More poverty possible in Africa

Kenya: British humanitarian organization Oxfam warned Friday that Africa will be poorer if the debate on agriculture and the multilateral negotiations on trade remain stagnated.

In the opinion of Elizabeth Mueni, one of those responsible for Oxfam in Kenya, the current rules of the exchange in the world relegate Africa to perpetual dependence.

If an agreement about the suppression of subsidies for the production and agricultural exports applied by the United States, the European Union and other developed countries is not reached, Africa will become even more impoverished, Mueni underlined.

The rich nations should be more understanding with those positions adopted by African nations and other developing countries, if another failure is to be avoided, she considered.

Until now the negotiations to liberalize the world trade are on a standstill, mainly on the agricultural issue.

Experts agree that the benefits of globalization have not reached Africa, that in spite of its large mineral resources, it is becoming poorer, with AIDS cases increasing.

Nairobi, Prensa Latina