U.S. to cancel all debt owed by Afghanistan

[Judi Lynn]

UPDATED: 09:27, February 08, 2006
U.S. to cancel all debt owed by Afghanistan

The United States will cancel all the debt owed to it by Afghanistan, State Department spokesman Sean McCormack said in a statement on Tuesday.

"The United States intends to cancel all of the debt owed to it by Afghanistan, which amounts to approximately 108 million dollars. The U.S. action will be done through normal Paris Club procedures, " McCormack said.

In addition, Russia and Germany, Afghanistan's other Paris Club creditors, also intend to provide 100 percent cancellation, McCormack said.

"The solution of the debt problem through the Paris Club process will strongly contribute to the development of Afghanistan 's trade, investment and other economic ties with its major creditors -- and with the rest of the world," McCormack said, adding that the United States also calls on other bilateral creditors of Afghanistan to provide the same 100 percent debt relief.
(snip/...)

http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/200602/08/eng20060208_240903.html

[CTyankee]

1. What is behind this? What is the end purpose?

I am really wondering what our State Department had in mind, or the other bigheads in the Bush admin. I guess it is a good idea, but I was just thinking about what was behind it. Jes' askin'.

[rooboy]

4. It's a simple "swap" deal...

provide the equivalent value in uncut heroin to the CIA, and bingo - you've financed clandestine operations using taxpayer money without any accountability!

[DemInDistress]

2. Now he should step up and cancel debt for all Americans..

do you agree?

[Journeyman]

3. Debt relief for the Afghani, the poorhouse for me and thee. . .

When does the American Working Class get to hear those enchanted words, "Olly-olly-oxen-free-free-free."

[madeline_con]

6. I doubt if it will mean a fart in a windstorm to the average Afghani.

It's great for the opium dealers, though.

[Rex]

5. Payback to the opium warlords no one ever talks about

and where is the majority Poppy Bush seed going you ask? Iraq.