOUTH KOREA: "Uncle Sam's High Nose"
Independent Dong-A Ilbo (6/20) commented that "Uncle Sam's
nose is higher than ever. During the Houston summit in
1990--a year when the U.S. economy was not doing well--
Japan and Germany lectured the United States on how to run
its economy. President Bush had to listen then. This
time, however, it is President Clinton's turn to lecture.
There seems to be no equal to the robustness of the U.S.
economy. Meanwhile, Europe and Japan are still struggling
with an economic slump."
"Focusing On Preventing Financial Crises"
Anti-establishment Hankyoreh Shinmun (6/19) commented:
"Changing the name of the summit from G-7 to G-8 (sic)
indicates that it now has different objectives. The
gathering used to be something like a country club, but
with Russia now participating, it will serve as a venue to
address the world economy.... The focus of the summit will
have to be on the agenda the seven industrialized nations
consider most important, which is how to deal with
financial crises when they arise. Also, the summit will
need to establish international guidelines on how to help
share economic information and maintain international
financial rules. The United States will urge other
nations to join in the development plan for Africa.
Russia's participation confirms that the capitalistic
system finally controls the entire world."
"Transformation Into A Political Venue"
Pro-business Joong-Ang Ilbo wrote (6/13): "The summit in
Denver will likely focus more on the issue of establishing
a new world order than on the economy. Over the years the
G-7 summit has taken on more of a political character, but
with Russia now participating it has become completely
political.... The United States played a key role in
'embracing' Russia. Enthusiastic about opening a new era
for the G-8, the U.S. wants the WTO to accept Russia. At
the end of the summit there will probably be a statement
full of rhetoric but empty of substance."
SOUTH ASIA
INDIA: "Clinton May Focus On U.S. Foreign Policy At
Summit"
The centrist Hindu ran this analysis (6/20) by Washington
correspondent Sridhar Krishnaswami: "Several international
political and economic issues are expected to figure
prominently when the leaders of the seven industrialized
nations and Russia start their formal deliberations on
Friday. One of the expectations of this Denver summit...is
that...President Clinton will be able to use the
opportunity to bring American foreign policy and world
leadership back in firm focus, given that there has been a
less than expected firm direction in the first six months
of his second term, largely as a result of getting bogged
down in the Democratic Party's campaign finance scandal....
Of high priority would be Bosnia, the expansion of NATO,
the integration of France into the military structure, the
Africa initiative...and China and Hong Kong. Also
mentioned in the list of possible discussions are Iran and
Iraq, the West Asia (sic) Peace Process and the new
developments in the Congo.... The reluctance of the summit
organizers to use G-8 in an official sense and instead
preferring to go by 'Summit of the Eight' is more of
semantics than anything else. The United States takes the
position that by fully involving Russia in the ways of the
G-7, the political, economic and security transition in
that country is made relatively easy and hence the positive
fallout for the West.... From an economic point of view,
the United States is coming into this year's summit in a
position of strength quite unlike the past when nations
used to criticize Washington for not being able to get its
economic house in order. But at the same time the
administration here cannot walk away from conditions in
Europe and Japan and their global implications."
AFRICA
KENYA: "Message To Africa"
The moderate, independent Standard commented (6/18): "It
is the Denver summit that countries like Kenya should pay
more attention to. The G-7 members are expected to
announce tougher measures for countries that expect further
assistance on the road to growth. What the Americans are
calling their 'Africa initiative,' stressing trade rather
than aid, may come out of the Denver summit more of a
pledge than action, and it will be back to square one--
Africa still needs help. The Denver meeting is expected to
consider selective assistance, and tougher measures on the
manner of its delivery.... The message coming to Kenyans
from America is that aid will not be automatic, going by
past cases of misuse and misallocation of funds. Years of
summons from the International Monetary Fund and the World
Bank have not changed Kenya from an agrarian society into
anything better."
UGANDA: "Africa Plan Welcome"
According to the government-supported New Vision (6/20):
The United States has unveiled a new trade initiative for
Africa.... President Clinton's plan...has multiple
advantages. For Africa, it is a chance to break into the
world's largest market (and) to truly become part of the
global economic phenomenon. It also avails Africa of
scarce investment capital, which would supplement its
limited domestic budgets. For America, it marks a radical
change in assistance to Africa...(and) gives deserving
African countries a chance to break out of the vicious
circle of aid-graft-debt.... The American initiative also
serves as a wake-up call to African countries which have
not yet commissioned political and economic reforms. A
long-term agenda for trade and investment is in place, and
here's an opportunity to raise Africa's profile among
American businessmen."
LATIN AMERICA
BRAZIL: "U.S.: Most Prosperous, Dynamic Economy On The
Planet"
Center-left O Estado de S o Paulo observed (6/19): "The
United States lives in peace and enjoys a period of
unqualified economic prosperity for the last 25 years; with
robust growth, a declining public deficit, the lowest
unemployment rate since the early 70's, the lowest
inflation rate in 10 years and the expansion of exports.
In contrast, the European and Japanese, former U.S.
strategic allies during the Cold War and now the main
competitors in the new world war for economic markets,
arrived in Denver politically weakened by their structural
economic problems. Germany and France, the two greatest
economic powers in Europe, are divided regarding the
creation of the European Union and the adoption of the
unified currency, the euro, scheduled to be instituted by
1999.... In Denver, as well as in Tokyo in 1993, the
American economy will be the object of great attention,
but this year the emphasis will be on the strength of the
American performance and not on the risks the U.S. places
on the world economy. The cost to prepare this summit was
$20 million, which is half of what the French spent to set
up the Lyon summit last year. In Denver, half of all
expenses were covered by donations made by American
companies interested in using the summit as an
international stage to promote their products and services
and show some reasons why the United States today has the
most prosperous and dynamic economy on the planet."
##
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6/20/97
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