2001 Genoa Summit - Challenges & Courses of the New Century

Mainichi Shimbun, Japan, Morning Edition

14 July 2001

Q1. The Summit will be held amidst intensifying protests against globalisation.

A1. The confusion at the EU Summit in June indeed shocked us. We have to discuss the situation and clearly distinguish between violent protests by anarchists and peaceful demonstrations by NGOs. Stricter controls and concerted efforts by the governments and police authorities of the concerned countries are necessary to deal with the radicals.

Q2. What about non-violent NGOs?

A2. Some opinions are worth considering. However, there are suggestions, which would result in "the poor countries getting poorer, and the world becoming more unstable". If such ideas as expressed by Mr Bové’s, a French agri-activist who is seen as a hero, are to be put into practice, the poor countries will not even be able to sell goods to the developed countries, and will remain poor forever.

Serious discussion is needed if a problem is well presented. But even in that case, both sides are not on an equal footing. Summit leaders are democratically-chosen representatives whereas NGOs are not, which is the fundamental difference between the two.

Q3. There is a view that the leaders of the developed countries cannot handle global challenges well.

A3. This is not the case. Ironically, Information Technology is enhancing globalisation and that in turn helps anti-globalists to become more active. The Internet is encouraging them to become a united power. At the Summit we will tackle the so-called "negative side of globalisation", such as trafficking of drugs and arms, money laundering, and issues related to developing countries. NGOs are attacking the Summit, while the issues discussed are exactly what NGOs are insisting on. Political impetus can only be given to the solution of those issues based on an exchange of views and opinions of leaders of countries with economic and political influences.

Q4. What is the most important agenda of the Summit?

A4. To establish a framework for co-ordination to address issues brought about by globalisation. The "World Health/AIDS Fund" is a good example. AIDS has even taken the lives of specialists who are critical for economic development of African countries. We can address AIDS by intensifying preventive measures and building up a mechanism allowing distribution of medicine at low price.

Q5. Some countries like the US are getting more inward-looking, and confrontation has become noticeable on issues such as the Kyoto protocol.

A5. It is disappointing that we cannot agree on the ratification of the Kyoto protocol. However, we do agree on the fact that something needs to be done for climate change. It is true that there are differences in positions among the developed nations. But the difference lies just in the means on how to achieve the goal.