This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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G8 ends at Gleneagles
08/07/2005
The G8 Summit has drawn to a close with agreement on
increased aid for developing countries.
As the world leaders left Gleneagles, UK Prime Minister
Tony Blair said 'substantial progress' had been achieved on
the issues and, although it would not change the world
tomorrow, it was 'a beginning and not an end'.
At a briefing, First Minister Jack McConnell spoke of
the benefits the G8 has brought to Scotland and the legacy
of the decisions made at Gleneagles this week.
"Scotland has reinforced old friendships, made new
friendships and not just reinforced the image of Scotland
around the world but shown a modern Scotland."
"Everyone I've spoken to this week, be they G8 leaders,
officials or international journalists, has been struck by
the way Scottish police have managed to contain organised
disruptions and ensured that the Summit go ahead with
minimal disruption.
"This is the first international summit that has been
attacked by anarchists which hasn't resulted in any
casualties. The actions of the terrorists and anarchists
should reaffirm our commitment to hold these summits."
The First Minister also praised the decisions reached by
the G8 leaders on Africa, saying that the decisions
announced today would potentially liberate those
countries.