LONDON, Jan. 4 (UPI) -- British Chancellor Gordon Brown is calling on the world's wealthiest nations to suspend all debt repayments from nations affected by the Asian tsunami.
Brown told BBC News Tuesday he had been in "intensive talks" with finance ministers from Group of Eight countries.
The United States has backed the proposal and discussions were continuing with other nations, including Italy, France, Germany and Japan, he said.
Outlining the plan, Brown said: "What we are suggesting is an immediate moratorium on debt repayments from the afflicted countries.
"That would then lead to an analysis of the debt needs of these countries, with the possibility of some write-off of debt."
It would initially save the most affected countries about $3 billion (1.58 billion pounds) in repayments, he said.
Debt relief combined with emergency aid would make reconstruction possible, he continued.
Donations from the British public to the aid appeal have now reached $140 million.
The British government initially pledged $92 million to the relief effort but has now promised to match the public donations.
