Bush calls G8 summit 'success'

TOYAKO, Japan, July 9 (UPI) -- The Group of Eight had "significant success" addressing climate change, the food crisis and accountability, U.S. President George Bush said.

"Our goal was to make progress in five key areas," Bush told reporters at the conclusion of the G8 summit in Japan. "I'm pleased to report that we've had significant success in all of them."

Other areas addressed were reinforcing their commitment to a successful Doha agreement on trade, fighting disease in Africa and ensuring G8 nations are held accountable.

Concerning climate change, "We made it clear and the other nations agreed that they must also participate in an ambitious goal, with interim goals and interim plans to enable the world to successfully address climate change," Bush said.

G8 leaders adopted a goal of halving emissions by the year 2050, and pledged to invest in clean technologies and assist developing countries to achieve lower emissions.

Concerning trade, G8 leaders support a successful so-called Doha Round. "We want the world to trade freely," Bush said.

G8 participants pledged $60 billion during the next five years to combat HIV/AIDS and other diseases in Africa. Participants also committed to partner with African countries to train healthcare workers.

Participants will publicly detail "our progress in meeting the commitments," Bush said, helping to ensure "we're held accountable for the promises we make."

Regarding the food crisis, countries will provide emergency food shipments and increase access to fertilizer and seeds, Bush said. Long-term initiatives include working to double production of food staples in several African countries and accelerating access to new agricultural technology.