Ease inequalities, urge leaders

Germany - Rich countries should aim to ease the global economic inequalities that act as a breeding ground for terrorism, French…

Germany - Rich countries should aim to ease the global economic inequalities that act as a breeding ground for terrorism, French Prime Minister Lionel Jospin and German Chancellor Gerhard Schr÷der said yesterday.

At a Franco-German discussion forum in Paris, the two leaders said more initiatives like the 1999 agreement on debt relief for poor nations were needed, as well as a greater commitment to solving existing conflicts.

The two leaders reiterated support for US action following the September 11th attacks, dismissing suggestions that Washington was not adequately communicating its plans to its allies. "We are adequately informed for the decisions that we have to take," Mr Jospin said.