How the Press Responded to the G8 Summit

Reuters Africa

"G8 trumpets Africa aid deal as summit ends" by Madeline Chambers and Gernot Heller

Lead: World powers on Friday pledged $60 billion to fight AIDS and other diseases ravaging Africa but development campaigners complained the Group of Eight had offered little fresh cash for the poor.

680 News Radio (Canada)

"Canada blamed for blocking more aid to Africa at G8 summit" by 680News staff and Canadian Press

Lead: Prime Minister Harper rejected accusations from anti-poverty activists - such as U2's Bono and Bob Geldof - that Canada blocked efforts to hold the G8 countries to their promises of helping Africa with aid.

NZZ Online (Switzerland)

"Swiss press rue 'missed opportunity' by G8"

Lead: The Swiss press believe the world's eight most powerful leaders have once again failed to make concrete progress on globally important issues.

Journal Chrétien (France)

"German Chancellor Says G8 Made 'Far-Reaching Decisions'"

Lead: German Chancellor Angela Merkel has hailed the Group of Eight summit as a success. But activists from a diverse range of groups have criticized the results.

Focus News (Bulgaria)

"Protesters claim victory in battle to disrupt G8 summit"

Lead: After a final clash on the Group of Eight frontlines Friday, German police said they had made more than 900 arrests over four tense days of demonstrations and defended their summit security operation.

The Washington Post (United States)

"Bush returns to G8 summit after stomach problem"

Lead: President George W. Bush returned to the Group of Eight summit after falling ill earlier on Friday with a stomach ailment, a White House spokesman said. "The White House had a good rest this morning. He's feeling better," said White House spokesman Tony Fratto. "He's not 100 percent but he feels good enough to rejoin the meeting. He just left his suite a little while ago and we are back on schedule."

Comment: Do you wonder that people in different countries have differing perceptions of the world? JAD