Commonwealth reprieve

London - Britain said yesterday it would cancel up to £132 million in debts owed by Commonwealth countries as long as they used…

London - Britain said yesterday it would cancel up to £132 million in debts owed by Commonwealth countries as long as they used the savings to help eliminate poverty.

The International Development Secretary, Ms Clare Short, who is visiting Bangladesh, said she hoped Britain's lead would encourage other donor countries to consider initiatives to ease the debt burden of the world's poorest nations. Her remarks came as Commonwealth finance ministers met in Mauritius to discuss debt relief.

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