30 September 1999 Edition
McCreevy urged to call for cancellation of debt at IMF meeting
Dublin's Minister for Finance, Charlie McCreevy TD, has been urged to use his meeting with the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank in Washington this week to call for the cancellation of Third World Debt. Sinn Féin Cavan/Monaghan TD Caoimhghín O Caoláin urged the Minister to voice the overwhelming support of the Irish people for the debt cancellation. The Minister traveled to Washington on Monday for meetings which continued throughout the week. Deputy O Caoláin said:
``This is an ideal opportunity for Minister for Finance Charlie McCreevy to convey to the IMF the strong feelings of the Irish people on the issue of the Third World Debt, as shown by the many hundreds of thousands who supported the Jubilee 2000 petition.
The massive burden on the poor of the world continues to contribute to the cycle of poverty and conflict which is accelerating on our planet on the eve of the new millennium.
``Throughout the world the call has gone out over recent years for the cancellation of Third World Debt by the Year 2000. There are now less than 100 days to go to the new millennium. I urge the minister to take a positive and progressive initiative and use the opportunity in Washington to ensure that Ireland's voice is loud and clear in support of the poorest of our fellow human beings.''
``This is an ideal opportunity for Minister for Finance Charlie McCreevy to convey to the IMF the strong feelings of the Irish people on the issue of the Third World Debt, as shown by the many hundreds of thousands who supported the Jubilee 2000 petition.
The massive burden on the poor of the world continues to contribute to the cycle of poverty and conflict which is accelerating on our planet on the eve of the new millennium.
``Throughout the world the call has gone out over recent years for the cancellation of Third World Debt by the Year 2000. There are now less than 100 days to go to the new millennium. I urge the minister to take a positive and progressive initiative and use the opportunity in Washington to ensure that Ireland's voice is loud and clear in support of the poorest of our fellow human beings.''