Bush: Time for G8 to 'write checks'

WASHINGTON, July 2 (UPI) -- It's time for the Group of Eight countries to be held accountable for their pledges to help developing nations, U.S. President George Bush said Wednesday.

Bush, who will travel to Japan for next week's G8 summit, said the organization's members "have made pledges to help developing nations address challenges, from healthcare to education to corruption."

"Now we need to show the world that the G8 can be accountable for its promises and deliver results," Bush said in Washington.

It's time, he said to "write checks."

Bush said he'll push the G8 members to fulfill their commitments to assisting countries in Africa regarding food and battles against HIV/AIDS and malaria, as well as discuss energy security and climate change.

Bush said he and other world leaders also would "talk about the struggle against violent extremists."

"This is an ongoing, constant struggle to defend our own security, and at the same time, help people realize the blessings of liberty," Bush said. "I'll, of course, talk about Afghanistan and Iraq, and ask the G8 to continue to help."