Madam, - I was a bit taken aback by the negative spin The Irish Times put on President Bush's discussions of development assistance and debt relief with British prime minister Tony Blair in its Editorial of June 9th.
This negative take is especially regrettable given that another headline in that same issue reads, "Geldof encouraged by Bush response." Surely something is missing from the discussion.
A landmark debt deal, forgiving some $40 billion of international debts of 14 African countries, resulted from Mr Blair's talks with President Bush. However, there is more to aid to Africa and the developing countries than just debt talks.
The comments of Jeffrey Sachs and other commentators that the US gives a lower percentage of its GNP to foreign aid than many other developed countries does not take into account the important contributions to development that trade, private contributions, security co-operation, multilateral contributions, private financial flows, and Aids relief make to alleviating poverty in developing countries.
For example, under President Bush's leadership, official development assistance has increased at a faster rate than at any time since the Marshall Plan. This funding increased from $10 billion in 2000 to $19 billion last year. Aid to Africa tripled during that period.
Through the Millennium Challenge Account, the president has established an assistance mechanism whereby countries with sound economic policies and good governance are rewarded with aid. This programme rewards countries that govern justly, invest in their people, and promote economic freedom.
By following the old adage, "Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach him to fish and you feed him for life", the United States uses trade to help developing economies create jobs and sustainable economic activity. We are the leading importer of goods from developing countries, importing some $604 billion worth of goods in 2003 alone.
We have also pushed for cuts in agricultural trade barriers in the Doha round of negotiations in the expectation that the successful completion of the Doha round could lift 500 million people out of poverty and add $200 billion annually to developing economies. In the war on HIV/Aids, we contribute twice as much as all other donor countries combined.
Finally, private charity should not be ignored in this debate. Year after year, Americans are among the most generous people in the world, per capita. In 2003, American charities gave over $6.3 billion to developing countries, representing 62 per cent of private contributions from major donor countries. So far this year, American citizens have contributed another $1 billion to tsunami relief and reconstruction efforts.
There is no question that more needs to be done for Africa, especially in the area of promoting freedom for people across the continent, breaking down trade barriers so African businesses have the chance to compete freely in all markets, and establishing rule of law and transparency in governments so the full potential of the African people can be realised and they will have the chance to lift themselves out of poverty.
Simply increasing aid and cancelling debts is not enough - we must work together for a comprehensive approach to development in Africa that promotes freedom, good governance, and free trade. - Yours, etc,
JAMES C KENNY, United States Ambassador to Ireland, Dublin 4.