Mandela to Rally World on Debt Relief in London

Thursday 3rd February marked a remarkable day for Britain’s continued effort in world debt relief. The Nobel Prize winner, former South Africa president Nelson Mandela spoke to a crowd of 10,000 at London’s Trafalgar Square, at noon, challenging the world leaders to take concrete action to relieve the debt of poor countries so as to make poverty history possible in 2005.

The event was hosted by the UK-based global anti-poverty campaign named Make Poverty History. It is a wide cross section of over 200 charities, campaigns, trade unions, faith groups and celebrities who are united by a common belief that 2005 offers an unprecedented opportunity to eradicate poverty of the world. As the UK holds the G8 and EU presidency this year, the coalition has strongly urged the British leaders to set an example to the world to drop the debt, maintain trade justice and provide better aid.

Mandela’s visit coincides with the finance ministers meeting of the G7 industrialised countries that will start in London tomorrow. He expresses his high expectation for the leaders to show a great commitment to overcome poverty.

Yesterday Mandela met Chancellor Gordon Brown, who earlier proposed a so-called "Marshall Plan" to persuade rich Western countries to ease the burden of debt on Africa’s poorest developing countries. The proposal was highly appreciated by Mandela.

At today’s event at the Trafalgar Square, the famous R&B artist Jamelia staged a special, one-off performance. For the schedule of the event, please refer to Oxfam Great Britain website.